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theabortionator
April, 2025

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Anyone have experience with broken tibias?

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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
So I broke my tibia pretty good at spring pass at Hood. 2nd day of the trip which sucked terribly Spiral fracture with a comminuted bone, it was a mess.


anyway long story short I had to get an emergency surgery out there before flying home and they had to hammer a rod in my leg that’s about the length of my tibia and attach it with screws up towards my knee and down by my ankle. Has anyone ever had this procedure before and if so how has it affected your skiing? What was your recovery time like and when you were “cleared” by doctors did you still have to take it easy riding well after your clearing date? Any experiences would be appreciated, just trying to get an idea of what next season could look like.
a year ago
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Yukon_Cornelius
Posts: 307 - Karma: 2,664
Idk anything about this injury bro but I hereby clear us to ski together next season 🤝
a year ago
13 1
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
Yukon_CorneliusIdk anything about this injury bro but I hereby clear us to ski together next season 🤝


Real talk 💯
a year ago
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Slowbro
Posts: 4113 - Karma: 24,470
Yup I broke my tibia at the ankle in June about 10 years ago. I was back on tramp by November and back skiing by December. I don’t remember having any real issues getting back into skiing but mine was a rather clean break. I don’t have any lingering problems with it.

just make sure to listen to your PT and you’ll be alright, good luck
a year ago
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
SlowbroYup I broke my tibia at the ankle in June about 10 years ago. I was back on tramp by November and back skiing by December. I don’t remember having any real issues getting back into skiing but mine was a rather clean break. I don’t have any lingering problems with it.

just make sure to listen to your PT and you’ll be alright, good luck

Good to know. Mine was broken right in the middle and wasn’t anything near clean, however the docs said it was a good thing I didn’t have the break closer to my ankle or knee because that would have caused even more problems.
a year ago
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Farmville420
Posts: 5123 - Karma: 66,628
My Dad and my good friend both broke their tibias, my friend runs triathlons now and my dad was fine after, heal up boss
a year ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52487 - Karma: 172,752
What's the healing like with that. Are they keeping the hardware in for life or do you have an option to have it removed once it's healed?

Sounds like a gnarly one though. good luck my dude!
a year ago
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lootlake
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 6,991
Dang dude sucks to hear, wishing you a quick and easy recovery!
a year ago
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
theabortionatorWhat's the healing like with that. Are they keeping the hardware in for life or do you have an option to have it removed once it's healed?

Sounds like a gnarly one though. good luck my dude!


I think the goal is to keep it in for life since it would be a whole ‘nother process to get it out. But they told me some people do get them taken out, typically super skinny-legged people since the screws protrude a little bit
a year ago
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Dlonetti
Posts: 1986 - Karma: 21,236
generic injury advice but rehab like youre a pro athlete and develop a good relationship with the gym
a year ago
6 1
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b0ss
Posts: 820 - Karma: 6,356
Dayum! Sorry to hear that. No joint damage no problem most of the time. I too am a sucker for end of season injuries.
a year ago
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profa_212
Posts: 9150 - Karma: 39,557
Is it above or below your boot line?


My buddy had a full flopper leg last summer, and while he was able to ski this last winter, it was pretty painful due to the break and screws being put in below his boot line. He mostly had to ski soft days and touring. Buuut he said that if it was above his boot, he would have had no issues. Once he had his screws taken out he was able to ski a lot more aggressive again.
a year ago
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original
Posts: 378 - Karma: 916
I broke my tibia this March, pretty much the exact same situation. Spiral fracture of tibia, fibula unimpacted. Comminuted sounds gnary tho, mine was a clean break. Had to fly back to Canada since I was in the states when I had the injury, bit of a shitshow but otherwise all went well. Got the tibial rod as well, and i'm exactly 3 months out from the injury right now. They say 4-6 months for 'full recovery'.

At this point, I've been doing PT for a while and the outcome with the rod has been really good. No severe pain, but the leg feels pretty stiff in the mornings, and it's been definitely weaker. I've been able to do short runs, swimming, and some golf + beach volleyball, albeit at a slower pace. I'm pretty optimistic about next season, I'll definitely be skiing, but might take it down a notch.

Can't really comment on long term, but i'd stay pretty positive on your outcomes, especially if you're young, it'll all heal up pretty nicely. I heard some people take the screws out once it's all healed since it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable in the boot, but generally the rod stays in for good. You won't even notice it.
a year ago
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.bo.
Posts: 448 - Karma: 133
Hope recovery is going well that sounds gnarly! Did a tib/fib compound fracture about 10 years ago while shredding. Sounds like a similar surgery and the same exact hardware as you + 3 additional surgeries due to skin infection. Was about 3 months before I walked again (March-June) and was running and training by September.

As others have said, take the gym and PT pretty serious and you'll be good. My break was above the boot. Right above my boot would swell like crazy (but not hurt) for a few years post injury but that has gone away. From a more long term perspective, you will absolutely be able to get back to the same level or more but it will take time. My first season post break was really gaining confidence more than anything else, year 2 was when I started doing most of my tricks again. 10 years later now and I've continued to build too! The gym becomes even more important after stuff like this and that's what I believe has been the reason for the longevity post injury. You may end up wanting some hardware out - got the screws out of my ankle about 4 years ago.

Keep your head up if you have any questions lmk!
a year ago
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
profa_212Is it above or below your boot line?


My buddy had a full flopper leg last summer, and while he was able to ski this last winter, it was pretty painful due to the break and screws being put in below his boot line. He mostly had to ski soft days and touring. Buuut he said that if it was above his boot, he would have had no issues. Once he had his screws taken out he was able to ski a lot more aggressive again.


.bo.Hope recovery is going well that sounds gnarly! Did a tib/fib compound fracture about 10 years ago while shredding. Sounds like a similar surgery and the same exact hardware as you + 3 additional surgeries due to skin infection. Was about 3 months before I walked again (March-June) and was running and training by September.

As others have said, take the gym and PT pretty serious and you'll be good. My break was above the boot. Right above my boot would swell like crazy (but not hurt) for a few years post injury but that has gone away. From a more long term perspective, you will absolutely be able to get back to the same level or more but it will take time. My first season post break was really gaining confidence more than anything else, year 2 was when I started doing most of my tricks again. 10 years later now and I've continued to build too! The gym becomes even more important after stuff like this and that's what I believe has been the reason for the longevity post injury. You may end up wanting some hardware out - got the screws out of my ankle about 4 years ago.

Keep your head up if you have any questions lmk!


Preciate the responses.


I have 2/4 of my screws below the boot line. I wonder if I could get my boot shells punched in the spots where they might rub on the boot. Then again the one screw goes in from the front and that’s not really an area you can just punch out since it’s multiple layers of the boot right there and that has to be the tightest part of a boot to hold the heels down.
a year ago
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killa242
Posts: 41 - Karma: 223
My friend was doing some spring touring in the Jackson Hole area years ago, and while climbing a spine he slipped and fell off, slid over 1,000ft down the face of the mountain and hit a rock band feet first which broke his tibia and fibula on both legs. Similarly he got rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery where they put multiple rods in both legs. He was in a wheelchair for over 3 months and had lots of PT. This happened in May of 2019 and he was skiing the following winter and now 5 years later he says he forgets that he has the rods in there. Point of the story is give it time, do your PT and don't rush the process. Your body is very capable to heal itself if you give it the opportunity to do so.
a year ago
3 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
killa242My friend was doing some spring touring in the Jackson Hole area years ago, and while climbing a spine he slipped and fell off, slid over 1,000ft down the face of the mountain and hit a rock band feet first which broke his tibia and fibula on both legs. Similarly he got rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery where they put multiple rods in both legs. He was in a wheelchair for over 3 months and had lots of PT. This happened in May of 2019 and he was skiing the following winter and now 5 years later he says he forgets that he has the rods in there. Point of the story is give it time, do your PT and don't rush the process. Your body is very capable to heal itself if you give it the opportunity to do so.

Holy frick. Pretty inspiring I must say. Already started PT and I’m taking it as seriously as I can I’m just praying that will get me as far as I hope it does.
a year ago
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Zteezegod
Posts: 128 - Karma: 723
What’s a tibia again
a year ago
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
ZteezegodWhat’s a tibia again

Inner bone that runs from ankle to knee
a year ago
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OregonDead
Posts: 7052 - Karma: 26,363
weastcoatPreciate the responses.


I have 2/4 of my screws below the boot line. I wonder if I could get my boot shells punched in the spots where they might rub on the boot. Then again the one screw goes in from the front and that’s not really an area you can just punch out since it’s multiple layers of the boot right there and that has to be the tightest part of a boot to hold the heels down.


You can totally get your boots punched out for this. If you need a guy Bob at Alpine Race Center on Mt. Hood has experience at that exact sort of thing
a year ago
1 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
OregonDeadYou can totally get your boots punched out for this. If you need a guy Bob at Alpine Race Center on Mt. Hood has experience at that exact sort of thing

That’s great intel, unfortunately I live back in PA so I’ll have to find someone on the east coast with similar experience. The swelling in my leg is down enough to where I can already feel the screws when I have my boot on so I can imagine it might be an issue with ski boots.
a year ago
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weatcoast
Posts: 328 - Karma: -3,189
Stop being a pussy then.
weastcoatThat’s great intel, unfortunately I live back in PA so I’ll have to find someone on the east coast with similar experience. The swelling in my leg is down enough to where I can already feel the screws when I have my boot on so I can imagine it might be an issue with ski boots.
a year ago
1 2
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OregonDead
Posts: 7052 - Karma: 26,363
weastcoatThat’s great intel, unfortunately I live back in PA so I’ll have to find someone on the east coast with similar experience. The swelling in my leg is down enough to where I can already feel the screws when I have my boot on so I can imagine it might be an issue with ski boots.


If that doesn't work out I know some people will fly out to Mt. Hood to get their work done by Bob. I think a large percentage of his clients are actually from out of state. You'll want to get your boots all customized for sure so you won't feel the screws
10 months ago
0 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
OregonDeadIf that doesn't work out I know some people will fly out to Mt. Hood to get their work done by Bob. I think a large percentage of his clients are actually from out of state. You'll want to get your boots all customized for sure so you won't feel the screws


Interesting. I’ll be living in Utah by October or so so maybe I’ll make the drive out from SLC
10 months ago
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Dlonetti
Posts: 1986 - Karma: 21,236
weastcoatInteresting. I’ll be living in Utah by October or so so maybe I’ll make the drive out from SLC

bootfitters are essentially wizards in the ski world. there’s a guy that learned from a shop in Idaho that i go to in MN and he got me punched to perfection. finding one who knows what they’re doing is super valuable
10 months ago
0 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
Dlonettibootfitters are essentially wizards in the ski world. there’s a guy that learned from a shop in Idaho that i go to in MN and he got me punched to perfection. finding one who knows what they’re doing is super valuable

There are similar ones in DC, went to this guy before and he knew his shit. Similar thing, people would fly / drive in from far places to get fitted by him. Might give him a call and see if he’s got any experience with punching specifically due to internal hardware.
10 months ago
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1674 - Karma: 16,106
so sorry to hear about this dude. hoping you have a good recovery for sure!
curious - how is the rod oriented with respect to your tibia?

**This post was edited on Jun 20th 2024 at 12:28:03pm
10 months ago
0 0
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weatcoast
Posts: 328 - Karma: -3,189
only on Newschoolers will you find morons asking teenagers on online forums for advice rather than following doctor recommendations
10 months ago
0 5
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
bennwithtwonsso sorry to hear about this dude. hoping you have a good recovery for sure!
curious - how is the rod oriented with respect to your tibia?

**This post was edited on Jun 20th 2024 at 12:28:03pm

They hammered one through the center of the bone, guess there’s a gap that’s big enough to pound a 7mm or something kinda titanium rod through. Not sure how that affects bone marrow tho but who knows.
10 months ago
0 0
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1674 - Karma: 16,106
Damn dude that sounds super fuckin gnarly. Good luck with your rehab. Hopefully you can work around those screws so you don’t need to undergo another procedure, although my guess is that one would have a very quick recovery compared to what you’ve already been through. Stay positive homey. We’ll all be here talkin shit as always so make sure to keep us posted
weastcoatThey hammered one through the center of the bone, guess there’s a gap that’s big enough to pound a 7mm or something kinda titanium rod through. Not sure how that affects bone marrow tho but who knows.
10 months ago
1 0
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Itsnotmywallet
Posts: 309 - Karma: 3,956
Say your sorry to the rock.
10 months ago
1 0
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NEWT
Posts: 21 - Karma: 104
10 months ago
2 0
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STEEZUS_CHRI5T
Posts: 3021 - Karma: 23,264
Yes, I have experience with a broken tibia. Broke it skiing and also had to fly home with rods in my leg, sucked. Took 5-6 months until I could walk. I was cleared to ski but didn't that year. 2 years later, my ankle hurts in the morning and is stiff but I run and workout routinely. Physically, my skiing and running is unaffected but my park days are over.




10 months ago
1 0
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STEEZUS_CHRI5T
Posts: 3021 - Karma: 23,264
.bo.Hope recovery is going well that sounds gnarly! Did a tib/fib compound fracture about 10 years ago while shredding. Sounds like a similar surgery and the same exact hardware as you + 3 additional surgeries due to skin infection. Was about 3 months before I walked again (March-June) and was running and training by September.

As others have said, take the gym and PT pretty serious and you'll be good. My break was above the boot. Right above my boot would swell like crazy (but not hurt) for a few years post injury but that has gone away. From a more long term perspective, you will absolutely be able to get back to the same level or more but it will take time. My first season post break was really gaining confidence more than anything else, year 2 was when I started doing most of my tricks again. 10 years later now and I've continued to build too! The gym becomes even more important after stuff like this and that's what I believe has been the reason for the longevity post injury. You may end up wanting some hardware out - got the screws out of my ankle about 4 years ago.

Keep your head up if you have any questions lmk!


Did they give you a pic line for the infection?
10 months ago
0 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
STEEZUS_CHRI5TYes, I have experience with a broken tibia. Broke it skiing and also had to fly home with rods in my leg, sucked. Took 5-6 months until I could walk. I was cleared to ski but didn't that year. 2 years later, my ankle hurts in the morning and is stiff but I run and workout routinely. Physically, my skiing and running is unaffected but my park days are over.






Holy fucking smokes
10 months ago
0 0
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weatcoast
Posts: 328 - Karma: -3,189
what trick were you doing to break it like that? did it hurt
STEEZUS_CHRI5TYes, I have experience with a broken tibia. Broke it skiing and also had to fly home with rods in my leg, sucked. Took 5-6 months until I could walk. I was cleared to ski but didn't that year. 2 years later, my ankle hurts in the morning and is stiff but I run and workout routinely. Physically, my skiing and running is unaffected but my park days are over.




10 months ago
1 1
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
weatcoastwhat trick were you doing to break it like that? did it hurt


Fuck you
10 months ago
1 0
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turntable
Posts: 2724 - Karma: 751
STEEZUS_CHRI5TYes, I have experience with a broken tibia. Broke it skiing and also had to fly home with rods in my leg, sucked. Took 5-6 months until I could walk. I was cleared to ski but didn't that year. 2 years later, my ankle hurts in the morning and is stiff but I run and workout routinely. Physically, my skiing and running is unaffected but my park days are over.






omg. how did you crash?
10 months ago
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Rparr
Posts: 5740 - Karma: 48,921
how is the leg doing now, been a couple months right?
10 months ago
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weastcoat
Posts: 6498 - Karma: 75,244
Rparrhow is the leg doing now, been a couple months right?

Better. Got the boot off few days ago. Cleared to do anything but impacts. Hurts like hell to walk on it though without the boot and I still can’t fully bend my knee. Doc said the bone is halfway healed though so looks like I’ll be nice and ready for ski season.
10 months ago
1 1
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STEEZUS_CHRI5T
Posts: 3021 - Karma: 23,264
scratchskier321omg. how did you crash?


Rodeo 7, doctors say it's from impact so maybe I overshot the landing. Though I remember my outside ski not getting around on the last 90 degrees or so, I think it twisted my leg.
10 months ago
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turntable
Posts: 2724 - Karma: 751
STEEZUS_CHRI5TRodeo 7, doctors say it's from impact so maybe I overshot the landing. Though I remember my outside ski not getting around on the last 90 degrees or so, I think it twisted my leg.

thats wild, im sorry fam.
10 months ago
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