Bone breaks around the knee :

Does Hardware Have to Come Out? - - Posted by busy1 (busy1), 27 October 2004

Hi.  I just started posting today.  I suffered an accident at work resulting in tibia plateau/fib fractures 6 weeks ago.  I feel really stupid because I can't tell you more than that I have several breaks in my tibia plateau and one in the fibula.  Also, all the "stuff" between the femur and tibia was compressed and had to be built up.  I had seven 20 lb. pallets fall from 9 feet high onto the back of my legs knocking me down.  I don't remember it, but someone yelled "Watch out!" and I'm told I moved over one step.  If I hadn't, the pallets would have fallen on my head and back, so I know I'm lucky.  I go to the orthopedist tomorrow and will get copies of my reports so far so that I know more about my injury.  I had surgery on 9/17 and had a plate and screws put in.  I've been going to pt for 4 weeks now.  Still no weight-bearing, but x-rays tomorrow and I'm hoping and praying that we can start weight-bearing and do strengthening exercises, and also driving.  I'm going crazy at home.  I'm so glad I found this sight to vent a little and talk to people who are going through the same thing, and for the most part worse than what I'm going through.  I'm a 52 year old woman and live in Illinois (US) and work for the US Postal Service 45 - 55 hours per week (physical job where I'm on my feet for 8 - 10 hours at a time, plus lifting).  I feel pressured to get back to work as well as my life as I once knew it.  I go to PT 3 times a week and think I'm doing ok.  My rom yesterday was 99 after stretching exercises.  I feel like I have no muscles left, and the PT says that once I start weight-bearing it'll take another 8-10 weeks before my calf muscle starts coming back--how depressing!!  I'm exercising 45 minutes in both the morning and evening here at home and hope it's doing some good.   My orthopedist told me that the plate and screws don't come out, but I keep reading here that they often do, so now I'm worried that I'll have to have more surgery.  He also said I might be released to drive depending on the x-rays and my being off of narcotic drugs.  I'm almost off the drugs, but can't get through the night without them yet.  I get around the house mostly in a wheelchair just because it's easy.  I'm supposed to use crutches as much as possible, and I do use them some, but I'm not good on them and tend to go back to the chair.  Plus, how are you supposed to carry anything when you're walking on crutches??  Well, I'm being long-winded, but I've been alone today and needed to talk.  Have hubby but he works long hours and two kids (one married - two grandchildren, and youngest is 19).  Take care all.
Posted by hkssuppie (hkssuppie), 29 October 2004

Still got a little ways to go for full weight bearing I believe.  Usually doc doesn't clear you till eight weeks out...so maybe two weeks?  There's mixed opinions on whether the hardware comes out.  If i can get my surgeon to agree, i'm pulling them suckers out...everytime i try and run or should I say jog...I can feel it diggin into my muscle it seems.  Keep us updated.

Suppie
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 31 October 2004

Hi, Busy. Welcome to the club noone wanted to join!  

I am a little over 2 years post-break, and I still have my hardware in. It will probably stay in unless it starts bothering me (I always "know" it's there, but it doesn't give me much discomfort).

As far as weight bearing, Suppie is right - it may be anywhere from 8-16 weeks before you can start weight bearing - it will depend on the severity of your break and your healing progress. I had to wait over 4 months before I could weight bear but just remember your situation may be different than mine. You want to make certain your bones heal enough so you do not cause further damage which will PROLONG healing. The waiting is difficult, I know - but you will get through it, and look back on it like, "how did I manage"

At any rate, feel free to read my diary if you have nothing better to do - the link is in my signature block below.

I wish you all the best in your recovery! And BTW, your ROM is pretty good at only 4 weeks - CONGRATS!!  

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