Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
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Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Tibial Plateau Fracture
Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgery
A tibial plateau fracture refers to a break in the upper surface of the tibia (shin bone), which forms a critical part of the knee joint. This type of fracture often occurs due to a strong vertical impact, such as landing heavily on a straight leg after a fall or jump. It can also result from twisting injuries or direct trauma — for instance, during a road accident when the knee strikes a car bumper. In many cases, tibial plateau fractures are associated with injuries to nearby structures including ligaments, menisci, blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues. These fractures are more common among older adults, particularly women with osteoporosis.
Treatment depends on the severity and type of fracture. Non-displaced fractures (where the bone remains aligned) are typically managed without surgery using a brace or cast, combined with a guided physiotherapy program. Recovery may require limited weight-bearing for up to 12 weeks to allow proper bone healing.
Displaced fractures, where bone fragments have shifted out of position, usually require surgical management. The standard surgical procedure, known as Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), involves realigning the bone fragments and securing them with plates and screws to restore the knee’s stability and joint alignment. Early and appropriate surgical intervention helps ensure optimal healing and prevents long-term complications such as deformity, pain, or loss of function.
After surgery, a structured and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation program is essential to regain knee strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. At Ace Physio Sports, our expert physiotherapists provide tailored post-operative rehabilitation to help patients safely return to daily and sporting activities with improved knee function and stability.
Symptoms post tibial plateau fracture surgery
After tibial plateau fracture surgery, it is common to experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of knee movement during the initial recovery phase. There is often a temporary loss of muscle strength and control around the knee due to immobilisation and reduced activity. Following surgery, a knee brace or cast may be required to protect the surgical site and allow proper bone healing. The leg is typically kept in extension to ensure the incision heals correctly.
During this period, patients are generally non-weight-bearing and must use elbow crutches for about 8 to 12 weeks, depending on individual healing progress. As recovery advances, patients gradually transition to partial and then full weight-bearing once the fracture has healed, usually around the 12-week mark. Driving should only resume when you are able to bear full weight comfortably and without pain.
A structured physiotherapy rehabilitation programme at Ace Physio Sports should begin as soon as possible after surgery. Early physiotherapy helps reduce pain and stiffness, restore muscle strength, improve knee mobility, and ensure the best possible recovery — supporting a safe and confident return to normal activities and sports.
Physiotherapy after tibial plateau fracture surgery
Early physiotherapy is crucial following tibial plateau fracture surgery to help control pain, reduce swelling, prevent stiffness, and restore knee mobility. Physiotherapy also plays a vital role in regaining muscle strength and improving joint stability as healing progresses. Once discharged from the hospital, your rehabilitation should continue under the guidance of the expert physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports, focusing on maintaining progress made in the early stages and gradually maximising function, balance, and movement.
Our team also provides ongoing education and support throughout your recovery, helping you understand your rehabilitation process, set realistic goals, and stay motivated during each phase of your healing journey.
Early Stages (1–8 Weeks)
During the early phase of your rehabilitation at Ace Physio Sports, the primary goals are to reduce pain and swelling, improve independence, restore gentle range of movement (ROM), develop muscle strength, enhance muscle control, and maintain patella mobility. At this stage, you will typically be wearing a knee brace and using elbow crutches, remaining non-weight-bearing until advised otherwise. Your physiotherapist will closely monitor your progress and gradually increase your weight-bearing ability as healing allows.
Your physiotherapy programme during this stage may include:
- Cryotherapy (Ice therapy) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Compression and protection using a knee brace or immobiliser
- Gentle patella mobilisations as tolerated
- Non-weight-bearing exercises to maintain muscle activity
- Passive range of motion (ROM) exercises to restore flexibility
- Isometric quadriceps and hamstring strengthening exercises (static holds)
- Gentle stretching for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves
- Strengthening exercises for the hip, ankle, and opposite leg to maintain overall stability
Middle Stages (8–12 Weeks)
Between the second and third months of recovery, your physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports will focus on gradually progressing from non-weight-bearing to partial weight-bearing, while continuing earlier exercises to maintain flexibility and strength. At this stage, pain and swelling should begin to decrease, allowing for greater movement and activity.
Your physiotherapy may include:
- Continued use of pain management techniques (ice, medication, etc.)
- Patella mobilisations to maintain smooth kneecap movement
- Progression of passive range of motion (ROM) exercises
- Introduction of active (unassisted) ROM exercises to restore control
- Ongoing strengthening and stretching for the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Gradual transition to partial weight-bearing exercises as tolerated
- Hip and ankle strengthening to enhance lower limb stability
- Hydrotherapy to support gentle movement and reduce joint stress
Later Stages (After 12 Weeks)
By around twelve weeks post-surgery, your tibial plateau fracture should have consolidated and healed significantly. At this stage, pain and swelling are minimal, and you should be able to walk partially or fully weight-bearing without the aid of crutches. Your knee function, strength, and flexibility should have improved considerably.
The focus of your physiotherapy programme at Ace Physio Sports now shifts to restoring full mobility, confidence, and functional independence through advanced exercises and gait re-education.
Your rehabilitation during this phase may include:
- Continued strengthening and stretching of the leg muscles
- Patella mobilisations for optimal knee mechanics
- Full active range of motion exercises
- Ambulation (walking) training to improve stride and balance
- Gait correction to restore normal walking patterns
- Proprioception and balance training to enhance stability
- Stationary cycling with increased resistance as tolerated
- Hydrotherapy to promote smooth, pain-free movement
The pace of your recovery will depend on several factors — including your dedication to the physiotherapy programme, the severity of the original injury, and the type of fracture sustained. Consistent participation and proper guidance from our physiotherapists will ensure safe and effective progress toward full recovery.
Summary
A tibial plateau fracture involves a break in the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), often caused by a fall, jump, car accident, or severe twisting injury. The fracture may be non-displaced (where the bone remains aligned) or displaced (where the bone shifts out of position).
A non-displaced fracture can be managed conservatively using a brace, immobilisation, and a structured physiotherapy programme. However, a displaced fracture typically requires Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery to realign and stabilise the bones using plates and screws. Without surgical correction, such fractures may lead to chronic pain, deformity, and long-term disability.
Post-surgery, a comprehensive and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation programme at Ace Physio Sports is crucial to ensure optimal healing, restore mobility, and regain full — or near-full — knee function. With expert care and guided exercises, patients can achieve a successful recovery and return to pain-free daily and sporting activities.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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