Charles V. Toman, MD - 4/15/2009

Question
On April 21 I broke my tibia and fibula in a car accident. it was a displaced non compound fracture appox 2 inches above the ankle of the right leg. I had a internal fixation done a few hour later and have been recovering quickly. I have had very little pain and only some purple when I when I over do it. My question is how long does it normally take to start weight bearing again. I am a very active person. Due to my job as a RN I cant work till I can use something smaller then my knee wheeler. My surgeon seems wishy washy about giving me a firm time probably because he knows me and will push myself but I would like to get a ball park. Thanks.

P.S. I have about 90% of all motion of the leg non weight bearing as I had before Probably would have 100% but being good about not over doing it.

Elizabeth Scarfe

Answer
Elizabeth,

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this type of injury.  breaking a bone and subsequent surgery is quite painful.  I am glad that you are doing well.

As for weightbearing, the decision to allow weight bearing and the exact extent is dependent on multiple factors including the configuration of the fracture, bone quality, other injuries and the type of fixation used.  The only way to determine this is to know those parameters and to see the X-rays.

Ask your doctor these questions and he should be able to give you an answer.

A simple fracture pattern with good bony apposition and an intramedullary nail would be full weightbearing the day after surgery.

A comminuted fracture near the articular surface with plates and screws could be nonweightbearing for 3 months or more.

Hopefully this has been helpful, but I just don't have the information needed to give you a better ball park figure.

Let me know if there is anything more I can help you with and good luck.