ACL Reconstruction - Swollen Knee

[I_hate_my_knees]

Hi Everyone,

I'm 23 years old, due to have an ACL reconstruction on my right knee on Monday, this injury happened whilst playing football back in Sep 2006. (Have already had an ACL reconstruction on my left knee, hence the reason for my username....)

Three weeks ago i my left leg slipped in my bathroom and naturally my right leg tried to stop the fall and i felt an instant pain. Since the ACL ruptured the knee has given way but within moments i was able to walk ok and there was no swelling. However since the slip 3 weeks ago my knee has been swollen and in agony - unable to straighten and bend in properly, have been on cruches and unable to walk).

Couple of questions.. would i be right in assuming its a meniscus injury as i know these come hand in hand with ACL injuries?

And will they be able to operate despite the knee being swollen?

Would appreciate any help.

Thanks

[alophysio]

yes - probably mensical
As for operating, you should tell the surgeon as they may not want to if there is inflammation present...

i am assuming you meant the right leg...no immediate problem but swelling and agony later for 3 weeks?

[I_hate_my_knees]

Hi, thanks for the rush of responses.....lol.

I had the operation on tuesday morning, literally just got home now.

I had the ACL reconstruction, using my hamstring, but what was causing the pain and swelling was a huge Meniscus tear. As i'm only 23 the consultant sutured it together rather than shave it off due to the risk of arthritis. So i'm due to go back in two weeks to see if the suturing worked, if not then it'll have to come off - and its more than likely i'll develop arthritis in the future... which is a derpessing thought!

So thats the story so far...

In regards to your earlier post alophysio, it was actually my left leg that slipped but my RIGHT leg tried to prevent the fall and gave way in the process - think it was the slip that caused the meniscus tear.

Thanks

Natalie

[Nick65]

I really wouldn't worry too much about having your knee cap removed - I was told it was going to be the worse thing ever as I was only 30, but so far it has done me no harm. I still go to the gym, play footie with my kids, cycle and do a bit (Not much though) rock climbing.

As long as you keep fit mentally and physically then it's no problem.

I was told that by the time I get to 50 I could have a new knee cap, but to be honest after that time I think I will be better off without it.

Nick

[I_hate_my_knees]

knee cap removed?! I'm hoping only my cartilige will be removed for now!!

[alophysio]

you mean you haven't realised that they removed your kneecap??!!?? =D

A couple of points...

1. Up to 100% of females will develop OA int he knee with an ACL rupture. They think it is due to not controlling the rotation motion in the ACLR.

2. The kneecap exists for a reason (i know it hasn't been removed in this case !). Losing that change in vector will make a difference - it just is a matter of time to see what that is...

Good luck with your rehab!

[I_hate_my_knees]

Very funny...

great so the future looks bright.....not...

Anyway, thanks for your help!

Nat

[Canuck Physio]

Yes future is bright, phy-uture is very bright.

Stick to a program, constantly be assessed and reassessed and you will be best off. Consider in most studies there is a lack of vigilance and diligence. If you are willing to be disciplined and take every step possible towards well being then you can be well ahead of any reports of any study.

Regards

[alophysio]

Agreed. I didn't mean to be so down. You must work hard though.

Out of interest, is it helpful for you to know that a signficant portion of people (lets say 80-100% of people) will develop arthritis in the knee? Or would you rather be kept in the dark about it and work hard and be surprised later if it develops?

BTW, arthritis doesn't equal the end of the world. It just means joint inflammation - literally! In other words, you will have sore knees and they will see some changes on XRays...sometimes i forget i am not talking to physios...sorry

[I_hate_my_knees]

no worries, thanks for the information - it is helpful!

Another question for you...

Whats the probability that a sutured cartilige operation is successful?

I'm due to go back in two weeks to see how the knee is doing, but he said there's a chance it wont work but its defintely worth a try...

or is that question too difficult to answer without more information about the extent of the injury?

[kII]

hello all.

it looks like I need ACL reconstruction surgery - can anyone recommend a surgeon in London?

nb. I have just found this site. forgive me if it is not the correct place to ask the question, but if possible I would be grateful if you could direct me to the right person.

[alophysio]

Hi,

Not from london - sorry...start a new thread...

no worries, thanks for the information - it is helpful!

Another question for you...

Whats the probability that a sutured cartilige operation is successful?

I'm due to go back in two weeks to see how the knee is doing, but he said there's a chance it wont work but its defintely worth a try...

or is that question too difficult to answer without more information about the extent of the injury?

A sutured carilage in the vascular zone (where there is some blood vessels in the cartilage) should be successful. If the doctor is positive about it, the injury would be in the vascular zone...

Sorry about the late reply.

[nasde]

for the person asking about knee surgeon's in London

I would highly recommend Rhidian Thomas who is based in a clinic down in Wimbledon - I have referred a lot of paitents down to him, and a lot of good feedback about him. Met him a few times, really good guy. Wimbledon Clinics for Musculoskeletal Disorders

There is also Fares Haddad, - he did an operation on an Australian 400m hurdler Jana Pittman a few years ago - I think he's around Baker St.

I find the ones near central london to be in general better, than the ones working further out.