I am a 50yo female who has a compound fracture of the tibia while skiing. I hear this is a typical above the ski boot break. I have a rodw/screws inserted in my knee (ouch). I have been told that if I want to ski again, I'll have to have the rod taken out in 1-1/2 years then wait a fews weeks and then I can ski again. That takes me out of the 2004-2005 season. This is the 3rd broken leg (most severe) I've had in 45 years and the first two I recovered fully in about a year and was able to ski the next season. Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

-- Patty Soechtig (psoechtig1125@aol.com), February 19, 2004

Answers

Dear Patty,

I am 54 and just shattered my tibia and fibula at Vail on 12/23/04. I also had a rod inserted and am interested in finding out what you find out. I was told by the ortho in Vail to get the rod out or never ski or road bike again. My ortho at home seems adamant that I keep it in. He consulted with an orthopedic surgeon in Switzerland who works with skiiers. He believes that if I break it again, it will fracture above or below the rod. I really don't know what to do. This is my first broken leg - sorry you have gone through this before. Good luck.

Sally

-- Sally Meach (sfmeach@yahoo.com), March 12, 2005.