I broke both my tibia and fibula bones (in my right leg) in November 2008. This resulted in me having a pin/rod inserted in my right tibia bone.

I have had issues with a sore knee since. At one post-operation appointment, I said that I couldn't straighten my leg and the response I got was "don't be silly". I came off crutches in early January 2009.

Issues with my knee did not stop, so I saw a doctor almost two weeks ago. He did x-rays on my lower leg and knee, which showed nothing in respect of my sore knee (at the top of the tibia, rather than at the bottom of my quad muscle), so he sent me to have an ultra-sound on my knee.

The ultra-sound report states that my patellar tendon is "abnormal and is thickened, hyperaemic and there is a vertical split tear throughout its length. Conclusion: torn patellar tendon as described."

When I went back to the fracture clinic at the hospital, I was told the torn patellar tendon was due to the surgeon cutting through it so that the pin/rod can be inserted into my tibia and that this is normal practice.

I asked what the treatment was, and I was told "nothing as the tendon should heal itself, but surgery is an option if it continues to cause a problem".

Is this correct?
I am an active person who exercises regularly and this is prohibiting me from undertaking my normal exercise regime, which I find very frustrating! I know it is normal for the pin/rod to be removed 12-18 months after it was put in, but I don't want to wait till then to continue exercising.