tib/fib fracture recovery

by Debbie
(CA)

Hi!
My 13 yr old son broke his ti/fib of his R leg clean through in a soccer game (Sept 30 2008).It took 4 reductions over a month to get it to hold in place where it needed to be. He finally got a walking boot last week (Mid January 2009) after months of different cast sizes. The Dr said he could gradually begin to put weight on it, and he has just started physical therapy. He does swell a lot with movement and weight bearing like I see from some of the other questions. Specifically, his air boot seems to aggravate his injury. He has a short one that comes up right about to the exact spot where his break was. It is also heavy to lift when he needs to pick it up in order to move quickly at school with his crutches and pulls on the injured area. Is there an alternative to that heavy boot(something that may offer some support and protection at school without the negative effects)? He does much better around the house when it is off. He can do his exercises, put partial weight, etc. Thanks for any suggestions.

Comments for
tib/fib fracture recovery

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Car Wreck
by: bibb

the bottom part of my leg was mad to be and accordian with tib fib and plate at knee with 6 screws and 6 more with rod down the leg I am concerned about the limp I am at the 3 month stage walking but with some pain I feel like the bad leg is not straight. does anyone have any help will I continue to get better? The Dr says that my recovery has been amazing. I had a Hummer sit in my lap on top of my Minivan. Nearly died the first week but I have pulled out

Jan 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Severe tib/fib and tissue damage.
by: Pat

In Sept of 2009 I was in a horrible farm accident. I broke my tib/fib bones completely off and experienced sever tissue damage. The bones wer pinned and screwed to hold them in place.I severed a major artery and bruised the tibial nerve. It has been a tough road mostly becasue of the nerve pain which is constant. It is now the end of Jan and am finally feeling better. The pain has improved somewhat, and have more mobility and have been putting slight weight on the bottom of my foot. Due to the nerve damage I do not have full feeling in my foot. Unfortunatley Jan 20 when returning to the doctor I was informed from reviewing the Xray that the bone is not healing. I am concerned that there is too much of a gap between the bones. It has been just short of 4 months and the doc had hoped to see more improvement. And so did I. I have always focused on the graft site where the tissue damage was. Now I am concerned that the bone won't heal. Does anyone have any experience with bone grafts because that is what was talked about if it does not heal. I have been doing everything nutritionally and exercising what I can tolerate. Apparently this type of break can take 5 months I am very concerned . But hold faith that the healing will come as I weight bear more. Any one with inspiration would be appreciated Thanks

Jan 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tib / fib fracture
by: omair

hi
my name is Captain omair i am from Pakistan. I am an Officer in Pakistan army.
Last year on 20 June 2010 i had a road bike accident. I got my right leg fractured just 4 or 5 inches over my ankle, and tibia was divided in three pieces. i was evacuated to the military hospital there i got operated. The doctor applied an external fixature to my leg. There i remained admitted for two months. But when i used to see my x ray with those applied fixature it always gave me a shattered confidence because there was huge gaps between fractured bones and bones were not alligned aswell. During these two months i got my wounds healed but i consulted to another private doctor he suggested me that this is an old technique which has been applied to your leg, and suggested me to have an operation and place a steel chrome plate with 7 screws in my leg so i had undergone that operation on 22 August 2009 he removed that external fixatre and got a piece of bone from my hip and placed that bone paste over my fractured bone.
now its about to complete 5 month after second operation still i have not started weight bearing on my leg but i use clutches. Due to not moving my foot, my ankle is also stiff. Now doctor has advised me for physiotherapy rehab and daily i am doing with emp and infra red. some times i feel pain in my ankle and my ankle get swell when i sit with my foot touching the ground.
i dont know will i be able to be walk run like a normal man? and to be physicallly fit as it is requirement of military profession. i miss my all sports riding swiming etc.
thank u.

Jan 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
open tib/fib fracture
by: Jacqui

My fall was 6 months ago.
I broke it 4 inches above my ankle ( not 44 as i miss typed earlier)
I'm now back at work full time.
Walking with a very slight limp.
If anything i have gained more fexibility and movement in that leg than my good leg.
But it's still painful mainly in my knee, going up and down stairs and i can't kneel down without alot of pain.
I still have the rod and 4 screws and it often throbs aroud the fracture site.
But apart from kneeling and runnine i can do everything i could to before.
I'm not expecting it not to hurt, and thats lucky, because it does!
Good luck to all.

Dec 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
elite athlete
by: Andrea Ratkovic

I was hit on my bike in May of this year sustaining 16 fractures in my left leg, back, ribs, scapula, and clavicle. I have a rod in my lower left leg with 2 screws distally and 4 proximally. Unfortunately, I'll be having another surgery in Jan. of 2010 b/c I have non-union fractures. I haven't pushed myself too hard and have done everything I've been told. The tibia has a low blood supply, and I sustained extensive nerve/soft tissue damage, so some of the gaps in my fracture sight mid-shaft aren't closing.
In Jan. they are removing this rod, reaming out the intramedullary canal, taking bone from my hip, inserting that bone into my tibia, and then inserting a bigger rod sans the screws.
I miss riding and running sooooooooooooooo much, but I know this is something that I have no control over which is very frustrating at times. It pains me not to be outside doing what I love.

Dec 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
thank you
by: bgreene

Thank you all for your comments. They have helped me in my recovery.
I am a 40 year-old man and an avid outdoor enthusiast. I was struck by a car while riding my bike in mid-August 2009 in a major metropolitan area. My orthopedist was able to manipulate the bone 5 weeks after the accident. I was glad not to have surgery. When pressed, the orthopedist noted two things: 1) he always prefers not to do surgery when possible. The less evasive, the less chance for infection, the better. 2) if I were to have surgery, ie. screws and rods inserted, because of my physical activity, there was no guarantee that 20 year or so later there would not be a need for more surgeries. This could be from the screws loosening and the rod pushing up into the knee.
As of this third week of December 2009, I am still in a cast and hopeful that the orthopedist will give me an early Christmas present when I see him on the 23rd.
Patience is very important. Having a good, loving family and support network that will help out with everything is a must. Sit back and enjoy the resting time. Calcium is your new best friend. Calcium Citrate is supposed to be absorbed better by the body than Calcium Carbonate. And remember when your mother said drink your milk, do that!
I wish you all well in your healing.

Dec 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I hope he is better
by: Anonymous

When recovering, many months after the fact, the boot became unbearable. There is a splint that works well~ it protects the leg, gives you confidence, but still adds stability.

Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tib and Fib fracture
by: Anonymous

I broke my tib and fib in March, 2009. 8 months later and three surgeries later I still struggle to run or walk without a slight limp. I feel sharp burning sensations at random times over my shin. I have improved tremendously from the accident. But I wonder if the pain really EVER goes away? I have the rod left in my leg but I had the 4 screws removed. I was hoping that would give me more flexibility in my ankle and foot. My big toe still doesn't move all the way up the way the good one does. I wonder if there is some type of nerve damage as well. My Doc continues to be positive and believes this will all be better soon.. To me 8 months seems like a long time!
Not a fun process to go through! I wish everybody else lots of luck with their healing process!

Nov 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tib fib frac
by: Anonymous

Had a Tib Fib Fracture on April 8, 2009 and had a rod and 2 screws surgically place in on April 10, 2009. I was able to put weight on it about a month after and was able to walk on it 2 months after surgery. It has been 7 months since the surgery and I am able to do everything I could. My first time squating weights since the accident I was ablet to squat 275lbs. If you are able to have a rod placed in to fix the fracture, get the surgery it is the best and fastest way t recovery.

Oct 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Patience!!
by: Anonymous

Number 1...patience!! He is young so let that work in his favor. Don't rush the process and pay attention to the long term situation. First, the alignment of tib/fib and how well the bones 'sit' in the cradle of the ankle. The gap throughout the ankle joint is hopefully even - which means the surgeon did an outstanding job of engineering the pieces to allow normal movement. 2nd, teh leg length - did we lose any bone that shortens the leg? Have measurements done and, if there is a leg length discrepency it needs to be addressed with an orthotic device in the shoe. If not - hooray again!
Recovery - weight bearing can accelerate the healing of the bone, but, if the bone is not ready to bear the increased weight, you will damage the healing area and greatly stunt the process. Be patient - minimal weight please - a few extra weeks now can mean an extra year if you screw it up. PT - not a big deal. it's all about the bone healing and the blood flow to the bone for future sustanance and strangth. PT is for old people who have forgotten how to move. He's young and vigorous and you'll probably have more trouble keeping him reined in.
So what is the prognosis. It all depends on how much live bone is available, how much good blood flow will nourish the area, how well the muscle tendon connections are still able to do their job.
How do I know? after 52 marathons I broke my fib/tib compound and nasty. I figured I was a superior athlete and I could accelerate the healing because I was an athlete and tough. Wrong. After 6 years I have just now been able to run - really run. Its all good. BUt I know that if I had had more patience and common sense I could have been at this point 3 years ago - instesad I broke the leg 2 more times by being too agressive and also broke my foot in two place because it wasn't ready to do that kind of work. But I have enjoyed the challenge to use what great doctors have given to me - my leg, not a prosthetic.
Patience - what is an extra couple of days or weeks now when it can mean a full return to health eventually.
Do great things and remember to help others.

Oct 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tib fib april 09 snowdon fall
by: ian flan

broke my tib fib april 13th 2009 im nail can now lift weights ie squat 40kg run just but getting better every week and can walk limp and pain free for mile ie 2 days ago i walked up snowdon llanberis path no probs still get a little swelling but doing well age 39

Oct 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tib\ fib
by: OUCH

I broke my tib and shatered my fib. The tib has a six inch long diagnal break looks like someone took a scoop out of it. And the fib just above ankle apx twelve breaks. I am in physical therapy and wouldnt think about not going. Have just been cleared to start putting gradual weight on it and try to add more daily. I cant believe the pain but I just keep trying. Two screws just at ankle and one by knee. Some of the swelling has gone but when leg is down it just goes like a ballon. I have a boot almost to the knee and it is to much for me to handle. I to leave it off as much as possible the more freedom the better. Just have to be extremly careful. One slip. Could be well we all know. I am fourty six and only hope I could jog or climb I will keep trying. I guess it's true mind over matter does help but yes two forward one back does seem to be true. I wish everyone the best with their legs. And the information you post.

Sep 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Open tib tib fracture
by: Jacqui

I fell on 25/08/09 and broke my leg 44 inches above the ankle. I have a rod from knee to ankle and 2 screws at each end.
I strated 30% weight bearing on week 4 and now beginning week 6 have pain on the fracture site when walking and pain in my knee.
I've stumbled a couple of times and put all my weight on my bad leg, that really hurts, i have no walking boot , or any other protection.
I too find it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back, but most of all over doing it one day means paying for it for a couple of days after.
My scars are healing great, but feel very tight at times.
I had X rays on week 5 and i wasn't impressed as it still looked totally broken!
But i'd like to know when i'll be able to walk without crutches!

Sep 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Open tib tib fracture
by: Jacqui

I fell on 25/08/09 and broke my leg 44 inches above the ankle. I have a rod from knee to ankle and 2 screws at each end.
I strated 30% weight bearing on week 4 and now beginning week 6 have pain on the fracture site when walking and pain in my knee.
I've stumbled a couple of times and put all my weight on my bad leg, that really hurts, i have no walking boot , or any other protection.
I too find it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back, but most of all over doing it one day means paying for it for a couple of days after.
My scars are healing great, but feel very tight at times.
I had X rays on week 5 and i wasn't impressed as it still looked totally broken!
But i'd like to know when i'll be able to walk without crutches!

Aug 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
how long does the pain last?
by: lynn

i had a medial malleous fracture on left ankle after a tornado blew down our house and the wall fell on my ankle..thank God no worse...anyway 16 weeks out of ORIF surgery with 2 screws...still limp pretty bad...pain most of the time...went to pt for 6 weeks tht did help with rom but sometimes it is depressing thinking it will never get any better...have to weigh my steps out..like well if i go shopping.. i can go to this store but not that one...anyway..i am thankful to be alive. i am a very heavy person anyway, and im sure that makes it worse..but now walking is hard to do anyway, without doing it for weight loss..having lots of pain today...i guess i feel like i should be further along by now...any thoughts or comments? please undestand i am very thankful to be alive and not trying to sound like "woe is me".

Aug 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tib/Fib fracture recovery
by: Mel

I fell of my bike in February 2008, my docotor said it was one of the worst breaks he and his partners had ever seen. Comforting information. After recovering from five surgeries and MRSA I was able to walk and drive after six months. I had PT along the way to helf with my flexibility and range of motion, eventually moving up to strength training to help with my limp. One of the greatest things I did was start going to yoga. It helped with my hips tremendously since one leg is now shorter. Yoga also helped with my upper body strength and tech me relaxation techniques when I became frustrated with my recovery and those occassional pains that come out of no where. Good luck to all!

Jul 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tib/Fib Fracture
by: Rick

Thanks for all the great info and encouragement on healing from a tib/fib fracture. Like most of you, i broke mine fathers day evening (what a fathers day present) from a fall down some stairs. Had the titanium rod-screws etc. Its only been 5 weeks for me. Im way ahead of schedule. Doc said xrays looked great and i could start putting pressure on it which i gladly did. SO far, im making good progress. I know im just gettign back on my feet, but i was concerned about the limp (wondering if it would eventually go away). I too opted not to do PT for the same reasons as Amber mentioned but thought maybe i should to aviod having a permanent limp. After reading everyones comments, i think im just going to be patient and rehab on my own. Anyone have any other suggestions on specific exercises that work well? Thanks!

Jul 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Keep your chin up
by: Amber

I broke my Tib/Fib about two inches below my knee on November 9th. I also had the titanium rod inserted. I had an open cast for two weeks and then got my walking boot (Christmas came early!). The first 6 weeks with no weight-bearing privlages was pretty miserable. IT GETS EASIER! The boot came up to my knee. I hear you about the boot being heavy and uncomfortable. The doctor told me that the boot's main purpose is to protect the leg. He said that it was fine for me to take it off if I was in a stable environment. I wouldn't think that school environments are very stable, so I'm not sure on what to suggest with that. By now, I'm sure your son is on summer break and hopefully better. I'm in my mid-20s, so at home and at work, I could take it off. I quit wearing my boot in mid-January, so after about 2 months.

To help with the swelling, I was told to elevate as often as possible. That obviously helps. I also tried some support hosery. Massage helps too. If you can con someone to massage it for you, it's even better;)

I opted not to go to physical therapy. Seeing as though it wasn't a joint injury, you're basically just pushing yourself to get your strength back. I liked working on the elliptical. It's a nice, low-impact option which you can get your heartrate up on. My doctor just kept telling me to listen to your body. You'll know good pain from bad pain. If it's bad pain, don't do it! The limp goes away slowly, but surly! I can't remember what month it went away, but I want to guess February/March, so month 3/4.

I'm at month 9 and am in a slump with getting back to running:( I can jog for about 5 minutes max, but then I feel it for a few days. Like with the rest of my recovery, I'm goint to try to be patient. The screw by my ankle seems to be irritated when I jog/run. I'm assuming it's because my range of motion is larger then, than when just walking. Again, just another hurdle to overcome.

I agree to push yourself, but make sure you don't push too much or you're going to take many steps backward.

For the scars, I've been applying Vitamin E to the scars, and they seemed to lighten up significantly. I'll never be a leg model (not that I was aspiring to be one), but at least I don't get weird looks when I wear shorts.

May 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I feel your pain!
by: Anonymous

i sustained a tib/fib fracture in 3 places on 1/29/09 and was given a walking boot on 5/1/09 and was told to put 50% weight on it. The fracture site is not painful but the tendons/ankle toes and foot swell if i am on it too much.

I am trying to rest it as much as possible, but I am a mom with three kids and well...there is not alot of time to rest it!

Good luck! A longer boot might work better! But i would check with your doctor!

Apr 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
i broke my tib fib dec 1309..
by: Anonymous

i broke my tib fib dec 13 08 and today is apr 28 09 - i broke it clear thru and got the titanium rod implant. i have been able to walk now without the boot and without crutches or a cane and im getting rid of the limp i have day by day. i heard from a friend (who is also an avid rock climber like myself) that did the same thing skateboarding and got the same implant that he was able to run again and even climb better than ever again after only about 10 months! i am at almost month 5 and i will be glad to run by 6 or 8 months - ive already climbed but not anywhere near as hard as i could before and it was on a safe top rope theres no way i could handle a bouldering fall -yet. i think everyones injurys are different but it is also good to listen to your body and rest if needed but also push through the pain if needed and get back to your daily routine wheter the leg feels ready or not - try it out in small steps and if it hurts a lot ease of - if it hurts a little then comes back better - then keep pushing it. my leg seemed to get better in levels like 2 steps forward and then 1 painful swollen step back and eventually 3 steps forward and only one small soe step back (thats where im at now) - keep it up - and seriously try (if your common sense agrees) other types of rehab/cross training; ive been bike riding a lot and doing a bit of easy climbing in the climbing gym on a safe topr rope - its low impact but high energy and a good calf workout - thats the last tip i have; do toe ups/calf raises with the good leg as a backup - it s the best single exercise i could find for my calf and tib/fib rehab.

Jan 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
walking boot
by: Bart - SII

unfortunately, I do not know of anything better at this point than the walking boot. He may have less pain and pulling if he was in a tall boot that came up over the fracture site, but it would still be heavy. Something to discuss with your doctor - the fact that he is still having pain and that the boot seems to make it worse.

Bart

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Sports Injury Answers - Ankle