Bone breaks around the knee :

Another TP story - - Posted by 2005harley (2005harley), 23 November 2004

On 10/1/04 was riding my (brand new 2005) Harley to work - changing lanes to get away from one a$$#*!@ who was tailgating me only to pull behind another idiot who stopped in the middle of the highway for no apparent reason.  Bike went into a skid and although I managed to keep from going high side (flipping the bike) - my left foot came off and hit the ground making me a member of the TPFX club (fractured in 7 places).

Surgeon did a great job and so far recovery going as best as can be expected.  Have about 100 to 110 degrees ROM and credit that to DR making sure I got started on CPM machine the day after surgery.  I basically kept that machine going whenever I was awake.  

At 5 weeks post op X-rays showed signs of bone growth - including areas that had to be grafted.  Have PT coming to my house twice a week but cannot stress enough to those reading this how important it is to do your exercises daily.

Can count myself among the lucky since the accident could have been much worse - especially since it was morning rush hour at 60 mph on the highway.  Also can't stress enough to the other riders out there that when you do get back on those bikes wear the proper gear.  In my case I slid over 45 feet after laying down the bike and since I had on heavy jeans and leather jacket did not have any road rash with the exception of a spot about the size of a quarter on the broken knee.  

One question I do have - and I know it is different for everyone - is how long on average did others with this type of injury have to wait before being weight bearing again - I'm on disability leave from my job but if I don't make it back before my FMLA leave expires I may get replaced
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 23 November 2004

Don't let my experience scare you, but I was just over 4 months non wt. bearing. But I am glad that the Dr. was cautious because this is one break you want to heal completely as it is a main wt. bearing bone for your mobility. Like you say, it depends on the severity of the break and if you follow dr's orders, i.e., not putting wt. on it too soon and such.

Hope that helps!! Be sure to read others' stories on http://www.mybrokenleg.com using the WHO link at left. Mine is in there somewhere!!  
Posted by neilatwork (neilatwork), 24 November 2004

I'd say if you are at 110 degrees by now, you are doing great in the ROM department.

Although I did not have as many pieces broken as you (only 2 pieces), I did have hardware which required me to keep the knee immobilized for the first 6 weeks (you did not mention if you have hardware installed or not).  It took me about 7-8 weeks before I could begin walking very slowly without crutches.  Once I got off the crutches, my leg strength picked up much faster.

Good luck on your recovery.  Although I know it seems slow, I suspect you will recover quickly compared to some of us less fortunate ones.
Posted by 2005harley (2005harley), 24 November 2004

yep I've got hardware - xrays look like the spare screw bin at Home Depot.

Just had another PT visit - have gotten to 115 degrees ROM.  Next OS appointment is 12/1 hopefully xrays will show continued improvement.

Bike is all fixed except for one piece of trim on back order - can't wait for spring!!!!!!
Posted by 2005harley (2005harley), 6 December 2004

Update - saw my OS on 12/1 got the OK to go back to work on 12/15.  Still NWB but next appointment set for 1/3/05 and OS seemed hopeful that would change then.  Have been doing in home PT twice per week since week 2 post op - now switching to out patient.  Have gotten 120 degrees ROM but having trouble with last 5 degrees extension - leg just does not want to straighten out.  OS has prescribed an "extension brace"?? - Any one familiar??
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 14 December 2004

Extension braces work on straightening. In my experience, it is best to work on extension and bending both with equal emphasis. Get ankle weights and hang your bad leg off the edge of a bed, mattress, etc. with your knee just below the edge. Let gravity work on straightening your leg. Also helps to work on quad muscles - these will enable to straighten out your leg like nothing else! At any rate, feel free to read my diary if you have nothing else to do!! (the link is below). Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery!!  

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