Hello! 29 y/o male here and I was very active before my accident. Lifted weights 3-5x a week, worked a very physically demanding job and overall lived a very active life. I was in a car accident and experienced the infamous tibial plateau fracture. I fractured my tibia in 2 other places and my tibia broke completely off of my knee. I also ruptured my patella tendon, dislocated my knee, had a head of my calf removed due to it dying and experienced compartment syndrome, I have a skin graft running up the entire left side of my leg from upper ankle to knee & I tore all the ligaments in my knee except for the mcl. I had an external fixator for around 6 weeks and I have a permanent rod extending from my knee to my ankle with screws and some screws in my knee. I have not gotten any of the ligaments repaired as we’re planning to do a TKR as arthritis has already set into my knee since I’ve been NWB for 3 months. I am now 3 1/2 months post surgery and got approved 50% WB at 3 months. My knee ROM is still stuck at 30-40%. Physical therapy 2-3x a week. I feel like I won’t get better at times. Any tips, tricks, pointers or success stories? I’m feeling pretty down about my slow progress but also trying not to beat myself up due to what I went through and still even having a leg. Please no negative comments, just trying to keep my eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tibia plateau type 2 here..got 140° in just 6 weeks and I am NWB for 2 months. Just waiting my next xray result if I can put weight on my leg. Now am 8weeks. I always leg raise before when I start bending the rolling bottle on my foot.and stationery bike
I had a posterior tibial plateau fracture 2 months ago. I have no insurance so the doctor said I didn't need surgery and my acl would hold the bone in place. I didn't get to go to rehab. I'm still on crutches and I'm walking about a mile a day on them. My knee is so weak. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
As someone who didn't have insurance either (May 2022 Tibia Plateau ORIF), I highly suggest you find a way to get to a good in-patient re-hab facility. I spent 3 weeks and sure, it was/will be expensive....but it's nothing compared to the hospital costs....and has helped tremendously! I'll be heading to outpatient PT soon at the same rehab place. Good luck and good healing to both of us!
@@iandjmartinez8406 Ouch! So sorry to read that! Good luck and stay positive!! I'm now into the outpatient PT rehab and it's been hard, but great! Hoping to be back walking within a month.
Just had surgery on mine it hurts worst then any pain in life...I still use a walker hope my rehab comes soon...hate sitting at home most days but learning to flex my toes and ankle but side numbness suxz...all I can do is heal and learn to walk again
THANK YOU for this video- I am 5 weeks post open internal fixation surgery. I have not gotten a lot of instruction regarding re-hab, but have a surgery follow-up next week. The information here explains why-every case is different and studies are scarce.
This video literally saved my life i think. I was in a procedure of 12 weeks NWB where I felt there was a problem watched this video and made my consultations to other doctors and realized it was really a bad protocol. Thank you
I feel the same way. I did not have surgery and have yet to look at my X-rays at 2 1/2 weeks. I feel like i can do full weight bearing at 4-6 weeks. Im definitely going to some exercises in the local pool as soon as they its ok so i do not suffer muscle atrophy too severely.
@@codis1625 an update after 1.5 years im able walk run swim and surf BUT i still feel the broken part as i neglected my exercises lately. Believe In your body and PLEASE PLEASE prioritize your exercises and mental health. Everything else should be secondary now. I was traveling for 6-7 hours 3 times a week for physical therapy and a friend of mine who also got the same accident was laughing saying I wont recover totally. Now my broken leg is even more flex than my other leg thanks to exercises☺️ even the exercises seemed basic to untrained eyes. Also i quit sugar and carbs at the first 3 months which helped me not to gain weight and even loose some. Good luck to all, i feel you, its one of the hardest accidents in life, but you will be there, walking, running and showering alone :) just keep pushing 🍀
@@fundakonusuyorthank you, I needed to read something positive. I’m trying hard and am going to try harder. I’m an overcomer🎉 I’m keeping my faith and pushing myself to do everything i read about. I’m eating the healthiest foods I can. Anyway, thank you VERY much for sharing this. I’m so happy you are better now ❤
I had my injury 3 weeks ago and ORIF surgery 1 week ago. I am very frustrated with how conservative treatment seems to be here in Canada and how slowly they want to move after surgery. Locked out in a straight brace for 2 weeks NWB for 6-12 weeks. There is so much newer literature out there now showing that these delays are detrimental. For someone who is extremely active, this is incredibly disappointing and makes me feel like I need to take my treatment into my own hands and devise a rehab schedule on my own with no support or guidance other than what I find online. I found your video useful, thank you.
I appreciate the advice. I can tell you from personal experience, my TPF was a non displaced, depressed fracture with no surgery, not plates. My bone pain lasted 2 years. This injury lingers with you, specifically because if it effects the joint articulating cartilage. I would advise against going to 1 crutch when entering the weight bearing stage because the body is in full compensation mode and you will suffer long lasting effects of one side stronger than the other, I can tell you it effected my back and still is years later. The goal of rehab is to get strong and get full ROM, and its like a one size fits all rehab protocol. My advice would be keep an eye on your patients and listen, my PT doctor had me jump on my TPF leg at the last visit and it felt like I fractured my leg all over again, typical protocol needs to be evaluated with this injury, just my opinion from experience. Thank you.
What had happened with your fractured leg after that last visit to your PT doc? Mine is TPF too and chose not to undergo surgery. Did your tibial plateau heal completely? Can you share some tips/advices from your experience?
@@msteariousmm7482 My TPF "healed". I was told it was healed in 8 weeks based on x ray imaging, which I can tell you it was not. Listen to your body, if you feel pain it's because something is wrong. It's been 4 years and the joint is swollen 24/7, still working on figuring it out. LIsten to your body. According to imaging I am healed completely, my pain changed, that's how I knew. When PT gives you these exercises, it's to get range of motion and develp strength, if you still have pain something is wrong, and don't let them try to tell you oh you are just getting back into shape, I could leg press the rack with my TPF leg, it wasn't an issue of strengthening for me. Good luck. Best advice, gentle exercises and work on range of motion, gentle.
@@CC-ys8qq Thank you for your advice 😇 It's been 2 month since the accident happened. We chose not to undergo surgery. My ortho told me that the bone alignment is okay and it's still on the process of healing. June 3 my cast has removed and put knee brace. The doctor allowed me to use crutches, non-weight bearing. It's really challenging because my foot is swelling, the result of having cast for 2 months. What can you suggest because it's a bit painful when elevation is not right? When you felt such pain what did you do? What exercise is helpful for this? What food or vitamins would you advise me to take? I really need advice from you because you've been through this 😌
@@msteariousmm7482 you have to talk with your doctor, too many variables. Listen to your body, you are at the early stages, it takes a year. My leg was purple for about 6 months.
Hi, You seem to have long term experience of this, so I hope you don’t mind a stranger asking for some advice? I’ve recently (11 weeks Friday July 1) suffered a displaced tpf Schatzker 6 fracture. Plastered for 3 weeks, braced up until now, though I can remove when I’m watching tv, resting etc. Surgery wasn’t possible according to consultants due to surface being ‘shattered’, nothing for screws/pins/plates to affix to. I sought a 2nd opinion from a private knee specialist and he thought that what my consultants were doing to treat the injury was reasonable and he couldn’t help with an operation, despite there being thousands of pounds in it for him if he could do anything, but that was 5 weeks post injury. Still, he thought the way the NHS was treating from the beginning was the right way to go, although initially they said they could operate (2 days post fracture but delayed it to 2 weeks, then they couldn’t because bones were ‘shattered.’ Bones are aligned (after 8 week X-ray) When you say don’t use 1 crutch at weight bearing stage, are you saying that with or w/out brace on or were the circumstances different for you? I’ve been advised to use 1 crutch with brace on and slowly put weight on leg up until 16 weeks post fracture, then i’ll be sent for physio. I’ve tried some light exercising myself (squats and forward bridging) but my foot swells up like a balloon and tp is quite painful the next day. Probably not a good idea to continue that at this moment. I can only bend to something like 110° at present. To be clear, do you absolutely advise against this (not to use one crutch whilst braced, if you were referring to similar?). I realise everyone is different, and there are many variables as you said, but any general advice, from someone who’s been there would be much appreciated. Cheers! 4 years and still swelling occurring? Jeez, that’s pretty nasty. I think I got the worst classification fracture so I’m in for some trouble, it seems.
I had a tibia plateau fracture 2 months ago from playing sports. It required immediate surgery with two plates and bunch of screws. It was painful getting up and moving around. The pain is gone now, but I am working on gaining full mobility through physical therapy. My one advice is to start PT as soon as possible, my doctor kept telling me to wait until 4weeks later. At that point, scar tissue formed around my knee and made it very hard for my to get full extension and bending. Not to mention muscle atrophy which now I have to work on regaining to be able to walk. Good luck everyone!
Hows u know? I fractured my tibia plateau 2 months ago and doctor told me just let bone heal in next 12 weeks so for me left just 5 weeks from then. I still use crutches and having brace on but I take it off few times a day to stretch my leg 0 angle so it won't get stiffed
I fractured my tibial plateau 4+years ago and had bothy hips replaced this past summer. My hips now feel great, but the soreness, stiffness and swelling from the TP fracture still haunts me today! This is a terrible bone to fracture and rehab back to normal! Most PTs tell me this is one of the more difficult injuries to rehab. I believe them!
Had a type 2 tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear playing basketball. Surgery on it 1.5 weeks later, where the surgeon repaired the meniscus and did an ORIF for the fracture. 5mm depression and small displacement (1-2mm), so surgery wasn't necessary, but I talked to 2 surgeons who both recommended it for the best long term result. I have been running BPC157/TB500, and low dose HGH as I am taking this injury very serious and would like to return to sports and motorcycling. Alongside collagen/protein/glycine/calcium/vitk2 supplementation. I started ROM as early as possible, about 5 days post surgery, where the pain was roughly 3-4 on a 1-10 scale. I never pushed past this pain. I also started some partial weight bearing after 2 weeks after reading the literature, but stopped due to fears about the plate failing (my surgeon told me no weight bearing for 6 weeks). I am now 4 weeks post op. I have full extension of the knee and am missing about 3 degrees of hyperextension, but I have no doubts I can get that back. Also missing the final 10-20 degrees of flexion (foot touching bum). I have started PWB at 4 weeks post op, and plan to start cycling. I could have started PWB and cycling earlier, but it is what it is. Exercises: Heel Slides (pull your leg with your arms to get more flexion, as long as there is no pain) Leg Extension Leg Extensions with a foam roller underneath (for focusing on hyperextension) Side Glute Raises Hamstring Isometrics Body Squats from Chair (after 4 weeks) I am also planning to take Pentosan (PPS) to heal the cartilage and reduce future risk of Osteoporosis. It's currently used off label in Australia for this purpose and PPS is FDA approved as an oral drug, so the risk profile is relatively low, but it's hard to source. All in all, my surgeon and PT are very impressed at how I am doing 4 weeks post op. I have been told to slow down, but I am progressing pain free so I don't see any issues. Especially after the literature has said that early weight bearing doesn't increase the fixation failure significantly.
Wow .. thank you so much as I'm conflicted about weight bearing . I had surgery 13April and I'm still using crutches and only 70% weight bearing . I had a TPF hit by a car off my bike. It was painful.. I was in bed for almost 2 months.
I have a good range of motion I can' t sit on my heels, not that I want to but I need rehabilitation and a PT trainer doing it alone is difficult and my husband just isn't motivated to help me . I suppose I should ask for help
Hi I back ! I’m a on week 5 since accident and 3 weeks in PT . I reached a 90 degrees bending of my knee today . I do PT twice a week . Next goal 112 degree bending by 7 week . I in a wheel chair still no weight bearing . It been hard to do everything . My bathroom looks like a hospital. Bars everywhere. This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done !
10 weeks post-op for Tibia Plateau surgery following an accident falling from a ladder. I am walking now - started at around 8,5 weeks taking small shuffle steps and progressing to more normal steps. But I don't walk perfectly, yet. I am aware that my gait is a bit strange and that my injured leg does not do the full range of motion. My good leg still compensates a lot. My range of motion in my knee is a bit restricted. I have decided to not use the brace as much as I think it is hindering my progress. I started driving short distances at 7 weeks (it is my left knee that was injured) and have a manual (stick shift) car. I also started swimming at 6 weeks (gentle strokes, doggy paddle and kicks) which really helped me to get some cardio exercise. I have been doing physio every 2 weeks to work on mobility and strength. I am about 120 degrees flexion and 3 degrees extension without help. I am hoping to be able to squat on my haunches again and sit cross-legged - but that seems a long way off. I am doing some Pilates for core strength. I am hoping to try a gentle ride on my mountain bike in a week or so. I will keep my brace on for that. I am really nervous about falling on my leg and causing injury, so I may wait till my checkup at 12 weeks. I hired a wheelchair for a month (weeks 5 - 10) and that helped me to get around the kitchen and cook. I used crutches from the start but grew weary of using them as they are clumsy, and fall over, and hurt my arms and hands to use. I was very grateful for medical insurance (hospital plan) that covered my surgery and private hospital stay in full. I would not have wanted to try to push through with a broken leg and felt immediately better after surgery, although my left foot was numb through some nerve damage and there is the scar and hardware to deal with. My surgeon put in low-profile plates so that I can keep them in. I was very down for a few days after my injury when I read that this is a life-changing injury. I have come a long way, and am much better and almost back to normal. I found the 2-5 weeks period the hardest. But now, at 10 weeks - and seeing that my walking is different and that my leg feels weaker, I realise that I have a long road ahead to full recovery and that it is likely that I will never get my leg to function exactly as it did before.
How are you doing now? I had a similar injury (don’t have the knee and ligament problems many here are reporting), not as severe as others here have said, and wondering about the road ahead. I’m hoping you’re doing much better now!
I fractured my tibia and fibial plateau, fully tore my acl, with a partialy torn mcl in a atv accudent. Waited 8 weeks for fractures to heal before acl graft and mcl repair. Waited a few weeks after surgery to start physical therapy. 6 months in so far and have lots of popping in the knee when extending (possible cylcops lesion) but im close to atleast getting 0 degrees extension. Flexion is getting better but still have pain trying to kick my own butt. Had muscle atrophy but have regained quite a bit of it back. Still working on that. Im now currently fighting sciatica symptoms. Hundreds of dollars in chiropractic services with only slight pain alleviation. I can only assume this was caused by myself adapting to my injuries and throwing everything else out of whack. Starting to think ill never get back to the goal of 95% pre injury like doc said.
The psychological impacts of this injury are not spoken enough about...i sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night from the shock of reliving the day of the accident, i can't believe this happened to me. 6 weeks in, at 45 injured from sports. I feel like my life is stuck and i can't complain or blame anybody as i brought this on myself. It's a lonely journey.
Hey man just push your self I did it to myself and feel just like you but my father told me on his death bed that everybody makes mistakes my guy I had surgery the 11th of July my dad died on the 30th I was riding my stationary bike by the 31st because I knew the only person who could fix this was me after the surgeon did his job lol 😂 but I went back to work august 14 by sept 1st working in knee brace and today well it’s been 4.5 month life is a little different yea but I’ve learned not to think that way and push my self fuck it you already broke it once push yourself your knee to the limit don’t stop moving by week 7 I think I was attempting to walk but used one crutch week 8 total weight bearing
Take something to relax you when you wake up. Also search Dr. Huberman of stanford on here for sleep or anxiety. 💪 This is my second time. Not as bad this time. I only take half a hydrocodone 5 when i sleep. be strong.
So true. The amount of depression that I had the first 6-8 weeks was unbelievable and immediate. More than I’ve had with any other injury,even other serious fractures,including my neck. Not sure why this one is so different!
Just wondering about an update?. I’m on week 1 of my TPF I really feel how the same as what you said and I’m only 24. This sucks I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy. Hope your healing well.
It's been 1.5 years since my tibia plateau fracture, and was treated without surgery and still have problems. Everything just feels "wrong", even when I don't have pain. Had a brace for 6 weeks, where I had range of motion exercises after two weeks, and strength training after the brace came off. Now I have problems with "grinding" inside my knee, and there are ridges where the bones grew back together, and from my understanding, it's wearing down the underside of the meniscus. I'm going for a arthroscopic surgery soon, so the surgeon can check how things look inside the knee, because the MRI scan showed many issues, but was inconclusive on some of said issues.
You are having a grinding because you have a torn or meniscus. I am at this point now. I am about to have an MRI for the soft tissue damage. The grinding is indicative of that issue.
It's been 5 years since I shattered my tibia plateau ...Had orif surgery along with plate and screws ....Dr never told me I had to go through physical therapy I just thought it was a heal and everything's better... Nothing but pain for the past 5 years and being confined to either sitting down or laying down... Even went back to that doctor to find out why my knee was still giving me pain he says there's nothing wrong with it there's nothing he can do...Sooooo Finally 2 weeks ago I went and saw a new orthopedic surgeon..... He did x-rays Dr said the bones healed correctly and that a lot of my pain may be from the metal hardware implant..... And that he could take it out if I wanted him to so I had surgery 4 days ago.... I don't know if it's too late for physical therapy but I'm still going to give it a go once my surgical site heals...
I had this brake and a plate in my leg! I was working again in 9 weeks. As soon as you can and feel able try to bend your knee and use ankle weights to strengthen. Resistance bands are fantastic aswel
33 year old nursing student, long distance runner, avid gym junkie. Got hit at a concert from side of leg and fractured my fibula and tibial plateau. Received surgery immediately to prevent compartment syndrome. I’m 3 weeks post op. Now I’m a bending brace and can sit in a chair. Still dealing with a ton of pain at certain times. My foot and ankle are the most swollen, strangely enough. I cannot go to clinicals since I’m with crutches. I’m continuing my studies but will likely be held back a semester. I want to work out as soon as I can, I’m going crazy just laying around. You mention the data does not demonstrate risk for damaging the hardware with weight bearing and some patients begin immediately. During informed consent process at hospital, they said 4-6 weeks for weight bearing. I’m not sure why I’m sharing this stuff. I just do not want long term atrophy of my muscles and I want to be back running. My doc told me at 2 week f/u the XR indicates proper alignment and should not cause issues with articulation. If any one here has anything to share, I would love to hear it. I’ve scoured my nursing books for information, but this specific injury is not talked about too much.
Update: started stationary cycling at 3 weeks post op, removed the brace, and have been doing stretching for my ankle and calf. I’ve begun partially weight bearing with my crutches, and have forced myself to walk up stairs and down, with assistance of crutches of course
In a similar situation as a serious distance runner. About 6 weeks post op. My surgeon wants to do full 12 weeks NWB. Stories about persistent pain from hardware are scary. Hope your recovery goes well.
I am about to enter OT for my surgery. TPF. Met with an accident yesterday and doc has advised to get internal fixation since bones are in place. Fingers crossed on the recovery part. I am also advised 4 weeks of non weight bearing. Do note that i had gone through ACL recon 2 yrs. back and my scans shows them as intact. Fingers crossed. Hopefully i will be able to get back to sports activities as quick as possible
@@karan21615 you can do this! I just got done with my five week follow up and the research has worked. X-ray indicates healing continues, no issue with fixation device. I was supposed to walk in there with a brace and crutches, I walked in with neither. I’ve been cleared for nursing clinicals and work, although I’ll probably hold on the work for now. Just make sure you continue with range of motion exercises. Read that research paper I linked above and look up PT exercises. You want to keep the muscles from completely atrophying
@ Kristopher Williams Hey bud.. Survivor of TPF with heavy damage to meniscus. Was internal fixture/and donor cartilage. First 2 weeks in bed with brace. Crutches and wheelchair got me to a 6week follow up. Surgeon said everything was aligned and good to start weight bearing as tolerated. PT and stretches had me strong enough to stand 50/50 on legs and transfer weight in two days. Minor pain minor inflammation… but icing it after each session and at night had me ready for the next day. Scar tissue is the main inhibitor to mobility. Bending and straightening (as tolerated with a slight extra push) is very important to keep that scar tissue from immobilizing your range of motion. It’s gonna take hours each day.. gradually increasing the movement. Use the pain you feel the next morning as the indicator. Piercing pains during the exercise BAD. Dull burning pain is OK. Sharp aches and muscle spasms are normal the next day. If Ice or Tylenol doesn’t stop the pain… you’re pushing too hard.
After a fall five years ago I got a Tibial Plateau Fracture. I’m now unable to walk, weight bear, bend my knee and I have foot drop. I’m now in a wheelchair full time, diagnosed with Nerve Damage and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I’m unable to access many rooms, can’t do anything, can’t wear outdoor clothes or shoes because of the constant pain of the CRPS. My experience in the Orthopaedic Clinic was horrendous I was accused of tightening my kneecap to make it look as if it wouldn’t bend and I was asked if I enjoyed being in a wheelchair. I had to ask the clinician to look at my record because he didn’t believe that I’d got nerve damage to the sciatic and peroneal nerves. He’d even demonstrated with his own knee what he thought I was doing. The difference is that my kneecap wont move at all and my foot, ankle and leg is now so swollen it looks deformed! He’d sent me to see a physio who tried to force my knee to bend by putting it over his thigh and putting all his weight behind it as if he was trying to break a piece of wood. I screamed in pain, begged him to stop but he said that I only ‘THOUGHT’ that I couldn’t bend my knee. It was agony and I said that he was going to break my knee again. He said that he didn’t care and wasn’t bothered. He sent a letter to the Clinician and said that I was so delighted with my progress but that I’d got a bit emotional. I’d cancelled the next appointment because he’d told me that he’d have my heel touching my backside and I’d be riding a bike, I was terrified and I’m still traumatised by him to this day. I’m in the UK and believe me our beloved NHS ain’t what it used to be! 😢 Luckily I’d also been referred for a nerve conduction test and that proved that I was unable to bend my knee.
@@KeyaNEsha Six years later I’m still in a wheelchair unable to bend my knee and I have foot drop. I never thought that I’d never walk again and I’m in constant severe pain. It’s been life changing as m can’t weight bear, stand, my knee is and foot are in a permanent fixed position.
Great info, i suffered a bilateral tibia plateau fracture. I have 2 plates 8 screws and part of my plateau was rebuilt with some sort of moldable composite. Its been a journey so far almost 3 years with it. Its ok but im limited in ways i can twist and it gets pretty sore after being on it for a bit.
I've been post op since 2016 and i can tell you the pain is still there,discomfort and not being able to walk or stand for too long. Dr is giving me run around when I ask for the removal of the hardware
I'm also having issues with stiffness and calf swelling after my TP fracture 4+years ago and my surgeon also says removing the hardware probably won't make any difference. I am so frustrated. Did you ever get your hardware removed?
Hello. I just had tibia plateau fracture surgery yesterday. 9/3/24. I’m trying to figure out what I can and cannot do. Understandably I cannot stand up or walk but want to get a jump start on the physical therapy. Currently my leg is still asleep but I feel the burning of my incisions. This is going to be fun. I already know it.
Hey i used to have sharp hook like pain on my thighs and knees for 3-4 years but it would come just ones a year for certain days or month and disappear itself, I didn't think it was that much of a problem but later the pain started getting worse and i recently went to hospital around 4 months back and found out i had a minor tibial plateau fracture. Doctor said I don't need surgery since its minor just needed a rest for few weeks . So i did that now after few months i try to do low impact workouts the pain slowly starts coming back after few days into my workout. What do i do in this cases please would really appreciate your help 🙏
Well looks like it more common the I thought . I’m only 11 days in from the accident. My Ortho told me no surgery need, Start PT right away and no walking for 3 months . Let this journey begin.
Good luck! Glad you didn't require surgery....the no walking stuff....not fun. Still have another month left on my non-weight bearing status, then start outpatient PT rehab.
@@itsnotme07 I start my PT at week 3 . It’s working with my knee able to bend 90 degrees . But yeah this non weigh bearing is driving me crazy . No happy being in a wheelchair all the time
Not gonna lie when i got my tibia plateau fracture, mcl tear, partial torn ACL tear, and meniscus tear due to basketball i was terrified! I went on a planned trip to vegas a week later on crutches and a brace and now a year and a half later no surgery my leg feels amazing! I play basketball and weight lift 3 times a week i dont know if im blessed with good luck but i know my positive mindset helped me get back to feeling like i could comeback better then ever 🙂
Partial ACL tear where it attaches to the tibia and a tibial plateau fracture all on left knee. It doesnt hurt hardly at all any more and yet ive been advised by my orthopedic doctor to be completely non-weight bearing for at least 3 months. I havent been using my crutches around the house because it doesn't hurt anymore. Am i in danger? Or is there any way this could heal even while i walk on it?
I broke my lateral tibia plateau on my left leg, my left ulnar, non-displaced, and right wrist, non-displaced, during a biking accident and my Ortho said NO surgery anywhere to let it all heal on its own. It’s been a little over one week since my injury and I’ve been wearing a leg brace set at 20. I’m able to go back and forth to the bathroom, but that’s it. I feel a lot of pressure on my affected leg and a sharp stabbing pain if I move it wrong. I must admit, I’m feeling a little better than a week ago, but not well enough to bare weight at this time. Family is doing everything for me. Any advice about anything would be helpful. 1
Wish there was more research. After my level 6 TPF and installation of a literal 'erector set' of metal, I was braced with only 10 degrees of flex for months. I was not allowed weight bearing or even much exercising for way too long. Then 12 weeks of PT only improved my mobility from 68 to 88 degrees. Now I am facing knee replacement or permanent loss of ability.
I’m 8 weeks now after a non-displaced TPF Schatzker type II. I did not have surgery. I don’t feel any pain but I’m waiting patiently to start putting any weight on it. I’m not sure if I should start trying to walk or not yet.
Sir I had an accident on 22/1/22 fractured on my rt leg and rt hand tibial condyle and tibial tuberocity fracture titanium implant applied and k wire nw two mnth over but dctr told to walk with support for 6weeks ,i hav one doubt if full weight baring possible or not
i am not old and i fall from 1 stair... last your sentence really worries me. Now i am 7 weeks after the operation and next week i will start rehab. I am worried a lot
Almost 6 weeks since an inattentive driver hit me. Wearing a leg brace, no real pain just aches but nothing ibuprofen, icy hot and heat can't handle. Not trying stairs until brace is off.
My husband had a tibial plateau fracture. He was a wheelchair user. He was advised that there was no advantage to him to have surgery and was told he could immediately weight bear to transfer in and out of his wheelchair. After a few weeks his fracture displaced and he could not weight bear anymore and was hospitalised and then issued with a sliding board to transfer. Should he ever have been weight bearing? Is there such a protocol for immediate weight bearing on non surgical?
@@janetstclair64 My husband sadly passed away. He suffered neglect will in hospital with his injury. He was only 60. Please look after your mum and question everything.!
I'm 63 with osteoporosis, I week 3 of 12 non bearing weeks. It is so difficult to do anything. This is my third TPF. The first two (3 and 5 yrs ago) They went well, I recovered well but for some lingering inflammation in the left knee. This is the second time for my right leg. This one is gonna be a doozy to walk off
I had a tibia fracture and surgery is done. Now iam past 6 months and i can walk properly without limping. When can i expect myself to run and get back to sports ? IM 22 years old.
Why would anyone here know? just try to run man, all anyone here is doing is complaining they supposedly never healed, these are simply obese or lazy people.
I was told first 6 weeks with crutches, physio therapy and no weight bearing, weight back on at 8-10 weeks then start exercising again. They said I can start skiing again in December and it’s July now..if that helps :) considering I’m only on week 1 right now and the leg is paralysed it’s hard to believe it 😅
If you don't know how and when to exercise muscles after a tibia fracture, who does? I had a double level osteotomy 3 weeks ago. No one seems to have any clue what to do: not the doctors nor the physiotherapists. "It varies." "Between 2-6 weeks." "Do what you can." That's not helpful. I have no idea what to expect. I can do everything. I can work with and against the pain. I can work out 5 times a day for 20 minutes (I have my own home gym). I can use EMS. But should I? There is only anecdotal evidence as it seems. The patient is on his own. Sad indeed.
Really sad indeed... I'd advise to respect biological times for healing. Most doctors can give an estimate on that. After that, possibly with a confirmed Xray, you can gradually increase loads (being weight-bearing or muscle force) according to symptoms after that. My experience is that a careful and gradual approach works best with respect to the 24h response. Do note that I have not seen loads of them. I think they don't get referred as much to PT's as they should. Wish you all the best!
@@maxfromphysiotutors 4 weeks post surgery I can walk (short distances) without crutches now. I do isolated exercises like leg extensions as well as supported box squats. My knee is still locked between 5 and 85 degrees though. Not the slightest improvement since surgery.
I'm almost three months in cast I hope to begin weight bearing soon but I'm waiting for pain to subside... Shatzker 2 and I refused surgery, let's hope I was right. 38 yrs old , take all basic supplements K2 etc..
@@AaronHai do you think surgery would have been the better choice? I broke my tibial plateau 9 weeks ago, type 1, depressed about 3 milimiters, i cant walk yet, its pretty frustrating, still fighting depression, but at least started lifting weights with the non injured limbs.
With information I mean high-quality information with a low risk of bias. There are numerous personal experiences but these differ due to different techniques, bodies, comorbidities, ages, genders, post-op prescriptions, etc. We are in desperate need of research trials that examine this.
I broke my right tibia about an inch below the knee. Not fractured. Broken in two. Doing a very stupid thing. Anyway, they got some metal parts and dry wall screws from the hardware store and installed them. It's been a few months and I'm still hobbling around. They should call me Hopalong. What kind of exercises should I do to get back to normal or close to normal? I want to go wild camping again and hike through the woods. Things like that. After the bone heals, do they take this hardware out sometimes?
I have minor proximal tibai fracture. I fell down in soccer. Now its my 6th week. The doctor removed the splint but I can't bent it and also have swelling. Its on self healing no surgical interventions.
we're in the same boat! minor tibial plateau fracture here from playing soccer. I've been fine with weight bearing since the accident but use a crutch per my doc's orders. On week 3 of physical therapy and working on recovery. Hoping I'm able to heal completely within 8 weeks or so. Good luck to you!
@@MrSydneyfc13 I'm back running again! I was able to walk immediately after injury but with extreme limited range of motion. I got my motion back within about 6 weeks, fracture was healed in about 8, and I'm still doing PT to strengthen the areas around the injury but will finish before the end of the month! I was very lucky Doctors said. Best of luck to you!!
The step stool I was on went one direction and I went the other just two nights ago. A trip to the ER and X-ray gave diagnosis of “closed fracture of left tibial plateau”. Was sent home in a ill fitting leg brace that keeps my knee ‘stable’ in a prone position, crutches and told not to do weight bearing on itI’m to contact ortho knee specialist tomorrow to get thorough evaluation ASAP. I’m managing my pain well today with Tylenol and Ibuprofen, icing at least 3-5 times a day. “Research” on internet on this type of fracture and the comments I’m reading are scaring me. My leg doesn’t feel that bad. I want to be able to get back to normal life and enjoy my summer quickly but am now worried it will be 6 months or more recovery! 😢
Same I was playing basketball and after jumping for the ball I landed with my left leg being straight which fractured mine. It got me bummed out thinking that I'm not going to do much for summer. Whishing you a full recovery.
Update! Saw the orthopedic and his X-rays indicated no fracture! Hallelujah! Was put in a new leg brace that fits like a glove and told I could walk on it and do activities as I could tolerate. I’m on day 6 after ortho visit. Healing will still be slow, but I can at least walk and be more independent than if I couldn’t put weight on it. Swelling and minimal pain. Thanks for all positive thoughts. Best of luck to all of you!
What is the point of the distracting music? Why is he filmed from the side when appearing to speak to a camera in front of him? Pretty dismal presentation really. I have a fractured tibial plateau and I got nothing useful from this presentation.
Wow scares info on TPF is horrible. Most also have ligaments and soft tissue damage. I’ve had 2 ACLs replaced prior to TPF The PT they do the same for all. But it’s not the same I can tell you And the info shared with patients is horrible. Internal fixation is a horrible fix for a temporary problem.
Well this is exactly how I got my proximal tibia fracture as you described sir. Torsion and falling.. after 1 month of cast plaster got removed today. Now my knee won't bend as I can see swelling around patela also it acre so kuch when I try to force it. I saw some videos of tibia fracture and thinking to use those excercise to recover. Anything you could recommend would be really nice. I'd be grateful to you. I. From India.
I had this brake and a plate in my leg! I was working again in 9 weeks. As soon as you can and feel able try to bend your knee and use ankle weights to strengthen. Resistance bands are fantastic aswel
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
Hello! 29 y/o male here and I was very active before my accident. Lifted weights 3-5x a week, worked a very physically demanding job and overall lived a very active life.
I was in a car accident and experienced the infamous tibial plateau fracture. I fractured my tibia in 2 other places and my tibia broke completely off of my knee. I also ruptured my patella tendon, dislocated my knee, had a head of my calf removed due to it dying and experienced compartment syndrome, I have a skin graft running up the entire left side of my leg from upper ankle to knee & I tore all the ligaments in my knee except for the mcl. I had an external fixator for around 6 weeks and I have a permanent rod extending from my knee to my ankle with screws and some screws in my knee. I have not gotten any of the ligaments repaired as we’re planning to do a TKR as arthritis has already set into my knee since I’ve been NWB for 3 months.
I am now 3 1/2 months post surgery and got approved 50% WB at 3 months. My knee ROM is still stuck at 30-40%. Physical therapy 2-3x a week. I feel like I won’t get better at times.
Any tips, tricks, pointers or success stories? I’m feeling pretty down about my slow progress but also trying not to beat myself up due to what I went through and still even having a leg. Please no negative comments, just trying to keep my eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.
As a physiotherapist checking about your progress
Tibia plateau type 2 here..got 140° in just 6 weeks and I am NWB for 2 months. Just waiting my next xray result if I can put weight on my leg. Now am 8weeks. I always leg raise before when I start bending the rolling bottle on my foot.and stationery bike
I had a posterior tibial plateau fracture 2 months ago. I have no insurance so the doctor said I didn't need surgery and my acl would hold the bone in place. I didn't get to go to rehab. I'm still on crutches and I'm walking about a mile a day on them. My knee is so weak. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
So sorry for you... Take care man ✊🏻
As someone who didn't have insurance either (May 2022 Tibia Plateau ORIF), I highly suggest you find a way to get to a good in-patient re-hab facility. I spent 3 weeks and sure, it was/will be expensive....but it's nothing compared to the hospital costs....and has helped tremendously! I'll be heading to outpatient PT soon at the same rehab place. Good luck and good healing to both of us!
Just had a tibia fracture an dealing with the process. I wish you an everyone with this accident the best 🙏 The pain at times is no other
@@iandjmartinez8406 Ouch! So sorry to read that! Good luck and stay positive!! I'm now into the outpatient PT rehab and it's been hard, but great! Hoping to be back walking within a month.
Just had surgery on mine it hurts worst then any pain in life...I still use a walker hope my rehab comes soon...hate sitting at home most days but learning to flex my toes and ankle but side numbness suxz...all I can do is heal and learn to walk again
THANK YOU for this video- I am 5 weeks post open internal fixation surgery. I have not gotten a lot of instruction regarding re-hab, but have a surgery follow-up next week. The information here explains why-every case is different and studies are scarce.
This video literally saved my life i think. I was in a procedure of 12 weeks NWB where I felt there was a problem watched this video and made my consultations to other doctors and realized it was really a bad protocol. Thank you
I feel the same way. I did not have surgery and have yet to look at my X-rays at 2 1/2 weeks. I feel like i can do full weight bearing at 4-6 weeks. Im definitely going to some exercises in the local pool as soon as they its ok so i do not suffer muscle atrophy too severely.
@@codis1625 an update after 1.5 years im able walk run swim and surf BUT i still feel the broken part as i neglected my exercises lately.
Believe In your body and PLEASE PLEASE prioritize your exercises and mental health. Everything else should be secondary now.
I was traveling for 6-7 hours 3 times a week for physical therapy and a friend of mine who also got the same accident was laughing saying I wont recover totally. Now my broken leg is even more flex than my other leg thanks to exercises☺️ even the exercises seemed basic to untrained eyes.
Also i quit sugar and carbs at the first 3 months which helped me not to gain weight and even loose some.
Good luck to all, i feel you, its one of the hardest accidents in life, but you will be there, walking, running and showering alone :) just keep pushing 🍀
@@fundakonusuyorthank you, I needed to read something positive. I’m trying hard and am going to try harder. I’m an overcomer🎉 I’m keeping my faith and pushing myself to do everything i read about. I’m eating the healthiest foods I can. Anyway, thank you VERY much for sharing this. I’m so happy you are better now ❤
I had my injury 3 weeks ago and ORIF surgery 1 week ago. I am very frustrated with how conservative treatment seems to be here in Canada and how slowly they want to move after surgery. Locked out in a straight brace for 2 weeks NWB for 6-12 weeks. There is so much newer literature out there now showing that these delays are detrimental. For someone who is extremely active, this is incredibly disappointing and makes me feel like I need to take my treatment into my own hands and devise a rehab schedule on my own with no support or guidance other than what I find online. I found your video useful, thank you.
I appreciate the advice. I can tell you from personal experience, my TPF was a non displaced, depressed fracture with no surgery, not plates. My bone pain lasted 2 years. This injury lingers with you, specifically because if it effects the joint articulating cartilage. I would advise against going to 1 crutch when entering the weight bearing stage because the body is in full compensation mode and you will suffer long lasting effects of one side stronger than the other, I can tell you it effected my back and still is years later. The goal of rehab is to get strong and get full ROM, and its like a one size fits all rehab protocol. My advice would be keep an eye on your patients and listen, my PT doctor had me jump on my TPF leg at the last visit and it felt like I fractured my leg all over again, typical protocol needs to be evaluated with this injury, just my opinion from experience. Thank you.
What had happened with your fractured leg after that last visit to your PT doc?
Mine is TPF too and chose not to undergo surgery. Did your tibial plateau heal completely? Can you share some tips/advices from your experience?
@@msteariousmm7482 My TPF "healed". I was told it was healed in 8 weeks based on x ray imaging, which I can tell you it was not. Listen to your body, if you feel pain it's because something is wrong. It's been 4 years and the joint is swollen 24/7, still working on figuring it out. LIsten to your body. According to imaging I am healed completely, my pain changed, that's how I knew. When PT gives you these exercises, it's to get range of motion and develp strength, if you still have pain something is wrong, and don't let them try to tell you oh you are just getting back into shape, I could leg press the rack with my TPF leg, it wasn't an issue of strengthening for me. Good luck. Best advice, gentle exercises and work on range of motion, gentle.
@@CC-ys8qq Thank you for your advice 😇 It's been 2 month since the accident happened. We chose not to undergo surgery. My ortho told me that the bone alignment is okay and it's still on the process of healing. June 3 my cast has removed and put knee brace. The doctor allowed me to use crutches, non-weight bearing. It's really challenging because my foot is swelling, the result of having cast for 2 months. What can you suggest because it's a bit painful when elevation is not right? When you felt such pain what did you do? What exercise is helpful for this? What food or vitamins would you advise me to take? I really need advice from you because you've been through this 😌
@@msteariousmm7482 you have to talk with your doctor, too many variables. Listen to your body, you are at the early stages, it takes a year. My leg was purple for about 6 months.
Hi,
You seem to have long term experience of this, so I hope you don’t mind a stranger asking for some advice? I’ve recently (11 weeks Friday July 1) suffered a displaced tpf Schatzker 6 fracture. Plastered for 3 weeks, braced up until now, though I can remove when I’m watching tv, resting etc. Surgery wasn’t possible according to consultants due to surface being ‘shattered’, nothing for screws/pins/plates to affix to. I sought a 2nd opinion from a private knee specialist and he thought that what my consultants were doing to treat the injury was reasonable and he couldn’t help with an operation, despite there being thousands of pounds in it for him if he could do anything, but that was 5 weeks post injury. Still, he thought the way the NHS was treating from the beginning was the right way to go, although initially they said they could operate (2 days post fracture but delayed it to 2 weeks, then they couldn’t because bones were ‘shattered.’
Bones are aligned (after 8 week X-ray) When you say don’t use 1 crutch at weight bearing stage, are you saying that with or w/out brace on or were the circumstances different for you? I’ve been advised to use 1 crutch with brace on and slowly put weight on leg up until 16 weeks post fracture, then i’ll be sent for physio. I’ve tried some light exercising myself (squats and forward bridging) but my foot swells up like a balloon and tp is quite painful the next day. Probably not a good idea to continue that at this moment. I can only bend to something like 110° at present.
To be clear, do you absolutely advise against this (not to use one crutch whilst braced, if you were referring to similar?). I realise everyone is different, and there are many variables as you said, but any general advice, from someone who’s been there would be much appreciated. Cheers!
4 years and still swelling occurring? Jeez, that’s pretty nasty. I think I got the worst classification fracture so I’m in for some trouble, it seems.
I had a tibia plateau fracture 2 months ago from playing sports. It required immediate surgery with two plates and bunch of screws. It was painful getting up and moving around. The pain is gone now, but I am working on gaining full mobility through physical therapy. My one advice is to start PT as soon as possible, my doctor kept telling me to wait until 4weeks later. At that point, scar tissue formed around my knee and made it very hard for my to get full extension and bending. Not to mention muscle atrophy which now I have to work on regaining to be able to walk. Good luck everyone!
Hows u know? I fractured my tibia plateau 2 months ago and doctor told me just let bone heal in next 12 weeks so for me left just 5 weeks from then. I still use crutches and having brace on but I take it off few times a day to stretch my leg 0 angle so it won't get stiffed
I fractured my tibial plateau 4+years ago and had bothy hips replaced this past summer. My hips now feel great, but the soreness, stiffness and swelling from the TP fracture still haunts me today! This is a terrible bone to fracture and rehab back to normal! Most PTs tell me this is one of the more difficult injuries to rehab. I believe them!
I had same injury but my doctor told to take off my brace a few times a day and bend my leg to 0 position to avoid any stiffness in the knee
Had a type 2 tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear playing basketball. Surgery on it 1.5 weeks later, where the surgeon repaired the meniscus and did an ORIF for the fracture. 5mm depression and small displacement (1-2mm), so surgery wasn't necessary, but I talked to 2 surgeons who both recommended it for the best long term result.
I have been running BPC157/TB500, and low dose HGH as I am taking this injury very serious and would like to return to sports and motorcycling. Alongside collagen/protein/glycine/calcium/vitk2 supplementation.
I started ROM as early as possible, about 5 days post surgery, where the pain was roughly 3-4 on a 1-10 scale. I never pushed past this pain. I also started some partial weight bearing after 2 weeks after reading the literature, but stopped due to fears about the plate failing (my surgeon told me no weight bearing for 6 weeks).
I am now 4 weeks post op. I have full extension of the knee and am missing about 3 degrees of hyperextension, but I have no doubts I can get that back. Also missing the final 10-20 degrees of flexion (foot touching bum). I have started PWB at 4 weeks post op, and plan to start cycling. I could have started PWB and cycling earlier, but it is what it is.
Exercises:
Heel Slides (pull your leg with your arms to get more flexion, as long as there is no pain)
Leg Extension
Leg Extensions with a foam roller underneath (for focusing on hyperextension)
Side Glute Raises
Hamstring Isometrics
Body Squats from Chair (after 4 weeks)
I am also planning to take Pentosan (PPS) to heal the cartilage and reduce future risk of Osteoporosis. It's currently used off label in Australia for this purpose and PPS is FDA approved as an oral drug, so the risk profile is relatively low, but it's hard to source.
All in all, my surgeon and PT are very impressed at how I am doing 4 weeks post op. I have been told to slow down, but I am progressing pain free so I don't see any issues. Especially after the literature has said that early weight bearing doesn't increase the fixation failure significantly.
Wow .. thank you so much as I'm conflicted about weight bearing . I had surgery 13April and I'm still using crutches and only 70% weight bearing . I had a TPF hit by a car off my bike. It was painful.. I was in bed for almost 2 months.
I have a good range of motion I can' t sit on my heels, not that I want to but I need rehabilitation and a PT trainer doing it alone is difficult and my husband just isn't motivated to help me . I suppose I should ask for help
Hi I back ! I’m a on week 5 since accident and 3 weeks in PT . I reached a 90 degrees bending of my knee today . I do PT twice a week . Next goal 112 degree bending by 7 week . I in a wheel chair still no weight bearing . It been hard to do everything . My bathroom looks like a hospital. Bars everywhere. This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done !
Tanya are u back to normal? I am suffering from same Injury. Just got it 5 days ago.
Hope you're both doing so much better
10 weeks post-op for Tibia Plateau surgery following an accident falling from a ladder. I am walking now - started at around 8,5 weeks taking small shuffle steps and progressing to more normal steps. But I don't walk perfectly, yet. I am aware that my gait is a bit strange and that my injured leg does not do the full range of motion. My good leg still compensates a lot.
My range of motion in my knee is a bit restricted. I have decided to not use the brace as much as I think it is hindering my progress.
I started driving short distances at 7 weeks (it is my left knee that was injured) and have a manual (stick shift) car. I also started swimming at 6 weeks (gentle strokes, doggy paddle and kicks) which really helped me to get some cardio exercise. I have been doing physio every 2 weeks to work on mobility and strength. I am about 120 degrees flexion and 3 degrees extension without help. I am hoping to be able to squat on my haunches again and sit cross-legged - but that seems a long way off. I am doing some Pilates for core strength.
I am hoping to try a gentle ride on my mountain bike in a week or so. I will keep my brace on for that. I am really nervous about falling on my leg and causing injury, so I may wait till my checkup at 12 weeks.
I hired a wheelchair for a month (weeks 5 - 10) and that helped me to get around the kitchen and cook. I used crutches from the start but grew weary of using them as they are clumsy, and fall over, and hurt my arms and hands to use.
I was very grateful for medical insurance (hospital plan) that covered my surgery and private hospital stay in full. I would not have wanted to try to push through with a broken leg and felt immediately better after surgery, although my left foot was numb through some nerve damage and there is the scar and hardware to deal with. My surgeon put in low-profile plates so that I can keep them in.
I was very down for a few days after my injury when I read that this is a life-changing injury. I have come a long way, and am much better and almost back to normal. I found the 2-5 weeks period the hardest. But now, at 10 weeks - and seeing that my walking is different and that my leg feels weaker, I realise that I have a long road ahead to full recovery and that it is likely that I will never get my leg to function exactly as it did before.
Ma'am have you gully recovered from the injury as of today?
How are you doing now? I had a similar injury (don’t have the knee and ligament problems many here are reporting), not as severe as others here have said, and wondering about the road ahead. I’m hoping you’re doing much better now!
Please write an update, ma'am. I have the same injury.
I fractured my tibia and fibial plateau, fully tore my acl, with a partialy torn mcl in a atv accudent. Waited 8 weeks for fractures to heal before acl graft and mcl repair. Waited a few weeks after surgery to start physical therapy. 6 months in so far and have lots of popping in the knee when extending (possible cylcops lesion) but im close to atleast getting 0 degrees extension. Flexion is getting better but still have pain trying to kick my own butt. Had muscle atrophy but have regained quite a bit of it back. Still working on that.
Im now currently fighting sciatica symptoms. Hundreds of dollars in chiropractic services with only slight pain alleviation. I can only assume this was caused by myself adapting to my injuries and throwing everything else out of whack. Starting to think ill never get back to the goal of 95% pre injury like doc said.
The psychological impacts of this injury are not spoken enough about...i sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night from the shock of reliving the day of the accident, i can't believe this happened to me. 6 weeks in, at 45 injured from sports. I feel like my life is stuck and i can't complain or blame anybody as i brought this on myself. It's a lonely journey.
Hey man just push your self I did it to myself and feel just like you but my father told me on his death bed that everybody makes mistakes my guy I had surgery the 11th of July my dad died on the 30th I was riding my stationary bike by the 31st because I knew the only person who could fix this was me after the surgeon did his job lol 😂 but I went back to work august 14 by sept 1st working in knee brace and today well it’s been 4.5 month life is a little different yea but I’ve learned not to think that way and push my self fuck it you already broke it once push yourself your knee to the limit don’t stop moving by week 7 I think I was attempting to walk but used one crutch week 8 total weight bearing
Take something to relax you when you wake up. Also search Dr. Huberman of stanford on here for sleep or anxiety. 💪 This is my second time. Not as bad this time. I only take half a hydrocodone 5 when i sleep. be strong.
So true. The amount of depression that I had the first 6-8 weeks was unbelievable and immediate. More than I’ve had with any other injury,even other serious fractures,including my neck. Not sure why this one is so different!
Just wondering about an update?. I’m on week 1 of my TPF
I really feel how the same as what you said and I’m only 24. This sucks I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy. Hope your healing well.
How the healing going@@candiedseeker4774
I just worked with a tibia P fx patient. ORIF NWB with a knee immobilizer. Thanks for sharing
It's been 1.5 years since my tibia plateau fracture, and was treated without surgery and still have problems. Everything just feels "wrong", even when I don't have pain. Had a brace for 6 weeks, where I had range of motion exercises after two weeks, and strength training after the brace came off. Now I have problems with "grinding" inside my knee, and there are ridges where the bones grew back together, and from my understanding, it's wearing down the underside of the meniscus. I'm going for a arthroscopic surgery soon, so the surgeon can check how things look inside the knee, because the MRI scan showed many issues, but was inconclusive on some of said issues.
You are having a grinding because you have a torn or meniscus. I am at this point now. I am about to have an MRI for the soft tissue damage. The grinding is indicative of that issue.
Man. I cant believe doctors arent doing surgery for this in instances. This is definitely a surgery injury
It's been 5 years since I shattered my tibia plateau ...Had orif surgery along with plate and screws ....Dr never told me I had to go through physical therapy I just thought it was a heal and everything's better... Nothing but pain for the past 5 years and being confined to either sitting down or laying down... Even went back to that doctor to find out why my knee was still giving me pain he says there's nothing wrong with it there's nothing he can do...Sooooo Finally 2 weeks ago I went and saw a new orthopedic surgeon..... He did x-rays Dr said the bones healed correctly and that a lot of my pain may be from the metal hardware implant..... And that he could take it out if I wanted him to so I had surgery 4 days ago.... I don't know if it's too late for physical therapy but I'm still going to give it a go once my surgical site heals...
I had this brake and a plate in my leg! I was working again in 9 weeks. As soon as you can and feel able try to bend your knee and use ankle weights to strengthen. Resistance bands are fantastic aswel
33 year old nursing student, long distance runner, avid gym junkie. Got hit at a concert from side of leg and fractured my fibula and tibial plateau. Received surgery immediately to prevent compartment syndrome.
I’m 3 weeks post op. Now I’m a bending brace and can sit in a chair. Still dealing with a ton of pain at certain times. My foot and ankle are the most swollen, strangely enough.
I cannot go to clinicals since I’m with crutches. I’m continuing my studies but will likely be held back a semester.
I want to work out as soon as I can, I’m going crazy just laying around. You mention the data does not demonstrate risk for damaging the hardware with weight bearing and some patients begin immediately.
During informed consent process at hospital, they said 4-6 weeks for weight bearing.
I’m not sure why I’m sharing this stuff. I just do not want long term atrophy of my muscles and I want to be back running. My doc told me at 2 week f/u the XR indicates proper alignment and should not cause issues with articulation.
If any one here has anything to share, I would love to hear it. I’ve scoured my nursing books for information, but this specific injury is not talked about too much.
Update: started stationary cycling at 3 weeks post op, removed the brace, and have been doing stretching for my ankle and calf.
I’ve begun partially weight bearing with my crutches, and have forced myself to walk up stairs and down, with assistance of crutches of course
In a similar situation as a serious distance runner. About 6 weeks post op. My surgeon wants to do full 12 weeks NWB. Stories about persistent pain from hardware are scary. Hope your recovery goes well.
I am about to enter OT for my surgery. TPF. Met with an accident yesterday and doc has advised to get internal fixation since bones are in place. Fingers crossed on the recovery part. I am also advised 4 weeks of non weight bearing.
Do note that i had gone through ACL recon 2 yrs. back and my scans shows them as intact. Fingers crossed.
Hopefully i will be able to get back to sports activities as quick as possible
@@karan21615 you can do this!
I just got done with my five week follow up and the research has worked. X-ray indicates healing continues, no issue with fixation device. I was supposed to walk in there with a brace and crutches, I walked in with neither.
I’ve been cleared for nursing clinicals and work, although I’ll probably hold on the work for now.
Just make sure you continue with range of motion exercises. Read that research paper I linked above and look up PT exercises. You want to keep the muscles from completely atrophying
@ Kristopher Williams
Hey bud..
Survivor of TPF with heavy damage to meniscus.
Was internal fixture/and donor cartilage.
First 2 weeks in bed with brace.
Crutches and wheelchair got me to a 6week follow up.
Surgeon said everything was aligned and good to start weight bearing as tolerated.
PT and stretches had me strong enough to stand 50/50 on legs and transfer weight in two days.
Minor pain minor inflammation… but icing it after each session and at night had me ready for the next day.
Scar tissue is the main inhibitor to mobility. Bending and straightening (as tolerated with a slight extra push) is very important to keep that scar tissue from immobilizing your range of motion. It’s gonna take hours each day.. gradually increasing the movement.
Use the pain you feel the next morning as the indicator.
Piercing pains during the exercise BAD.
Dull burning pain is OK.
Sharp aches and muscle spasms are normal the next day.
If Ice or Tylenol doesn’t stop the pain… you’re pushing too hard.
After a fall five years ago I got a Tibial Plateau Fracture. I’m now unable to walk, weight bear, bend my knee and I have foot drop. I’m now in a wheelchair full time, diagnosed with Nerve Damage and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I’m unable to access many rooms, can’t do anything, can’t wear outdoor clothes or shoes because of the constant pain of the CRPS.
My experience in the Orthopaedic Clinic was horrendous I was accused of tightening my kneecap to make it look as if it wouldn’t bend and I was asked if I enjoyed being in a wheelchair. I had to ask the clinician to look at my record because he didn’t believe that I’d got nerve damage to the sciatic and peroneal nerves. He’d even demonstrated with his own knee what he thought I was doing. The difference is that my kneecap wont move at all and my foot, ankle and leg is now so swollen it looks deformed!
He’d sent me to see a physio who tried to force my knee to bend by putting it over his thigh and putting all his weight behind it as if he was trying to break a piece of wood. I screamed in pain, begged him to stop but he said that I only ‘THOUGHT’ that I couldn’t bend my knee. It was agony and I said that he was going to break my knee again. He said that he didn’t care and wasn’t bothered. He sent a letter to the Clinician and said that I was so delighted with my progress but that I’d got a bit emotional. I’d cancelled the next appointment because he’d told me that he’d have my heel touching my backside and I’d be riding a bike, I was terrified and I’m still traumatised by him to this day. I’m in the UK and believe me our beloved NHS ain’t what it used to be! 😢
Luckily I’d also been referred for a nerve conduction test and that proved that I was unable to bend my knee.
How is it now ? I’ll be 2 months post surgery next week
@@KeyaNEsha Six years later I’m still in a wheelchair unable to bend my knee and I have foot drop. I never thought that I’d never walk again and I’m in constant severe pain. It’s been life changing as m can’t weight bear, stand, my knee is and foot are in a permanent fixed position.
Great info, i suffered a bilateral tibia plateau fracture. I have 2 plates 8 screws and part of my plateau was rebuilt with some sort of moldable composite. Its been a journey so far almost 3 years with it. Its ok but im limited in ways i can twist and it gets pretty sore after being on it for a bit.
Great stuff! Very informative 💪🏻
No, it's not. It simply says there is not enough information available.
I've been post op since 2016 and i can tell you the pain is still there,discomfort and not being able to walk or stand for too long. Dr is giving me run around when I ask for the removal of the hardware
I'm also having issues with stiffness and calf swelling after my TP fracture 4+years ago and my surgeon also says removing the hardware probably won't make any difference. I am so frustrated. Did you ever get your hardware removed?
@@DavidSmith-xr8js Nope, not yet. I have an appointment for check up next month so I hope I'll be able to convince the Dr about removal.
@@ludacrees Good luck to you.
@@DavidSmith-xr8jsare you able to walk normally without limping?
Hello. I just had tibia plateau fracture surgery yesterday. 9/3/24. I’m trying to figure out what I can and cannot do. Understandably I cannot stand up or walk but want to get a jump start on the physical therapy. Currently my leg is still asleep but I feel the burning of my incisions. This is going to be fun. I already know it.
I had mine 9/5/24. Ive been told to rest for two weeks and then i have a doctors consultation.
Hey i used to have sharp hook like pain on my thighs and knees for 3-4 years but it would come just ones a year for certain days or month and disappear itself, I didn't think it was that much of a problem but later the pain started getting worse and i recently went to hospital around 4 months back and found out i had a minor tibial plateau fracture. Doctor said I don't need surgery since its minor just needed a rest for few weeks . So i did that now after few months i try to do low impact workouts the pain slowly starts coming back after few days into my workout. What do i do in this cases please would really appreciate your help 🙏
Am with and External Fixation on my femur and I have stiff knee can’t I start knee exercises or it after the removal of the Ex Fix?
Well looks like it more common the I thought . I’m only 11 days in from the accident. My Ortho told me no surgery need, Start PT right away and no walking for 3 months . Let this journey begin.
Good luck! Glad you didn't require surgery....the no walking stuff....not fun. Still have another month left on my non-weight bearing status, then start outpatient PT rehab.
@@itsnotme07 I start my PT at week 3 . It’s working with my knee able to bend 90 degrees . But yeah this non weigh bearing is driving me crazy . No happy being in a wheelchair all the time
@@tanyajohnson9973 how are you doing after your tpf? I'm four days in.
How are things going now, Tanya?
Not gonna lie when i got my tibia plateau fracture, mcl tear, partial torn ACL tear, and meniscus tear due to basketball i was terrified! I went on a planned trip to vegas a week later on crutches and a brace and now a year and a half later no surgery my leg feels amazing! I play basketball and weight lift 3 times a week i dont know if im blessed with good luck but i know my positive mindset helped me get back to feeling like i could comeback better then ever 🙂
Partial ACL tear where it attaches to the tibia and a tibial plateau fracture all on left knee. It doesnt hurt hardly at all any more and yet ive been advised by my orthopedic doctor to be completely non-weight bearing for at least 3 months. I havent been using my crutches around the house because it doesn't hurt anymore. Am i in danger? Or is there any way this could heal even while i walk on it?
I’m 15 years old and I have to get surgery will this stunt my growth?
I broke my lateral tibia plateau on my left leg, my left ulnar, non-displaced, and right wrist, non-displaced, during a biking accident and my Ortho said NO surgery anywhere to let it all heal on its own. It’s been a little over one week since my injury and I’ve been wearing a leg brace set at 20. I’m able to go back and forth to the bathroom, but that’s it. I feel a lot of pressure on my affected leg and a sharp stabbing pain if I move it wrong. I must admit, I’m feeling a little better than a week ago, but not well enough to bare weight at this time. Family is doing everything for me. Any advice about anything would be helpful. 1
Wish there was more research. After my level 6 TPF and installation of a literal 'erector set' of metal, I was braced with only 10 degrees of flex for months. I was not allowed weight bearing or even much exercising for way too long. Then 12 weeks of PT only improved my mobility from 68 to 88 degrees. Now I am facing knee replacement or permanent loss of ability.
I’m 8 weeks now after a non-displaced TPF Schatzker type II. I did not have surgery.
I don’t feel any pain but I’m waiting patiently to start putting any weight on it. I’m not sure if I should start trying to walk or not yet.
Lucky man
Update: after waiting 3 months from the accident, I’m walking 😀
@@santiagos3001 sports?
@@ignaciosevil1944 kind of. I was racing with a friend in our electric scooters 🛴
Did you recover?
My brother metal palette shin bone he surgery the knee chie I am worried about when walking again the foot is swollen he is pain
Sir I had an accident on 22/1/22 fractured on my rt leg and rt hand tibial condyle and tibial tuberocity fracture titanium implant applied and k wire nw two mnth over but dctr told to walk with support for 6weeks ,i hav one doubt if full weight baring possible or not
Ippudu ok na mee fracture
good job thank you :)
Thank you
i am not old and i fall from 1 stair... last your sentence really worries me. Now i am 7 weeks after the operation and next week i will start rehab. I am worried a lot
Almost 6 weeks since an inattentive driver hit me. Wearing a leg brace, no real pain just aches but nothing ibuprofen, icy hot and heat can't handle. Not trying stairs until brace is off.
My husband had a tibial plateau fracture. He was a wheelchair user. He was advised that there was no advantage to him to have surgery and was told he could immediately weight bear to transfer in and out of his wheelchair. After a few weeks his fracture displaced and he could not weight bear anymore and was hospitalised and then issued with a sliding board to transfer. Should he ever have been weight bearing? Is there such a protocol for immediate weight bearing on non surgical?
my mom is in same position. how is your husband doing now.
@@janetstclair64 My husband sadly passed away. He suffered neglect will in hospital with his injury. He was only 60. Please look after your mum and question everything.!
I'm 63 with osteoporosis, I week 3 of 12 non bearing weeks.
It is so difficult to do anything.
This is my third TPF. The first two (3 and 5 yrs ago) They went well, I recovered well but for some lingering inflammation in the left knee. This is the second time for my right leg.
This one is gonna be a doozy to walk off
Does your foot and ankle swell? Mine is swollen (3 weeks post op)
@@KristopherWilliams_tahmson I didn't have surgery, I fell and broke mine.
I had a tibia fracture and surgery is done. Now iam past 6 months and i can walk properly without limping. When can i expect myself to run and get back to sports ? IM 22 years old.
Why would anyone here know? just try to run man, all anyone here is doing is complaining they supposedly never healed, these are simply obese or lazy people.
How long it took you to get back on ur feets? And how long u were immobilized?
I was told first 6 weeks with crutches, physio therapy and no weight bearing, weight back on at 8-10 weeks then start exercising again. They said I can start skiing again in December and it’s July now..if that helps :) considering I’m only on week 1 right now and the leg is paralysed it’s hard to believe it 😅
I'm non weight bearing for at least 12 weeks I'm 6 weeks in and I want to put weight on it as my leg has gotten severely weak
If you don't know how and when to exercise muscles after a tibia fracture, who does? I had a double level osteotomy 3 weeks ago. No one seems to have any clue what to do: not the doctors nor the physiotherapists. "It varies." "Between 2-6 weeks." "Do what you can." That's not helpful. I have no idea what to expect. I can do everything. I can work with and against the pain. I can work out 5 times a day for 20 minutes (I have my own home gym). I can use EMS. But should I? There is only anecdotal evidence as it seems. The patient is on his own. Sad indeed.
Really sad indeed... I'd advise to respect biological times for healing. Most doctors can give an estimate on that. After that, possibly with a confirmed Xray, you can gradually increase loads (being weight-bearing or muscle force) according to symptoms after that. My experience is that a careful and gradual approach works best with respect to the 24h response. Do note that I have not seen loads of them. I think they don't get referred as much to PT's as they should. Wish you all the best!
@@maxfromphysiotutors 4 weeks post surgery I can walk (short distances) without crutches now. I do isolated exercises like leg extensions as well as supported box squats. My knee is still locked between 5 and 85 degrees though. Not the slightest improvement since surgery.
@@kasimirb5155 wait, you had a tibial plateau fracture and are weight bearing after 4wk? I’m on wk3 now. Any way I can contact you?
I'm almost three months in cast I hope to begin weight bearing soon but I'm waiting for pain to subside... Shatzker 2 and I refused surgery, let's hope I was right. 38 yrs old , take all basic supplements K2 etc..
LOL what’s k2
What kind of supplements can fix a broken bone. update on your recovery?
@@ignaciosevil1944 only starting to walk after 5 months... Serious fracture shatzker 2.. k2 runs the calcium back into the bones from the blood
Any update?
Walking with one crutch , 7 months in
@@AaronHai do you think surgery would have been the better choice?
I broke my tibial plateau 9 weeks ago, type 1, depressed about 3 milimiters, i cant walk yet, its pretty frustrating, still fighting depression, but at least started lifting weights with the non injured limbs.
Its not possible that the information regarding this injurie is none existant.. Somewhere someone has had to recover from this right?
What?
You can use Google
@@groforoctavioarmasvega3201 as said there is no information on this rare condition.
With information I mean high-quality information with a low risk of bias. There are numerous personal experiences but these differ due to different techniques, bodies, comorbidities, ages, genders, post-op prescriptions, etc.
We are in desperate need of research trials that examine this.
@@maxfromphysiotutors Thanks for pointing out 0 of these resources it clearly shows you know them.
Nicee!!
tq
I broke my right tibia about an inch below the knee. Not fractured. Broken in two. Doing a very stupid thing. Anyway, they got some metal parts and dry wall screws from the hardware store and installed them. It's been a few months and I'm still hobbling around. They should call me Hopalong. What kind of exercises should I do to get back to normal or close to normal? I want to go wild camping again and hike through the woods. Things like that. After the bone heals, do they take this hardware out sometimes?
I have minor proximal tibai fracture. I fell down in soccer. Now its my 6th week. The doctor removed the splint but I can't bent it and also have swelling. Its on self healing no surgical interventions.
we're in the same boat! minor tibial plateau fracture here from playing soccer. I've been fine with weight bearing since the accident but use a crutch per my doc's orders. On week 3 of physical therapy and working on recovery. Hoping I'm able to heal completely within 8 weeks or so. Good luck to you!
@@migrantmel8919 thank you so much. Now i am almost recoverd and can walk without crutch. muscles are week so cant walk for more time.
@@ayyazkhan1148 hey! Happy to confirm that I'm off crutches and walking normally/without problems or pain but still building range of motion!
How long did it take to walk after you accident?
I just fractured my tibia a week ago
@@MrSydneyfc13 I'm back running again! I was able to walk immediately after injury but with extreme limited range of motion. I got my motion back within about 6 weeks, fracture was healed in about 8, and I'm still doing PT to strengthen the areas around the injury but will finish before the end of the month! I was very lucky Doctors said. Best of luck to you!!
The step stool I was on went one direction and I went the other just two nights ago. A trip to the ER and X-ray gave diagnosis of “closed fracture of left tibial plateau”. Was sent home in a ill fitting leg brace that keeps my knee ‘stable’ in a prone position, crutches and told not to do weight bearing on itI’m to contact ortho knee specialist tomorrow to get thorough evaluation ASAP. I’m managing my pain well today with Tylenol and
Ibuprofen, icing at least 3-5 times a day.
“Research” on internet on this type of fracture and the comments I’m reading are scaring me. My leg doesn’t feel that bad. I want to be able to get back to normal life and enjoy my summer quickly but am now worried it will be 6 months or more recovery! 😢
Same I was playing basketball and after jumping for the ball I landed with my left leg being straight which fractured mine. It got me bummed out thinking that I'm not going to do much for summer. Whishing you a full recovery.
Update! Saw the orthopedic and his X-rays indicated no fracture! Hallelujah! Was put in a new leg brace that fits like a glove and told I could walk on it and do activities as I could tolerate. I’m on day 6 after ortho visit. Healing will still be slow, but I can at least walk and be more independent than if I couldn’t put weight on it. Swelling and minimal pain. Thanks for all positive thoughts. Best of luck to all of you!
@@pamelamoriarity6995 It's been nine months. How are things going?
Undisplaced fracture of lateral cortex of lateral condyle of tibia is seen
What is the point of the distracting music? Why is he filmed from the side when appearing to speak to a camera in front of him?
Pretty dismal presentation really. I have a fractured tibial plateau and I got nothing useful from this presentation.
Wow scares info on TPF is horrible. Most also have ligaments and soft tissue damage.
I’ve had 2 ACLs replaced prior to TPF
The PT they do the same for all. But it’s not the same I can tell you
And the info shared with patients is horrible.
Internal fixation is a horrible fix for a temporary problem.
Laying in the hospital now after a bicycle wreck 😢
Did u recover
Plz guide
Yay im in the 1% at 30...ow..
Well this is exactly how I got my proximal tibia fracture as you described sir. Torsion and falling.. after 1 month of cast plaster got removed today. Now my knee won't bend as I can see swelling around patela also it acre so kuch when I try to force it. I saw some videos of tibia fracture and thinking to use those excercise to recover. Anything you could recommend would be really nice. I'd be grateful to you. I. From India.
I had this brake and a plate in my leg! I was working again in 9 weeks. As soon as you can and feel able try to bend your knee and use ankle weights to strengthen. Resistance bands are fantastic aswel