my son, age 42 son had a Tibial Plateau Fracture in October at work.  Screws, plates, etc. Released to go back to work about a month ago.   comes home from work and has to icehis knee.  swelling... pain.    Is this normal?   Or could he have some knee damage too? His Doctor says this could take a year of pain.  I can see maybe a year to fully recover, but a year of his knee hurting?  Ideas?
since 6 months have elapsed after surgery, I believe your surgeon may have assessed the screw plates by a check x-ray and condition of bone. Usually some swelling may come off and on, but tenderness and pain should lessen now. If there is loosening of screw, delayed bone union or infection of bone (osteomyelitis) or metal ions allergic reactions locally, there may be persistent pain. A bone scan for infection of bone is usually required to diagnose bone infection and metallic ion levels for material of implant used for metal reactions. Your surgeon will assess all these if he thinks necessary