A tibial plateau fracture is a break of the larger lower leg bone below the knee that breaks into the knee joint itself. It is rare to only just break the bone. This is an injury that can involve the bone, meniscus, ligaments, muscles, tendons and skin around the knee.

What happens if you walk on a tibial plateau fracture?

You will not be able to bear weight on your leg for weeks after breaking your bone. That means no walking on or pushing off of your broken leg. This is to keep the bones from moving as you heal. Depending on your injury, this will last 6 to 12 weeks.

What causes a lateral tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures are typically caused by a strong force on the lower leg with the leg in varus or valgus position, or simultaneous vertical stress and flexion of the knee. Commonly seen in road traffic accidents, sports accidents with a high velocity such as skiing, horse riding, and certain water sports.

How is a lateral tibial plateau fracture treated?

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the gold standard treatment for these fractures. Complex articular fractures can be treated by ring external fixators and minimally-invasive osteosynthesis (EFMO) or by ORIF.

Can you bend your knee with a tibial plateau fracture?

Symptoms of a Tibial Plateau Fracture Typically, the injured individual is most aware of a painful inability to put weight on the affected extremity. Tenseness Around the Knee; Limited Bending. The knee may feel and appear tense, owing to bleeding within the joint. This also limits motion (bending) of the joint.

How do you sleep with a tibial plateau fracture?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn’t work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.

How long does it take to fully recover from tibial plateau fracture?

Non-displaced tibial plateau fractures take up to 3-4 months without surgery to heal. When surgery is required these cases take around 4 months to heal.

Can a tibial plateau fracture heal on its own?

A non-displaced fracture of the tibial plateau is when the tibia sustains a break or crack without a fragment of the bone becoming separated. These fractures normally have a better future outcome than displaced fractures and usually, heal without surgical intervention within 3-4 months.

What does a tibial plateau fracture feel like?

Athletes suffering from tibial plateau fractures usually complain of swelling, pain and an inability to walk or move the leg. A major concern with this injury is having swelling compress the nerves and blood vessels inside the knee joint.

Can you work with a tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremity. Tibial plateau fractures have an impact not only on physically demanding jobs but notably on general professional life too.

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Can you walk on a fractured tibia?

Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.

How do you shower with a tibial plateau fracture?

It is ok to shower or sponge bathe 2 days after surgery but you must keep your knee clean and dry at all cost! This usually entails keeping your leg outside the shower, using saran wrap or a large plastic bag to protect your wounds.

When should I start weight bearing after a tibial plateau fracture?

Patients with tibial plateau fractures will be instructed to touch down (toe touch or foot flat) weight bear (approximately 10% of body weight) for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 week post op visit, patients may begin weight bearing as tolerated until full weight bearing is achieved.

Why do fractures hurt more at night?

During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.

Why does a broken ankle make you tired?

A serious injury leads to more mental and physical exhaustion that one might be prepared for. So if you are tired, don’t feel guilty or confused as to why you are; instead, keep in mind that the fatigue is related to the stress of a new injury. Your body will need time to repair.

How do you know a fracture is healing?

When you touch the fractured area, the pain will lessen as the fracture gets more solid. So, one way to tell if the broken bone is healed is for the doctor to examine you – if the bone doesn’t hurt when he touches it, and it’s been about six weeks since you broke it, the bone is most likely healed.

Is a tibial plateau fracture a disability?

The RO has rated the Veteran’s left lateral tibial plateau fracture as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5262 (impairment of tibia and fibula). Under Diagnostic Code 5262, a 10 percent rating contemplates impairment of the tibia and fibula by malunion with slight knee or ankle disability.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

1. Fracture management – Including closed reduction (bone alignment through manipulation or traction), immobilization (using a splint or cast) and rehabilitation (physical therapy)
2. Physical therapy – To regain strength and normal function in the affected area.

When can you drive after a broken tibia?

This corresponded to 12 weeks after surgery for extra-articular fractures and 18 weeks after intra-articular injuries. Thus, it can be recommended to resume driving 6 weeks after full-weight bearing on the right lower limb is achieved.

Do bones grow back stronger?

There is no evidence that a broken bone will grow back stronger than it was before once it has healed. Although there may be a brief time when the fracture site is stronger, this is fleeting, and healed bones are capable of breaking again anywhere, including at the previous fracture site.

What kind of brace is used for a tibial plateau fracture?

Introduction. In the case of a medically infirm patient, the fracture is best managed with protection and immobilization. Prefabricated hinged knee braces or knee immobilizers are typically used when available. A cylinder or a long leg cast is also an option.

How long does a tibial plateau fracture hurt?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and treatment method but usually lasts around three to six months.

How do you strengthen your legs after a tibial plateau fracture?

1. Straight leg raise exercises (lying, seated, and standing), quadriceps/straight ahead plane only.
2. No side-lying leg raises.
3. Range of motion exercises.
4. Hip and foot/ankle exercises, well-leg stationary cycling, upper body conditioning.

Can you take a splint off to shower?

Tape a sheet of plastic to cover your splint when you take a shower or bath, unless your doctor said you can take it off while bathing. If you can take the splint off when you bathe, pat the area dry after bathing and put the splint back on. If your splint gets a little wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer.

Should you sleep in a walking boot?

Walking: You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash.

How should I elevate my ankle while sleeping?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep.