I sustained a grade 3 TPF with a 1 inch depression and tibial shaft fracture extending in a v shape from the proximal tibia to almost the base just over 22weeks ago in a skiing accident. I had an ORIF with autologous bone graft, plate and 6 screws and a further screw to hold the anterior and posterior aspects of my fractured proximal tibia together. Progress has been slow and at 12 weeks I still had a visibly fractured proximal tibia and shaft. When I was finally allowed to weight bear (12 weeks) I rapidly came off crutches. Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with a patella tendonopathy which has totally set back my recovery. I cannot walk up or down stairs normally (this has been the case since the injury) as I have significant pain and no strength in the affected leg; I don’t even have enough strength to use the clutch on my car. I’ve reined in the physio as advised but feeling quite low about the whole situation. The discomfort has changed and I’m even more aware of the place where the metal work was inserted than before. I have the typical TPF residual issues (swelling, muscle atrophy, nerve damage to the surrounding skin - numbness and hypersensitivity, altered circulation - different colored legs). Anyone had a similar experience who can offer some words of encouragement? This is not my first secondary injury and my second episode of tendonopathy since breaking my leg (first from using crutches). I’m very fed up and hoping this is not my ‘new normal’.
