Introduction to Kate Gosselin’s Injury
Kate Gosselin has had a ruff week. The nurse and former reality TV star revealed Tuesday that she was hospitalized after suffering a “life-altering” injury during a game of fetch with her two German Shepherds.
The Incident
“In terms of rating pain…I’ve had kidney stones and this literally rates up there,” Gosselin, 50, said in a TikTok live session. “I was screaming and making the craziest noises.” Kate Gosselin is asking fans for prayers after suffering a “life-altering” injury. TikTok/@kate.gosselin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Once at the emergency room, X-rays and a CAT scan revealed that the mother of eight had sustained a tibial plateau fracture when her dog, Meika, ran into her leg at full speed. Gosselin later underwent a three-hour surgery to fix the break, which left her with “plates and screws” in her leg and unable to “bear weight for the next three months.”
Understanding Tibial Plateau Fracture
What is a Tibial Plateau Fracture?
It’s a break in the flat upper section of the tibia, the bone running from your knee to your ankle. This area plays a vital role in bearing your body’s weight. Fractures in the area can significantly impact your knee’s alignment, stability and movement, according to Medscape. A tibial plateau fracture. Dr_Microbe – stock.adobe.com
How Common are Tibial Plateau Fractures?
Tibial plateau fractures typically result from major trauma, such as car crashes and sports injuries. However, for those with weakened bones — like people with osteoporosis — even a simple fall can cause the break. The injury is rare, accounting for just 1% of all fractures in the general population and 8% among older adults, according to a 2022 study. Gosselin’s dog, Meika. Instagram/Kate Gosselin
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary but often start with pain that ranges from mild to severe, depending on how serious the fracture is. This is usually accompanied by swelling, tenderness and discoloration around the knee. Patients may also experience limited motion, difficulty bearing weight on the leg and sometimes a visible deformity or bump.
Treatment
The severity of these fractures can vary from a small crack to a shattered bone. The treatment approach depends on how bad the injury is and the strength of your joints. For minor fractures, treatment might involve wearing a hinged knee brace and using a walker or crutches for eight to 12 weeks, according to Kaiser Permanente. The former reality star shared the ordeal on TikTok. TikTok/@kate.gosselin
Recovery and Aftermath
But most people need surgery, in which surgeons use plates and screws to hold the bone pieces together. In some cases, a total joint replacement is necessary. If there’s significant soft tissue damage alongside the fracture, surgery is typically delayed until those tissues heal. Gosselin’s family was the subject of the reality television show “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” AP
Conclusion
After surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring strength, flexibility and mobility to the knee. Recovery typically takes three to four months. “That really sucks,” Gosselin said about the long recovery following her surgery. “I hate to think about it.”
FAQs
- Q: What is a tibial plateau fracture?
A: It’s a break in the flat upper section of the tibia. - Q: How common are tibial plateau fractures?
A: They are rare, accounting for just 1% of all fractures in the general population. - Q: What are the symptoms of a tibial plateau fracture?
A: Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and discoloration around the knee. - Q: How is a tibial plateau fracture treated?
A: Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and may include surgery or wearing a hinged knee brace. - Q: How long does recovery from a tibial plateau fracture take?
A: Recovery typically takes three to four months.
