Can Rehabilitation Be Done After Non-Healing Tibia Fracture Surgery?

Is it possible to undergo rehabilitation after a tibial fracture surgery if it has not healed?

It has been a year and a half since the surgery, but I still experience pain at the site of the incision when walking, and the bone has not healed.
Is there a problem? Can I still undergo rehabilitation if the metal screws have not been removed? Thank you, doctor, for your response.

peng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/06/16

Dr. Zhou Hongzhi reply Orthopedics

1.
It has been a year and a half since the surgery, and the fracture should have healed by now.

2.
If it has not healed, a second surgery may be necessary to remove the necrotic bone and perform a bone graft.

3.
Rehabilitation can be done while the metal pins are still in place, but if the fracture has not healed, the pins may shift.

4.
Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled after surgery, and instructions from the physician should be followed.

Reply Date: 2003/06/16

More Info

Rehabilitation after a non-healing tibia fracture surgery is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of several factors, including the current state of the fracture, the presence of any hardware (like plates or screws), and the overall health of the patient. Given that you have been experiencing pain at the site of the injury and that the bone has not healed after a year and a half, it is crucial to address these concerns comprehensively.

First, it is important to understand that the healing process for fractures can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as age, overall health, nutritional status, and the nature of the fracture itself can all influence healing. In your case, the fact that the bone has not healed after such a long period suggests that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed. This could include inadequate blood supply to the area, infection, or issues related to the hardware used in the surgery.

Regarding rehabilitation, it is generally advisable to begin physical therapy as soon as it is safe to do so, even if the bone has not fully healed. Physical therapy can help maintain range of motion, prevent stiffness, and strengthen the surrounding muscles, which is crucial for overall function and mobility. However, it is essential to approach rehabilitation cautiously, especially if there is ongoing pain or if the fracture has not healed. Engaging in rehabilitation without proper guidance can lead to further complications or exacerbate the injury.

If you still have the hardware in place, such as screws or plates, it is usually possible to start rehabilitation, but this should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. They can assess the stability of the fracture site and determine the appropriate level of activity that is safe for you. In some cases, if the hardware is causing pain or if it is determined that it is contributing to the non-healing of the fracture, your doctor may recommend its removal before proceeding with more aggressive rehabilitation.

Pain during walking at the fracture site is a significant concern and should not be ignored. It may indicate that the fracture is still unstable or that there is another issue at play, such as a nonunion or malunion of the fracture. It is essential to communicate this pain to your healthcare provider, as they may want to conduct imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to evaluate the healing process and the condition of the surrounding tissues.

In summary, while rehabilitation can be beneficial even after a non-healing tibia fracture, it must be approached with caution. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that considers your specific situation. They can provide guidance on when to start rehabilitation, what types of exercises are appropriate, and how to manage pain effectively. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are making informed decisions about your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Rehabilitation Concerns for Post-Surgery Recovery After a Tibia Fracture

Hello Dr. Chen: My mother was involved in a motorcycle accident in January, resulting in an open fracture of the tibia that required surgery and hospitalization. She has now been discharged and is recovering at home. The doctor mentioned that she needs to return for a follow-up a...

Dr. Chen Wayda reply Rehabilitation
(1) How should rehabilitation be conducted: After surgery, if there is swelling and pain, please visit the rehabilitation department for physical therapy. The initial goals are to reduce swelling and alleviate pain, as walking may not be possible for a period of time. Later, stre...

Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Knee Recovery After Tibia Fracture

I previously suffered a tibial fracture due to a car accident. I am now able to walk, but my knee still cannot fully extend like a normal leg. The doctor advised me to elevate my leg and apply pressure to the mid-thigh area to help straighten the knee. I have been doing this for ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Inability to fully extend the leg may be due to quadriceps weakness. After a fracture, immobilization with a cast or surgery can lead to disuse of the muscles for a period of time, resulting in muscle strength reduction. With active training or rehabilitation, it is usually possi...

Recovering from Severe Leg Fractures: Improving Knee Flexibility After Surgery

Hello Doctor: I sustained a left leg fracture due to a car accident as follows: On February 27, 2018, I underwent surgery for the application of an external fixator on the left tibia and closed reduction with internal fixation using steel nails for the fractures of the second, th...

Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
It is recommended to have the original surgeon follow up with an X-ray to confirm that rehabilitation can begin, as the bone needs to be stable before starting rehabilitation.

Can Rehabilitation Speed Up Recovery from a Severe Tibial Fracture?

Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on June 26 and sustained a comminuted fracture of the right tibia. I underwent surgery that night, during which a steel plate and screws were implanted. The doctor mentioned that the fracture was severe, and I have been using a four-point wa...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
A comminuted fracture of the tibia must heal before one can walk without assistive devices, which typically takes three to six months. If too much weight is placed on the fracture site before it has healed, there is a risk of displacement or re-fracture. This is not significantly...