Bone breaks around the knee :
horse riding - - Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 25 May 2004
I am 5 weeks post tib plateau fracture (severe and depressed fracture, fixed w k-wire, plate, screws). I can start wb next week. The fracture happened when I fell off my horse. But my consultant tells me that I cannot ride again for 18 months (in case I fall off again and damage the knee before it has properly healed). Has anyone had a similar experience? 18 months sounds like a really long time, and I wonder if he is being v conservative.
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 25 May 2004
HI Misty
Four yrs ago I fractured my L tibia and fibula in 4 places while jumping my horse. He stumbled down on his knees upon landing the jump. I had to have a rod placed down the tibia and the fibula plated. The OS at that time said the hardware would be in 18 mos. He said no horseback riding while it was in as I would shatter my leg if I fell. I believe it is more dangerous to refracture when there is hardware in as opposed to not having it in. You could end up with fractures far worse. I ended up with life long knee problem and had to rebreak the leg to set it straight ( long story) The new OS said I could ride as long as I didn't fall....ever. I tried to ride 2 yrs ago, but it was so painful , I couldn't walk for 2 weeks. I can't bend the horse or guide it with my left leg. However this is extreme. Most of the people on this board who ride have gotten back in the saddle and have some great success stories. I hope maybe someday I can ride again. It is my dream and goal. I took up riding motorcycles to satisfy my need to ride and have some fun. I ride a sport bike.
Good luck on your recovery. I know the drive to get back to riding. Be patient so your fracture heals correctly.
Pam
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 25 May 2004
Hi Pam and thank you so much for your reply.
Poor you - your injuries sound awful and what a shame you cannot yet get back to horse riding. But it is great that you are enjoying motorcycles.
I really really hope I can get back to riding- because I have 2 horses, and it is my big passion in life. However, since I broke my ankle last year (same leg... same horse...) I am thinking that I may give jumping a miss when I get back on and stick to dressage.
Did you have the metal taken out of your leg, and did this improve your symptoms at all? I do not know whether to or not - I could get ankle and knee plates/pins out in one go. If falling from a horse with metal in my leg is v risky, then it probably is worth getting it all out before I get back in the saddle.
Thank you again for your advice.
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 25 May 2004
Hi Misty
I had to have the rod removed and the ankle plate in order to have the leg rebroken. The OS cut my tibia and my fibula in half to derotate my leg ( it was 40 degrees externally rotated) then plated the tibia with 2 plates, A 2 inch and a 6 inch. The fibula was left apart to grow a bone bridge. Took 4 mos. It is somewhat crooked from that but not a major weight bearer. If I were to get knocked on that side it will break. I had to have the 2 inch plate removed at 9 mos as it was pressing my sapphenous nerve and causing problems. I still have a screw in my knee from the osteotomy I had done to repair the patella baja and the 6 inch plate with 8 screws to the distal tibia. My 2 OSs ( one for tib-fib and one for the knee ) both said they want to keep the hardware in as long as possible................forever if need be. Check with your doc and see what he says. Does he plan on taking it out after 18 mos?
Pam
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 25 May 2004
Hi Misty
I had one more thing to add. Check for postings in this thread from Barn Goddess and in the Success Stories thread down below from Slowburn. I believe they both had tib plateau fxs and are horse riders too. You will probably get some good info from them and could even message them.
Pam
Posted by Barn_Goddess (Barn_Goddess), 26 May 2004
Hi Misty,
I was 12 weeks non weight bearing with a tib plateau fracture, then had to gradually go from partial weight bearing to full weight bearing with crutches and then a cane. Fracture was in my right leg.
I started riding about six months post fracture. My riding has been sporadic since then due to other events in my life unrelated to my knee. So while I'm in better shape than I was, I'm not in the same kind of regular riding shape I was in when I got injured.
The biggest problem I'm having with riding right now is swinging my right leg over when I mount. I'm going to have to suck it up and do some lunges to work those muscles and make it easier.
I wear paddock boots with half chaps and the half chaps lend some good support to my lower leg. I ride dressage also, and it feels good to put the weight on the ball of the foot of my injured leg and stretch the heel way down. This stretching helps the extension of my knee, and I actually walk much better after a ride. At first I got fatigued pretty quickly, but it gets better the more I do it. I find myself tending to put more weight on the "good" leg, just as I do when I walk, so that's something I'm working on.
I find it amusing that when we injure ourselves riding to not ride, but they don't tell patients who get hurt in car accidents to stop driving. Is it the same OS as when you broke your ankle? That may be why he's being conservative about you getting back in the saddle again.
Best of luck!
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 26 May 2004
hi there
no it is a different OS from the ankle, but obviously my new consultant is aware of my (unfortunate) history = and so he is concerned about me falling off yet again!! Are you worried about falling off when you ride, and damaging the fracture site? what type of riding do you do, and has your nerve been affected?
My physio yesterday said that she had never heard of someone having to wait 18 months, and she said it would probably be more like a year, which is some comfort!
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 26 May 2004
Pam
Your injuries sound awful, you poor thing. I really feel for you.
My OS has said that I can have metal taken out if I want (after 18 mos) but hs ie easy either way, whereas my earlier OS (with broken ankle) said that metal should definitely come out. I am pretty keen to get it all taken out.
XX
Posted by Barn_Goddess (Barn_Goddess), 27 May 2004
Hi Misty,
Sure I'm afraid of falling off and getting hurt, but I was afraid of falling off before I came off and got hurt. When I came off, I actually had a few seconds to decide how to "go" and landing on my butt and possibly hurting my back, plus possible spiral fractures of my wrists was not my first choice. So I opted for a flying dismount-beautifully done, except when I landed my right leg was too straight, I heard a crack, and went down.
Going down and not being able to get up affects you, no matter what the cause. Strangely enough, my biggest surge of fear is the mounting. I don't have that muscle that allows me to swing my leg over easily strong enough yet and I feel vulnerable.
Neither of my horses are beginner horses. I haven't yet ridden the one I came off of, mainly because a rider needs to be in good shape to work him, and I'm not quite there yet. I do ride the more predictable mare, have done a bit of trail, but working back into dressage.
There is a great book called Riding to Win by Dr. Janet Edgette that is well worth reading. It deals with the obstacles we face with riding, not just coming back after an injury, but things like limited time to ride, distraction with jobs or family, etc. Chck it out if you can.
Posted by fancy4 (fancy4), 28 May 2004
hi misty
i have a similar problem. i also had a tib plateau fracture on jan of this year. i was nwb for 3 months. i too was thrown from my horse. plate and screws installed. i also have been told i can not ride yet. he does not screws or plate to break.
Posted by Helena (Helena KTF), 28 May 2004
I'm confused... I understand that you cannot ride because the fracture isn't healed just yet, but the risk of falling of th horse?? And what if you "just" fall, or fall downstairs or something? (which I really hope doesn't happen for you!)? It just doesn't make any sense to me!
~H
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 28 May 2004
Fancy4
have you been given any idea of when you can ride again? and I wonder why you were nwb for as long as 3 months?
Posted by Jo_h (Jo_h), 28 May 2004
Hi guys,
I to had a Tib Plat fracture, whilst falling off my horse!! I went to see the consultant yesterday (althougth i didnt actually see my consultant, as he was unavailable!) and was told that i may be able to start weight bearing in 2 weeks time (8 weeks post op) YAY!! I am having a bit of a knee bending issue going on at the moment!!
As regards to the length of time until i can ride again, i have been told that it depends on how fast i progress with muscle building etc... But i am not sure how well i am expected to progress with out the help of a PT (i have been told i may not have one) as i do not know what exercises, if any, i am supposed to be doing!!
Take care all,
Jo
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 29 May 2004
Hello riders,
I also joined the club of "involuntary dismount" and fractured my tibial plateau, which meant surgery with plates and screws. Non weight bearing for 13 weeks, and have been walking now for almost 5 weeks. I haven't been riding yet though I certainly intend to -- my OS said "no restrictions" on any activity I felt up to trying.
The May 2004 "Practical Horseman" magazine has an article about knees (riders' knees, not horses') which does not specifically mention tib plat breaks but gives some good ideas on minimizing stress on the knees. One is to use jointed stirrup irons (available, they say, from several manufacturers) that let the tread of the iron pivot under the foot, allowing the rider to sink weight deeper into the heel. Some apparently can be locked into an angle that prevents excessive turnout. They quote riders who have had total knee replacements who say these stirrup irons help a great deal, especially when jumping.
The other thing they recommend, is riding without stirrups. Now with all of our concerns about falling off again this might not seem the smartest of things (particularly with horses that are difficult to ride) but I am planning some lessons on a lovely and kind horse that my trainer uses for beginners, just to get my confidence back. Even with the difficulties of dealing with the broken leg, I cannot imagine life without horses.
Hope some of this might help. (P.S. The article quotes an orthopedic surgeon whose rule #1 for protecting riders' knees is: "Don't fall off". Thanks, Doc. I'll try to keep that in mind.)
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 1 June 2004
Hi Victoria
Thank you for all this really useful advice. I wonder where I could get a copy of that article? Which country is the magazine published in? (I am in England)
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 10 June 2004
Hi, Misty,
Sorry I took so long replying -- I was out of town.
Practical Horseman is a terrific magazine, filled with good articles for all levels of riders, from professional to beginning adult riders. It is geared exclusively to English riders (as opposed to Western saddles) and has special issues on eventing, jumpers, hunters and dressage. It is published in the U.S.
The web site address is www.practicalhorsemanmag.com.
Subscription inquiries (386) 447-6317, or via email at practical@palmcoastd.com.
Hope this helps and hope you are healing quickly.
Victoria
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 23 June 2004
Thank you Victoria - I will check that out.
Saw my consultant yesterday - and it looks like I will be riding again a lot earlier than 18 months! hurrah! I have a follow up in 3 months time , and he may then tell me that I can ride, if progress remains good. I am really pleased about this , but I know I am going to be terrified about falling off again.
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 24 June 2004
Misty,
Congratulations on the good news. I'm with you about the falling-off-fear. As a kid I rode a lot bareback and would tumble off with appalling regularity but never got hurt. Now the idea of going through another major injury terrifies me. (And you've had two!) On the other hand, I can't imagine never riding again. It is one of the true joys of my life. I fell when my horse ducked out and bolted from a line of three small jumps when a loud motorcycle came past the arena. He had been jumpy all lesson and I have to say that I was not really comfortable on him that day either. A bit too much horse for me, especially when jumping. Still, my knee is progressing pretty well -- I still have trouble on stairs, uneven ground and steep hills -- so I'm gearing up to get back in the saddle. Maybe I'll put jumping on hold for a while, though.
Best of luck with the three month checkup.
Victoria
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 24 June 2004
Dear Victoria
Are you now walking without a stick etc? and do you still do physio?
I have also decided not to jump - it just seems too risky - but I wasn't even jumping when I had my first injury - just going for a hack when my horse shied and I fell off, landing awkwardly on my feet (and snapping my ankle). I can't give up hacking as well ....
Like you, there's no way I will give up riding. I am really missing it at the moment.
Have you thought about whether to get your metal removed? I think I will, even though my surgeon is not particularly enthusiastic about it, because I am really worried about the consequences of another serious fall (god forbid) when my left leg is pinned both at the knee and the ankle.
Good luck with your progress,
Misty
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 24 June 2004
Dear Misty,
No, I stopped using my cane three or four weeks ago -- I found my stride was actually better without it. (I still carry it in crowded areas since it helps protect my leg and helps people understand why I don't move quite as quickly, especially up and down stairs.)
For physio I walk every day, for 40 minutes to an hour, and partially in sand to help build some different muscles. I work in the gym every other day, doing the exercises I was given my my physical therapist. I am planning to go back to the PT to see if they have specific exercises to help me with stairs. I just can't seem to master them, and the pain when I try is quite intense.
My surgeon does not want to remove the hardware. While I don't like the thought of metal in my leg -- and I really hate being able to feel the plate protruding from my knee now that the swelling has gone down -- I am not having any major problems with it at the moment. I have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. It seems that most hardware is removed after a year, so I have seven months to see whether it bothers me. What I don't know is whether falling with hardware still in would pose a greater risk of serious injury than if it wasn't there.
I haven't been on a horse since the accident, and I really miss it. Its hard to explain to non-riders the sense of freedom and the exhilaration that comes when you and the horse cantering across a field in perfect harmony. (Sigh!)
I wish you well in your healing -- it seems like you are well ahead of where I was at the same time.
Victoria
Posted by Jo_h (Jo_h), 24 June 2004
Hi guys,
OOOHHHH i know that feeling!!
I, like you both cannot wait to get back on my horse. But i have this horrible feeling of fear that i am going to fall off AGAIN!!
I also am thinking of how I am actually, physically going to be able to get on my horse!! My horse is quite big (16.1hh) and i struggled getting on him before the accident!! As it is my left leg that broke do you guys think it would be better to mount on the right side?
Happy healing
Jo
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 24 June 2004
Jo --
I also broke the tib/plat on my left leg and I've been wondering about mounting as well. But I think it would likely confuse my horse if I mounted on his "wrong" side, so I intend to use the biggest mounting block I can find and just take it slowly. I think my days of springing into the saddle are past.
I worry that I might communicate my nervousness (about falling) to my horse, who would then get jumpy -- making me even more scared. But somehow I have a feeling that once I'm mounted my confidence will come back. However, I certainly will make sure that he's well-lunged and as relaxed as possible. And my first few rides will likely be in the arena before venturing out on a hack.
I reckon that you can slip in the bathtub or fall on the stairs just as easily as falling off a horse, so I don't intend to give up riding. Just be a bit more careful and prudent...
Hope you are healing quickly!
Victoria
Posted by ckrostek (Cathy K), 25 June 2004
Hi. I also suffered from a tibial plateau fracture over a year and a half ago while jumping a green horse. I don't own my own horse, but I took a trail class about 8 months after the accident and when I sat in the saddle (it was my right leg so I had no problem mounting), I know I was where I belonged. I have to say that I don't think I'll ever do jumping again, but I have taken flat and dressage classes and can keep up. I'm exhausted after the class and still have quite a bit of pain.
Those of you who are further along in recovery, do you find you are still in a bit of pain? Not a day goes by where I don't think about my leg. My OS feels that the plate and 5 screws should stay in, but I really thing they are aggravating the injury and cause some of the daily pain and swelling. I'm going to check into removal of the hardware. My OS did say that he didn't think I should jump again, but he never said anything about never riding again. I'd love to continue to read about all you riders out there and how it's going!
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 25 June 2004
Cathy
Have you fallen off since you started riding again, and also - does your right leg feel significantly weaker when you are riding/are you unbalanced? These are all the things I am worried about for when I start riding again.
also - do you really miss jumping? Do you still go for hacks etc. and are you worried now about riding green horses?
Posted by ckrostek (Cathy K), 25 June 2004
No I haven't fallen off since I started riding again. I came close a couple of times because I do hack in trail classes and we have a lot of deer that sometimes spoke new and green horses. I had a couple of different horses spook but thankfully, I'm now strong enough to stay on. So to your question about strength in my leg, it is definitely a lot stronger than it was. I started physical therapy again due to balance problems and I have fallen several times recently (not off horses!). But I do not have balance problems on a horse, only while walking if I step on uneven surfaces or on a rock, etc. and I'm not watching where I'm going or rushing!
I do miss jumping, but not enough yet to try it again! I love to ride, but cannot imagine going through this pain again. Maybe someday! Since I have been riding at this stable for over 15 years, I am at the highest level and therefore, have no choice but to ride green horses when they are handed to me (we wait in a line and you get the horse that comes out next). I'm sure if I asked the teacher if she could assign me a horse, that would be okay. But the green horses don't bother me too much. I know that all the horses where I ride are kind, and that they only do unexpected things out of fear or inexperience. I can't say that when a horse spooks and takes off, my heart doesn't beat a bit faster, but I think it used to anyway before the injury!
Hang in there and you'll be riding before you know it!
Posted by Jo_h (Jo_h), 29 June 2004
Hi Guys,
I am thinking of getting a few lessons on a quiet horse before i start riding my horse. My horse isnt the quietest of horses and can be VERY spooky and jumpy, i am really quiet scared that when i do ride my horse again he will spook at something and i will come off.
But this is a long way off yet (i am anly 5 days into full weight bearing) so i am trying not to think about it too much at present.
Take care all
Jo
Posted by hkssuppie (hkssuppie), 30 June 2004
Jo,
How has partial weight bearing been so far? What did the plate and screws consist of? Good luck on the recovery.
Suppie
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 30 June 2004
Jo - when do you think you will get back on a horse? and how is full weight bearing going? Does your leg ache much? How much walking can you do in one session?
Posted by Jo_h (Jo_h), 30 June 2004
Hi guys,
FWB is going OK, although i am having problems with the heels on both my feet at the moment. My bad leg does ache from time to time. I cant walk very far in one session but i am trying to walk further and further each time. I find that it is not the walking that is a major problem but standing, when i stand i am not putting much weight on my bad leg so consequently my good leg starts to hurt and tires very quickly. I think this is because i cant straighten my bad leg fully and it feels really strange when standing and walking on it.
I am not sure when i will be able to get back on a horse again, probably not for another 2 months at least. I am thinking of investing in either a western saddle or Australian stock saddle (i ride English) It may be easier on my knee and give me a bit more security in the saddle incase my horse does shy.
Happy healing
Jo
Posted by Misty_R (Misty_R), 19 July 2004
I finally started full weight bearing yesterday! So good to get rid of the crutches, although I can only walk very slowly and my balance is not great.
I now feel a low level constant ache in my knee - which is a recent development, but I suppose that is linked to the increased exercise.
If everything goes well - I am planning to start riding again at Christmas, which still seems a long way off, but I want to make sure that my leg is really strong before I get back on board.
Would love to hear how other riders are getting on.
Misty
XX
Posted by Victoria_L (Victoria_L), 19 July 2004
Congratulations, Misty. Boy, do I understand how you're feeling! Just to be able to carry a cup of coffee from the kitchen to the table was a thrill. I will never take walking for granted again.
If I could give one piece of advice it would to keep working on the muscles of your bad leg -- especially the quads and the inside of your thigh as they help support the knee as you walk. I had that ache as well but it seemed as if it was just from using the leg. Keep icing and elevating when you can because it'll swell. I was told that if I had pain near the plate (where the incision is) it was of more concern than if it was on the inside of my knee, which was more likely to be just overuse.
Also, my PT guy reminded me that our knees are not exactly the same now as they were before the fracture, so the body has to do some subtle adjustments to our gait, which can cause some pain in the back and even the other leg. But for me anyway, this went away pretty quickly.
Good luck, and take it nice and easy. (Do you have a cane? I found it quite useful at first.)
Updated Thu Apr 29 2010
