Tibial Pilon Fracture... recovery?

cb477
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cb477
Edited Date/Time 5/7/2021 12:21pm
Ok, had a bad accident November of last year and severely broke my right ankle with a tibial pilon fracture (it shattered). Also had tibial plateau fracture (less severe but shattered) on left leg. Not here looking for sympathy, just curious if anyone else has had similar injury and how they have recovered/how well they can ride.

My left knee (tibial plateau) is still painful and am still gaining strength but is very bearable. My right ankle (pilon) is not so great. Have gained very little range of motion back and still lots of pain in general after 8 months of therapy. Extremely frustrating and disheartening. Tried to ride recently but stopped and tried to “retire”. Welp, that didn’t last and I’m going to start riding again soon..

Anyone here have a pilon fracture and have a decent recovery? Very hard to give up riding as most of us know.

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moto9
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moto9 10/29/2019 3:24am
10/29/2019 3:24am Edited Date/Time 10/29/2019 3:27am
My Tib/fib sprial fracture with rodding, was somewhat similar yours.
There is no easy was to rehab/recover, It's going to be painful.
Especially gaining back range of motion, you just have to bite the bullet and push past the pain.
Lots of icing helps, super cold water therapy also helps.
I rehabed at a sports medicine complex in San Diego they packed my leg in ice for 40 minutes before working on it and another 1/2 hr afterwards. The tech would bend my leg until tears were rolling down my face and I thought my leg was going to snap in two.
I also did my own ice water soaks to keep the swelling down during forced range of motion exercises between rehab apts.
I used a weight scale to monitor weight bearing strength and worked out on a stationary bike.
I was working my leg 4 to 5 times a day and was back to (light) riding in 4 months.
When I came out of surgery I said to myself this is it ...I quit...this sucks....and it's not worth it.
But a month or so down the road when I started to make some gains in recovery, I couldn't wait to get back on the bike again.
You have to push yourself and endure the pain, not so much as to cause a re-injury, but enough to quicken the healing process. you'll know the difference.
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zehn
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zehn 10/29/2019 3:31am
10/29/2019 3:31am
It’s a good thing your mind is extremely good at forgetting pain
1
kb228
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kb228 10/29/2019 3:57am
10/29/2019 3:57am Edited Date/Time 10/29/2019 4:08am
I had a tibial plateau fracture level 6 a little over a year ago. It takes a good 6 months to get somewhat normal. I broke mine in sept and was riding trails in late march. To date ive only ridden like 6 times all year.

Best things to help immediately after therapy is complete is stationary cycling and body weight exercises.

After that you basically need to stick to a training program. I find now if i dont do squats/deadlifts/spinbike it gets weak and will hurt. By hurt i mean the muscle rubbing on the plates and screws.
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cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 4:06am
10/29/2019 4:06am
kb228 wrote:
I had a tibial plateau fracture level 6 a little over a year ago. It takes a good 6 months to get somewhat normal. I broke...
I had a tibial plateau fracture level 6 a little over a year ago. It takes a good 6 months to get somewhat normal. I broke mine in sept and was riding trails in late march. To date ive only ridden like 6 times all year.

Best things to help immediately after therapy is complete is stationary cycling and body weight exercises.

After that you basically need to stick to a training program. I find now if i dont do squats/deadlifts/spinbike it gets weak and will hurt. By hurt i mean the muscle rubbing on the plates and screws.
Yeah, I have a bikeerg and cycle 4-6 times a week. Seems to help

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cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 4:11am
10/29/2019 4:11am
zehn wrote:
It’s a good thing your mind is extremely good at forgetting pain
No doubt about that.
jock
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jock 10/29/2019 4:11am
10/29/2019 4:11am
I crushed mine in 2010, and spent 7 months on crutches. Spent of lot time doing Physio trying to get the range of movement back, got some, but not much. Surgeon told me calcification would hinder the range of movement.
I waited 14 months before riding again, and am still riding now, but it is always in the back of my mind.
As for pain, I can walk all day and it is fine, can walk 18 holes of golf, but I run with a lip. Although, If I sit for a while, or when traveling, it takes a while to get it moving again.
I often get a burning sensation at times from nerve damage, but it doesn't last too long, maybe 15 minutes at most.

Heal up and get your arse back on the bike, just remember, you are not industructable. Smile

I was 43 when I broke mine, if you are younger, hopefully it turns out better for you. Cool


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neysbo
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neysbo 10/29/2019 6:16am
10/29/2019 6:16am
I had the Tibia Pilon fracture in 2003, it took me a good year to even get to the point of riding and getting a decent range of motion. Had all the hardware taken out in like 2008. That seemed to help but even to this day it is probably 75% of normal and still bothersome especially first thing in the morning. I am able to do about anything except run. I bike alot and still ride. Eventually will have to get it fused or a ankle replacement due to arthritis but holding off as long as can. Keep doing the things they showed you in physical therapy and it will get better , also your body will adapt as well. Good luck.
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cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 8:32am
10/29/2019 8:32am
neysbo wrote:
I had the Tibia Pilon fracture in 2003, it took me a good year to even get to the point of riding and getting a decent...
I had the Tibia Pilon fracture in 2003, it took me a good year to even get to the point of riding and getting a decent range of motion. Had all the hardware taken out in like 2008. That seemed to help but even to this day it is probably 75% of normal and still bothersome especially first thing in the morning. I am able to do about anything except run. I bike alot and still ride. Eventually will have to get it fused or a ankle replacement due to arthritis but holding off as long as can. Keep doing the things they showed you in physical therapy and it will get better , also your body will adapt as well. Good luck.
Sounds like we’re in the same boat. Can’t run, jump, etc.. only stationary exercises. Just had hardware taken out about 6 weeks ago. Doc said already had bad arthritis but he cleaned it up. Says I have maybe 5-7 years before I need fusion. Doesn’t help both my legs are healing at the same time.
jonboy688
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jonboy688 10/29/2019 9:44am
10/29/2019 9:44am Edited Date/Time 10/29/2019 9:45am
coming up on two years in nov.... sucks for sure, still feels funny but works semi normal...i would say i am about 70% normal on my pilon leg... 4 plates, 23 screws and a rod.. didnt walk for 7 months and three total surgeries
1
Rabbit Run 41 10/29/2019 1:01pm
10/29/2019 1:01pm
kb228 wrote:
I had a tibial plateau fracture level 6 a little over a year ago. It takes a good 6 months to get somewhat normal. I broke...
I had a tibial plateau fracture level 6 a little over a year ago. It takes a good 6 months to get somewhat normal. I broke mine in sept and was riding trails in late march. To date ive only ridden like 6 times all year.

Best things to help immediately after therapy is complete is stationary cycling and body weight exercises.

After that you basically need to stick to a training program. I find now if i dont do squats/deadlifts/spinbike it gets weak and will hurt. By hurt i mean the muscle rubbing on the plates and screws.
I had the left leg grenade (pilon) also in 2010. Frame cased a double. My ortho said it was the worst one he had seen Great to hear!They put an ex-fix cage on my leg first to stretch the leg so the fragments would float back into place.
3 plates, 17 screws. Removed the hardware 2 years later. That was the best for me.
The plates were rubbing on my boot.
I still get a nerve burn from time to time, but with mtn./road biking and an occasional dirt bike session, I am good.
I couldn't run correctly to save my life. I did give up track riding in late 2017 not because of my left ankle, but fear of future concussions. Too many hits to the head. As my ortho says, move it or loose it.
1
kb
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kb 10/29/2019 1:30pm
10/29/2019 1:30pm
In 2011 I shattered my tibial plateau, my Ortho said he'd only seen one worse, & they couldn't save it....
I was in a wheelchair for 4 months, when I could finally do pt, it went on regularly for at least a year. The
Dr.s would say I'd never ride again, that I was lucky it was still attached.....I went back to riding in 2015,
hoping to just be able to navigate my way around an mx track without getting in the way. Now I'm back to
racing, mainly the +60 exp.@ REM. Don't give up-
4
cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 1:55pm
10/29/2019 1:55pm
Rabbit Run 41 wrote:
I had the left leg grenade (pilon) also in 2010. Frame cased a double. My ortho said it was the worst one he had seen Great...
I had the left leg grenade (pilon) also in 2010. Frame cased a double. My ortho said it was the worst one he had seen Great to hear!They put an ex-fix cage on my leg first to stretch the leg so the fragments would float back into place.
3 plates, 17 screws. Removed the hardware 2 years later. That was the best for me.
The plates were rubbing on my boot.
I still get a nerve burn from time to time, but with mtn./road biking and an occasional dirt bike session, I am good.
I couldn't run correctly to save my life. I did give up track riding in late 2017 not because of my left ankle, but fear of future concussions. Too many hits to the head. As my ortho says, move it or loose it.
Ex-fix was a nightmare. To add salt to the wound I also fractured my wrist and it was casted. So I only had one working limb and had to live in a rehab facility for a few weeks. The plates were definitely rubbing in my boot too. Big reason I got the hardware removed. And also to possibly get more range of motion. I still get lots of nerve pain but don’t really anticipate that going away. Glad it worked out for you one way or another
cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 1:57pm
10/29/2019 1:57pm
jonboy688 wrote:
coming up on two years in nov.... sucks for sure, still feels funny but works semi normal...i would say i am about 70% normal on my...
coming up on two years in nov.... sucks for sure, still feels funny but works semi normal...i would say i am about 70% normal on my pilon leg... 4 plates, 23 screws and a rod.. didnt walk for 7 months and three total surgeries
Good to hear. I hope I can get around 70%. Just had surgery #3 last month to take out the hardware and do a little more work on my ankle joint and calf. You definitely had more hardware than me!
sdjeff
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sdjeff 10/29/2019 3:59pm
10/29/2019 3:59pm
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after 2 weeks my physical therapist started range of motion exercises. I'm only about 80% now and I don't think I'll improve from here without getting the metal out. I'm not able to run more than a hundred yards but I can still ride mx, mountain bike, and basically do anything that isn't impacting like running or jumping.

One thing that helped a lot to get some strength before I started weight bearing was doing a zero-g treadmill. See if you can find a sports therapy place around you where you can schedule some time on it. It will let you start at 0% body weight and slowly increase while walking on a treadmill. The other thing that was hard was living alone while going through it. I bought an i-Walk and it allowed me to do things around the house like cleaning and cooking, mow the lawn, etc and really helped with my mood. It was a great conversation starter when out and about too https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

The thing I learned the most was to be careful with the pain medication. I was only on it for 2 weeks and I had some really bad withdrawal symptoms that lasted for months. I even have a pretty embarrassing thread here while I was going through it. I would suggest limiting yourself to the absolute minimum possible.
3
coastlinecascot 10/29/2019 4:46pm
10/29/2019 4:46pm
sdjeff wrote:
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after...
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after 2 weeks my physical therapist started range of motion exercises. I'm only about 80% now and I don't think I'll improve from here without getting the metal out. I'm not able to run more than a hundred yards but I can still ride mx, mountain bike, and basically do anything that isn't impacting like running or jumping.

One thing that helped a lot to get some strength before I started weight bearing was doing a zero-g treadmill. See if you can find a sports therapy place around you where you can schedule some time on it. It will let you start at 0% body weight and slowly increase while walking on a treadmill. The other thing that was hard was living alone while going through it. I bought an i-Walk and it allowed me to do things around the house like cleaning and cooking, mow the lawn, etc and really helped with my mood. It was a great conversation starter when out and about too https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

The thing I learned the most was to be careful with the pain medication. I was only on it for 2 weeks and I had some really bad withdrawal symptoms that lasted for months. I even have a pretty embarrassing thread here while I was going through it. I would suggest limiting yourself to the absolute minimum possible.
Thanks for the iwalk tip. 1 month in on a Talus neck break. I'm going to try it
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cb477
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cb477 10/29/2019 6:53pm
10/29/2019 6:53pm
sdjeff wrote:
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after...
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after 2 weeks my physical therapist started range of motion exercises. I'm only about 80% now and I don't think I'll improve from here without getting the metal out. I'm not able to run more than a hundred yards but I can still ride mx, mountain bike, and basically do anything that isn't impacting like running or jumping.

One thing that helped a lot to get some strength before I started weight bearing was doing a zero-g treadmill. See if you can find a sports therapy place around you where you can schedule some time on it. It will let you start at 0% body weight and slowly increase while walking on a treadmill. The other thing that was hard was living alone while going through it. I bought an i-Walk and it allowed me to do things around the house like cleaning and cooking, mow the lawn, etc and really helped with my mood. It was a great conversation starter when out and about too https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

The thing I learned the most was to be careful with the pain medication. I was only on it for 2 weeks and I had some really bad withdrawal symptoms that lasted for months. I even have a pretty embarrassing thread here while I was going through it. I would suggest limiting yourself to the absolute minimum possible.
Same here, no cast besides the two weeks after the ex-fix was removed. Was allowed to work on range of motion fairly quick. Unfortunately I broke both legs and my wrist all in one, so I was wheelchair bound for 3 months so couldn’t use something like the iwalk. Couldn’t shit, shower, or do anything without help from my Wife. Hopefully now that my hardware is out I can make more progress. I’m military and we have a zero-g trainer, but they have elected for me not to use it for some reason. Going to try to get them to let me use it.
inthebadboycorner 10/29/2019 7:09pm
10/29/2019 7:09pm
This type of thread need xrays so we can better understand and be grossed out.
Rabbit Run 41 10/29/2019 7:14pm
10/29/2019 7:14pm
Rabbit Run 41 wrote:
I had the left leg grenade (pilon) also in 2010. Frame cased a double. My ortho said it was the worst one he had seen Great...
I had the left leg grenade (pilon) also in 2010. Frame cased a double. My ortho said it was the worst one he had seen Great to hear!They put an ex-fix cage on my leg first to stretch the leg so the fragments would float back into place.
3 plates, 17 screws. Removed the hardware 2 years later. That was the best for me.
The plates were rubbing on my boot.
I still get a nerve burn from time to time, but with mtn./road biking and an occasional dirt bike session, I am good.
I couldn't run correctly to save my life. I did give up track riding in late 2017 not because of my left ankle, but fear of future concussions. Too many hits to the head. As my ortho says, move it or loose it.
cb477 wrote:
Ex-fix was a nightmare. To add salt to the wound I also fractured my wrist and it was casted. So I only had one working limb...
Ex-fix was a nightmare. To add salt to the wound I also fractured my wrist and it was casted. So I only had one working limb and had to live in a rehab facility for a few weeks. The plates were definitely rubbing in my boot too. Big reason I got the hardware removed. And also to possibly get more range of motion. I still get lots of nerve pain but don’t really anticipate that going away. Glad it worked out for you one way or another
I thought breaking my right tibia three years later made more sense. That was a clean break and a cake walk compared to the left tib/fib. The surgeries produced absolutely the worst pain without passing out that I have ever experienced. I also sprinkled in a fractured hip and shoulder blade between those two. (A serious Chadapult moment without the grassy slope to slide down) My wife was pissed because I wore out a new recliner couch in four years! That poor woman dumped out sooo many pee bottles... I still did't quit moto 'cause this sport is a bad habit. Hard to quit. Now with the limp and the scars, I get the RM250 out to play on the trails without regret.

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brocster
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brocster 10/29/2019 9:59pm
10/29/2019 9:59pm
sdjeff wrote:
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after...
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after 2 weeks my physical therapist started range of motion exercises. I'm only about 80% now and I don't think I'll improve from here without getting the metal out. I'm not able to run more than a hundred yards but I can still ride mx, mountain bike, and basically do anything that isn't impacting like running or jumping.

One thing that helped a lot to get some strength before I started weight bearing was doing a zero-g treadmill. See if you can find a sports therapy place around you where you can schedule some time on it. It will let you start at 0% body weight and slowly increase while walking on a treadmill. The other thing that was hard was living alone while going through it. I bought an i-Walk and it allowed me to do things around the house like cleaning and cooking, mow the lawn, etc and really helped with my mood. It was a great conversation starter when out and about too https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

The thing I learned the most was to be careful with the pain medication. I was only on it for 2 weeks and I had some really bad withdrawal symptoms that lasted for months. I even have a pretty embarrassing thread here while I was going through it. I would suggest limiting yourself to the absolute minimum possible.
cb477 wrote:
Same here, no cast besides the two weeks after the ex-fix was removed. Was allowed to work on range of motion fairly quick. Unfortunately I broke...
Same here, no cast besides the two weeks after the ex-fix was removed. Was allowed to work on range of motion fairly quick. Unfortunately I broke both legs and my wrist all in one, so I was wheelchair bound for 3 months so couldn’t use something like the iwalk. Couldn’t shit, shower, or do anything without help from my Wife. Hopefully now that my hardware is out I can make more progress. I’m military and we have a zero-g trainer, but they have elected for me not to use it for some reason. Going to try to get them to let me use it.
Did pilon tib fib, wrist and two metacarples. All left side coming up on two years. 4 plates 18 screws in ankle, plate in wrist and 4pins in hand. I rode at 14 months after feeling I was the best I was going to get but to be truthful I am still healing and getting better. Can just about run and jumped off my tailgate a couple weeks back. Little stiff in the a.m. but loosens up after a few steps and is good to go for the day. Do a search on here for Pilon Fracture and PRP therapy as I updated a fair amount when down and out. Good luck man if you push you’ll get back 80 to 90%. Was 49 at the time and bout to be 52. Downsized to a 125and having a blast. Ride on....
1
coastlinecascot 11/8/2019 7:25am
11/8/2019 7:25am
sdjeff wrote:
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after...
I'm at 2 years now from a tibia pilon. 1 plate, 7 or 8 screws, one nail in my fib. I was never casted so after 2 weeks my physical therapist started range of motion exercises. I'm only about 80% now and I don't think I'll improve from here without getting the metal out. I'm not able to run more than a hundred yards but I can still ride mx, mountain bike, and basically do anything that isn't impacting like running or jumping.

One thing that helped a lot to get some strength before I started weight bearing was doing a zero-g treadmill. See if you can find a sports therapy place around you where you can schedule some time on it. It will let you start at 0% body weight and slowly increase while walking on a treadmill. The other thing that was hard was living alone while going through it. I bought an i-Walk and it allowed me to do things around the house like cleaning and cooking, mow the lawn, etc and really helped with my mood. It was a great conversation starter when out and about too https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

The thing I learned the most was to be careful with the pain medication. I was only on it for 2 weeks and I had some really bad withdrawal symptoms that lasted for months. I even have a pretty embarrassing thread here while I was going through it. I would suggest limiting yourself to the absolute minimum possible.
I just bought and recieved one from your recommendation. It works and allowed me to be more mobile. I'm only on my 3rd day. Im still sketchy with it. However im improving. Maybe by next week I'll be good to go.
brocster
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brocster 11/8/2019 3:51pm
11/8/2019 3:51pm
With the iwalk. I found it easier to use for it to be adjusted a tad shorter than my good leg. When adjusted at the same height I stubbed the toe alot. I also modded the knee pad. I ordered a replacement and stuck it on top of the other for a double stack. Uber comfortable, was a game changer for me for sure!
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SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 11/8/2019 7:03pm
11/8/2019 7:03pm
I had an Iwalk also and loved it. Took a little time to adapt to it but really allowed me to live a more normal live during this time.
Patrick461
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Patrick461 11/8/2019 8:56pm
11/8/2019 8:56pm
Whatever you do, do not get ankle fusion you’ll walk like Quasimodo it’s a horrible horrible surgery and has life long irreversible consequences. Do not let anyone try to talk you into that.
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 3/9/2020 3:43pm
3/9/2020 3:43pm
Sorry to rehash an old thread, but to anyone who posted on here before I'm really curious to hear about your updates and any progress.

I'm two weeks post surgery for my left leg Pilon Fracture. The first 5-7 days I was in a fog of pain pills and general tiredness. Now that I'm more "there" I have begun to realize the extent of this injury and how serious it is. While googling and researching this thread popped up.

We rented a hospital type bed that raises the legs and head via remote, and I basically live in the thing. Can't go upstairs to sleep with the wife. The reality that this will be my life for the next few months is slowly creeping in and its really hard not to get your spirits down.

There's obviously TONS of horror stories out there in internet land, but I was hoping to hear of any positive recoveries from this.
jonboy688
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jonboy688 3/9/2020 4:09pm
3/9/2020 4:09pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
Sorry to rehash an old thread, but to anyone who posted on here before I'm really curious to hear about your updates and any progress. I'm...
Sorry to rehash an old thread, but to anyone who posted on here before I'm really curious to hear about your updates and any progress.

I'm two weeks post surgery for my left leg Pilon Fracture. The first 5-7 days I was in a fog of pain pills and general tiredness. Now that I'm more "there" I have begun to realize the extent of this injury and how serious it is. While googling and researching this thread popped up.

We rented a hospital type bed that raises the legs and head via remote, and I basically live in the thing. Can't go upstairs to sleep with the wife. The reality that this will be my life for the next few months is slowly creeping in and its really hard not to get your spirits down.

There's obviously TONS of horror stories out there in internet land, but I was hoping to hear of any positive recoveries from this.
Hang in there man. I am 2 years and a few months post surgery. I ain’t 100% by any means, but I am ok with what I have, it is way better then not having a lower leg. The first 6 months are brutal!!! It really took me basically a year to overcome the injury. Then after that it was better and better. I still elevate my leg after a day of work, I still have swelling when I am on it all day. But I don’t let it hold me back at all. It still burns from nerve damage. But it is what it is. I had got a fabtech brace which really helped me once I was released for fwb, I couldn’t of done it without it. I have retired it for over a year now and still have a huge cankle and limited movement. I learned to scoot up the stairs on my but backwards to sleep in the bed, and soon mastered using crutches to get up and down the stairs. Also looking into the iwalk it will help you get around better in the house. Then a knee scooter for anytime you go out! I even bought the off road model with the knobie tires and rear shock to take to the races to watch my buddies. there is a good Facebook group called pilon fractures suck! I would suggest to join the group and you can see what you have to deal with from different people and different level of breaks.
reded
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reded 3/9/2020 4:26pm
3/9/2020 4:26pm Edited Date/Time 3/9/2020 4:30pm
My brother had this type of fracture back in 2015 and while it took some time to heal, he’s good to go albeit limited on his ROM. I know how you’re feeling and what you’re going through (I had a Tib/Fib break in ‘18) but it will pass as you start to heal, get back to moving around and can be productive again. Watch your intake on those fucking pills and ditch them as soon as the pain is tolerable.
By all means, get the scooter! Hell I used to go to the grocery store and pull the cart behind me when I was on one. Makes life so much better to get away from those fucking crutches.
rmxfreak
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rmxfreak 3/9/2020 4:35pm
3/9/2020 4:35pm Edited Date/Time 3/9/2020 4:46pm
Hi Team,I am in the 6th month of a right tib fib trimalleor fracture -right ankle.I am 49 years old and in reasonable health.
I had two weeks In hospital externally fixated before final surgery to plate and screw my breaks.I have two plates and 15 screws.Recovery was four months non weight bearing and I’m into the second month of weight bearing.Non weight bearing was crap ! -no driving and hence being at the mercy of others to get around (I have a very understanding wife fortunately).
But next stage weight bearing has been great -I can drive and as of this week I have full dorsaflexion and walking slowly without a limp.The progress in month two has been amazing.I have been religious about my rehab which is a lot of leg weights and physio instructed exercises.The muscle atrophy that I have heard a lot about is very true ! But two months of rehab and my calf muscle is on the improve and I suspect my legs will be stronger at the end of this journey.
I am a long way off running -I suspect that sustained running won’t be possible.But moto should be ok after I get the surgeons green light later this year (they said 12 months no moto post operation).
All I would say to those going through this is is stay positive, stay off the pain meds as soon as you can, and be prepared to get very frustrated whilst non weight bearing -it sucks ! But there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
I will attach some photos of my journey.
Stay strong guys !





MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 3/9/2020 4:40pm
3/9/2020 4:40pm
Thank you guys!

Luckily my pain management has been pretty good. I was on Percocet only for a day or two after I got home and haven't needed them since. I really don't have any pain, which sounds like I am lucky. For me it's the non-stop tingling and "dead foot" feeling from the nerves. More of a nuisance than pain.

I'm coming to the realization that it's very likely I won't be 100% again. No more triathlons and long distance runs. Which is OK by me, that stuff wasn't a passion of mine. As long as I can surf and ride, i'll be OK

To make matters worse my wife is 8 months pregnant with our first child and I just PRAY that when our daughter is here I am somewhat able to help with the baby.

I found that FB group earlier today and requested to join. I'm sure I'll get a lot of help and support there.
reded
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reded 3/9/2020 5:57pm
3/9/2020 5:57pm
I wish I could tell you that the nerve damage goes away but after 2yrs I’m still battling it. It doesn’t hinder me in any way but it’s always there.
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cb477
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cb477 3/9/2020 7:14pm
3/9/2020 7:14pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
Sorry to rehash an old thread, but to anyone who posted on here before I'm really curious to hear about your updates and any progress. I'm...
Sorry to rehash an old thread, but to anyone who posted on here before I'm really curious to hear about your updates and any progress.

I'm two weeks post surgery for my left leg Pilon Fracture. The first 5-7 days I was in a fog of pain pills and general tiredness. Now that I'm more "there" I have begun to realize the extent of this injury and how serious it is. While googling and researching this thread popped up.

We rented a hospital type bed that raises the legs and head via remote, and I basically live in the thing. Can't go upstairs to sleep with the wife. The reality that this will be my life for the next few months is slowly creeping in and its really hard not to get your spirits down.

There's obviously TONS of horror stories out there in internet land, but I was hoping to hear of any positive recoveries from this.
What’s up man. Sorry to hear about that. It sucks. I made this post obviously 5 months ago but I’ve definitely gotten better. My breaks happened in November 2018 and considering I broke both tibs (right ankle, left knee) it made it that much harder to get better. They both shattered, but the ankle is way worse. Doc said there were a ton of small fragments that couldn’t be saved. Now that I’m almost a year and a half post break and surgery, ive gotten maybe 30-35% of my ROM back. I will say, I got my hardware taken out of my ankle in September and it certainly aided in pain reduction and I gained a little more ROM since being locked in the same extremely limited ROM for months. The pain is certainly not as bad as it was for the first year. I had crucial pain nonstop for most of that time. It is better now, but I also still get a lot of nerve pain. So expect that.

With that said, I won’t be able to run, jump, and do any aggressive leg movements again. Just don’t have the ROM for it and doc says I have no cartilage left so it’s completely bone on bone. Doc expects fusion/replacement in the near future (I’m 29 so replacement isn’t an option quite yet). Like someone else said, I had a pretty big Kankle for awhile. After we removed hardware it did go down some, but definitely doesn’t look the same as normal. Hurts a lot still to squeez my toes in and I limp often because of pain and ROM. Also doesn’t help that my opposite knee still act up too.

As for riding, I tried to ride wayyy too early. I started riding about 6 months post surgery and it was extremely stupid. I was no where near ready to be doing that and eventually decided to quit again shortly after. I started riding again about 3 months ago, so a little over a year post-surgery, and it is so much better now. Still get pretty bad pain sometimes but you learn to adapt foot placement to mitigate that.

My advice, do not rush anything. Give it as much time as possible and stay positive. I definitely tried rushing too quickly and it was foolish. I’ll attach some pictures so you can kind of compare. I added two of my knee just got funsies.







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