The upper surface of the shinbone is called the tibial plateau. It plays an important role in supporting the knee and upper thighbones. Tibial plateau fractures are common injuries in sports that involve a high risk of sudden, hard falls such as skiing, water sports and horseback riding. To advance effective healing, rehabilitative exercises must be started immediately following surgery to repair the fracture. However, speak with your physician before starting any exercise routine.
Range of Motion Exercises
To keep the knee flexible and mobile, you should initiate range of motion exercises after about four days of rest following surgery, according to orthopaedic clinic Rosenberg Cooley Metcalf. With your leg encased in a wrap-around protective casing, release the clasps that hold the brace and begin range of motion exercises. Sitting up in bed or on a sofa, bend your knee so that your foot is flat on the surface and slide your heel towards your body. Slide it forward and back towards your body slowly 10 times at least three times a day to prevent it from seizing up.
Leg Lifts
You most likely will not be able to place weight on your injured leg for six to eight weeks and should practice using crutches so that you can get up and continue with leg strengthening exercises. You must strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee to support your leg once you start walking again. Stand behind a sturdy chair and keep weight off the injured tibial plateau. Lift your injured leg to the side as high as you can and lower it back down. Repeat 10 to 20 times every day.
Back Leg Lifts
To work the back of your legs, walk on crutches to a bed and lie face down on it. With your arms laid out against your sides, lift your injured leg as high as you can and lower it back down. Repeat 10 times and then perform the lefts on the other leg to maintain balanced strength. Keep the brace on while you perform leg lifts to maintain stability of the fracture and the knee joint. While you should be doing range of motion slides on your knee, you need to be careful not to twist it while performing other exercises.
Isometrics
Isometrics are exercises during which you isolate a muscle group and contract the muscles tightly to build strength. As you continue to gain strength, you should continue with thigh and buttock isometrics. Lie still and tighten the muscles on the top of one thigh and then release. Do the exercise 10 times and then perform it on the other leg. When you are sitting or lying down, squeeze your buttocks and hold for a count of five or ten and release. Repeat throughout the day.
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