Hey Ed! Brian J here. This is an excerpt from a post I wrote to the forum nearly 7 years ago - my very first post:
"My body has responded incredibly to the Squat, Deadlift, Bench etc . .but I can tell it is the Squat that is really pulling it together . . there are times that I can not even tell I was injured. My area of concern is this: I was a “farm strong” guy before the accident . .genetics and hay bales gave me a good foundation. I can tell that with the proper technique, diet and training that I will be able to lift a good amount of weight some day. I am concerned about the trade off between what my muscle can handle vs possible reinjuring or hurting my legs where the breaks were. Have you ever encountered someone with this concern, type of injury, seen them rehab.. etc . . . so much of this is getting your head right - -and this is sticking in my mind. What can I expect? Will the bones give out before the muscles . . a lot of stuff on my mind that the doctors arer about as useful as tits on a boar hog when it comes to answering. Both the doctors and the Physical therapists can’t tell me anything as they say I am an anomaly - -that I have far surpassed what they thought possible. That is why I am coming to you. I sent Mr. Rippetoe an email asking these things but then I thought that many in the forum may have experience with this or could offer some sage advice. I appreciate all of your time and any assistance you can provide. I can not tell you how amazing the results have been thus far just in doing the basic compunds: Squat, Deadlift, Bench, Press, Row. It is a damn near miracle the difference between where I am now . .and where I was less than a year ago."
Keep in mind that I am not a doctor nor am I offering any kind of medical advice, suggestions etc. What I am doing you is letting you see what my experience with pilon fractures of both legs. I had the same concerns. I could have listened to my doctors "recommendations". I also believe that had I listened to them - I would be crippled today. I would still have the major hardware in both legs today. I didn't and I don't.
Rather than rehashing it all in an ineffective way (I tend to really go on when I discuss it - life changing) I'll leave you with this article written by Karl S. It gives you a good overall picture of my situation. You may be able to find some use with it
Barbell Training as Rehab | Karl Schudt
If still interested there is a video also of a talk I gave at a SSC conference. And of course I am available to answer any questions, discuss any concerns you may have. For me - one thing that I found - is that rather than a negative - the early days, weeks and months of recovery were awesome for rebuilding and strengthening the bone. Your body is in such a state of wanting to reheal and rejuvenate anyways that by adding the stimulation of effective and intelligent training (ala Starting Strength program) it responded and responded well. Best of luck, hope this helps, never hesitate to holler at me.