I tore my left ACL (nothing else) playing intramural basketball in March '05. I had it rebuilt using an allograft (cadaver tissue) in May '05. I never regained total stability within my knee, and when playing sports, I find that my knee will slip as it did before the surgery. I currently have a large knee brace that helps moderately. Any suggestions on what I can do for stability?
My second question is I am experiencing a great deal of popping and crackling within that same knee - much more so than pre-injury/surgery. Has anyone else encountered this as well?
My final question is do people with this type of knee injury discover they develope arthritis in the injured knee? I have experienced some (possible) early signs of arthritis, and wanted to know if this is common or just dumb luck.
Thank you!
2006-07-11 05:06:26 · 5 answers · asked by MandyT 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
If you continue to have instability in the knee, you need to consider two possibilities - 1) The allograft is not working properly (it is loose/torn) and 2) Your muscles around the knee are not strong and have lost "motor control"
Perhaps you have become dependent on the brace and therefore the muscles have not strengthened. Have you continued your exercise program since you stopped physical therapy? If not, I suggest you start up again, and this includes resisted weight lifting. You may consider the need to return to physical therapy, especially due to your second complaint of knee popping and crackling. Again, this may be early signs of arthritis or it may be "Patello-femoral Pain" - again, due to muscle weakness and possibly due to soft tissue restrictions.
If you are concerned that the allograft has failed or would like to know more regarding your questions of arthritis, I recommend you call or visit your physician.
2006-07-15 18:33:22 · answer #1 · answered by realove336 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister went through approximately the same thing with her knee. The main difference with her was that after the surgery and physical therapy, she went right back in to full force with playing sports. She never has had any major problems with it but she can tell that it is not the same as her other knee. In my personal opinion, I think you should continue exercising it, but dont go overboard. If you have med insurance, you should definately consult the doc on it though. Good luck with it, I sure hope it turns out for the best.
2016-03-15 22:38:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go back to your orthopedist and get it examined. I just had my ACL replaced 6 weeks ago (with my hamstrings) so I cannot help with the long term stability issues. I did read an article linking ACL replacement with arthritis, which is really good news for both of us, huh?
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/101/106214.htm
2006-07-18 08:12:53 · answer #3 · answered by infidel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
R.I.C.E- Rest Ice C Elevate. Be careful when playing sports. I hurt my knee and I really dont do anything anymore and if i do i wrap my knee and put icey hot on. but in your case you should go back to your doctor and talk to him about that. but keep the brace on. I always get popping and cracking in my knee and im gunna be going to the doctor about that. get tested for it.
2006-07-11 05:14:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your allograft has
failed / was not tensioned properly / has undergone "creep"(elastic degeneration) / inadequate hamstring srengthening.
pops means that your meniscus has torn, too. either missed during the first scopy or fresh tear.
why do a repair and then use a brace???
you need a reassesssment,
you need a fresh scopy
you need hamstring strengthening
questions?
cvjeena@ yahoo
09447134041
2006-07-17 05:53:41 · answer #5 · answered by dr. cv. knee specialist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋