How do you rehab a tibial plateau fracture?

0 to 1 week:

  1. Ice and modalities to reduce pain and inflammation.
  2. Use crutches non-weight bearing for 6 weeks.
  3. Brace for 6 weeks in full extension.
  4. Elevate the knee above the heart for the first 3 to 5 days.
  5. Initiate patella mobility drills.
  6. Begin full passive/active knee range of motion exercises.

When do you start physical therapy after tibial plateau fracture?

Tibial Plateau Fracture Rehab: Weeks 1-6: Your therapist will begin immediately with steps to reduce inflammation, calm pain, and begin to promote healing. The therapist focuses on maintaining knee extension and non-weight-bearing movement to promote healing and to prevent further pain and reinjury.

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

Exercises

  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 bend your knee with a tibial plateau fracture?

Symptoms of a Tibial Plateau Fracture 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. Deformity Around the Knee.

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.

How long before you can put weight on a tibial plateau fracture?

General Treatment Generally, you will not be allowed to put weight on your leg for 6 to 12 weeks. Once you do start putting weight on the leg, it will just be a little bit to begin with and then you can slowly increase the amount over time.

How long after a tibial plateau fracture can you walk?

Patients will need to use a walker or crutches for the first 6 weeks. Gentle motion of the knee is begun early to prevent stiffness. Gradually this motion is increased and physical therapy is begun around 6 weeks after surgery if the patient has residual knee or ankle stiffness.

How long does it take to heal a tibial plateau fracture?

Depending on health and injury pattern this bone can take 3-4 months to heal without surgery. Physical therapy for knee range of motion is started around 6 weeks once bone has healed enough to prevent displacement with motion.

How painful is a tibial plateau fracture?

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. This so-called “compartment syndrome” can lead to death of tissues.