paul061 Registered User
Posts: 1
(12/9/05 5:23 pm) Reply
Broken Tibia, torn acl, blood clots
Hi Alan
I'm a 41 year old Vet C racer. Three weeks ago I was involved in a mid-air crash on an indoor track. I suffered a broken fibula up near the knee, broken tibia in two places on the end at the knee(split like firewood) and a torn ACL. The orthopedic doctor didn't put me in a cast as he wanted to keep my range of motion and strength in the knee to prepare for the ACL surgery. The orthopedic doctor will use the hamstring for the donor part. I've been going to physical therapy also for range and strength exercises. Last week I went in for an update appt and found out that I have a large blood clot in my calf. I have begun taking Coumadin and will be on it for at least 6 months. The doctor will still do the ACL surgery in mid January. My question is, have you ever dealt with anyone on blood thinners and how did it affect their healing and training. My wife is real concerned about me riding while on the blood thinner in case I take a shot to the stomach and start bleeding internally. Also what should I be doing to maintain any sort of cardio or is this one of those thing where I wait the 6 months and start over.
I want you to follow your doctors orders exactly on this one. You should not engage in any sport that may cause contact or injury that includes MX. You should also have blood tests to make sure the medication is at the correct dosage.
I would say that at this time, you should start a good cardio program, flexibility program and muscle endurance program. by getting into shape and getting stronger you will be able to perform on the MX bike at a safer level and your subsequent ACL surgery may have less down time for you. Be smart on this one.
Alan
paul061 Registered User
Posts: 2
(12/10/05 1:25 pm) Reply
Broken Tibia, torn acl, blood clots
Thanks for the reply Alan. I'm having my blood tested every 3 days until they get the levels right(now I know how a pin cushion feels). I'm not sure how to work on cardio if I'm non weight bearing for 4 more weeks? What are your thoughts on patella tendon versus hamstring for the reapir. I've heard pros and cons about both?
Re: Broken Tibia, torn acl, blood clots
There are a couple of alternatives you can use, again this depends on what your doctor will allow:
1. Swimming or water jogging
2. Schwinn Airdyne stationary cycle ( uses upper and lower body)
3. Arm ergometer, uses only upper body.
Muscle Endurance:
Abdominal work, modified push ups, light weight shoulder exercises, single leg (uninjured leg) 1/4 or 1/2 squats-leg curls.
Make sure that any exercise you do does not cause pain or issue to the injured leg. Let me know how you do.
Alan
paul061 Registered User
Posts: 3
(12/10/05 5:47 pm) Reply
Broken Tibia, torn acl, blood clots
Thanks for taking the time to answer Alan. I really appreciate it!
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