Bone breaks around the knee :

tibial plateau fears - - Posted by yamaha21 (yamaha21), 18 November 2004

I broke my medial tibial plateau, tore my ACL, tore the cartilage, and got compartment syndrome on 9-11-04. I have had 4 surgeries, 1 metal plate and 12 screws installed. My PT said that I'm at 70 degrees ROM at 9 weeks from last surgery, but non-weight bearing. I'm terrified at the stories I'm hearing of people not being back to 100% or even 80% after 1 1/2 years! I'm going nuts just sitting around and hobbling around on cructhes. The pain is not bad except when I try to sleep. I just want to get up and about.
Posted by hkssuppie (hkssuppie), 18 November 2004

yama,

Just curious, did you do it on a motorcycle?  I'm almost 1 year post op, and still have pain when trying to jog...otherwise, seems to be coming along alright.  I had a plate and nine screws, looking to try and get it out this year.

suppie
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 18 November 2004

You had it a good deal worse than I did with the compartment syndrome, but I am 10 months post op for tib plat fracture (plate and 5 screws, bone graft) and am doing very well.  The only thing I haven't been able to do yet is run at more than a slow jogging pace and squat down on my heels.  I have aches around the plate and screw area sometimes but nothing too bad.  All of us here understand your frustration at not being able to move around and do things.  I remember watching people walk by my window and almost crying as I thought "you don't know how lucky you are".  I'll never take it for granted again.  I was NWB for 10 weeks, then partial for another 4.  Try to keep exercising -- whatever your doctor or PT therapist says you can do -- so your muscles are in the best shape they can be when you start walking again.  You'd be shocked to see how quickly they atrophy.    Good luck and please keep us posted.
Posted by yamaha21 (yamaha21), 18 November 2004

I broke it at a cross country motorcycle race (GNCC) in Sparta Ky. It broke into 5 peices. I know I will probably never race again which really bothers me, but not as bad as the bordom of sitting around the house. I have been doing everything the pt tells me to do to the t and have seen alot of improvment. When I started pt I only had 34 degrees rom and now I'm at 70 in 6 weeks.The pt gave me a dynamic splint that pulls my lower leg back and I have seen improvement daily since I got it. I went from 51 degrees rom to 70 in 4 days. It is very uncomfortable to wear but it is worth it to get back to normal. Thanks for everyones replies.
Posted by hkssuppie (hkssuppie), 19 November 2004

Looks like you are coming along.  I did mine on a cr250 trailriding.  Guess it doesn't matter whether it's yamaha or honda..they still buck the same.  My throttle stuck WOT, and I bailed instead of pulling the clutch (was coming up on a corner quick and had to make some sort of decision).  My leg hyperextended and I landed straight legged...end of story.  I get the urge to ride...but the pain of the whole ordeal makes me think again...lol  The ironic thing was I won a kill swith on ebay the Friday before the Sunday I went riding...sigh

Alan
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 21 November 2004

Hi, Yamaha. I agree with Victoria in that it's frustrating not being able to get around well. I was non weight bearing (nwb) for almost 17 weeks and it took me almost 4 additional months to get off the crutches entirely.

My problem was I was too "timid" in the beginning and didn't push myself as hard, but I did eventually get with the program after I "got it." I also picked up some bad habits and had to resume phys. therapy to retrain my quads to work. I am now at approx. 95% recovered and still work at it at least 3-5 days a week. Read my diary if you have nothing else better to do   the link is in my signature block below.

The important thing is to be patient and realize this too shall pass. You will hopefully look back on this experience someday and wonder how you made it. Also, be sure to do what your Drs. tell you and don't slack on your exercises. You do not want to rush the process, i.e. putting wt. on your leg before you are ready but you want to do your exercises faithfully.

Again, I wish you all the best in your recovery, and welcome to the club no one wanted to join!!  
Posted by 2005harley (2005harley), 23 November 2004

I'm in the same position as a lot of you.  Had a motorcycle accident on 10/1/04 with a plateau fracture (broken in 7 places).  Hoping to be weight bearing soon - have been doing exercises religiously.  Have about 100 degrees ROM.  Having a little trouble straightening - can't seem to get the last 5 degrees or so.  Have a PT coming to the house twice a week.  Hang in there and do your exercises.


Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 23 November 2004

Hi, Harley - that last 5 deg. or so of straightening is difficult to regain, especially if you are also working on bending. Getting in warm water helps (a hot tub is great) and stretching it straight in the water helped me. If your quads are weak, you may want some PT to help regain those muscles, that will help in straightening. Read my diary if you have nothing better to do - the link is below.

Again all the best in yours and everyone's recovery!!  

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