Scaphoid wrist fracture and medial collateral knee ligament tear

[TheEdge2807]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site and I have signed up because I have recently suffered a pretty bad football/soccer injury which resulted in me tearing my right medial collateral knee ligament and also a displacement fracture to my left scaphoid bone in my wrist. This all happened on 16th Sept 2010 and I was initially just worried about my knee until my broken scaphoid was later diagnosed on 22nd Sept 2010. As a result I will be having surgery tomorrow (28th Sept 2010) to have a screw put in my wrist.

I have several unanswered concerns regarding both injuries, concerning getting back into sports but also, being left handed and currently in my final year studying at University how this wrist injury will affect me.

So I guess I will just fire some questions and hope someone out there can help or guide me towards the answers.

Firstly, regarding my knee, I am struggling to come to terms with how this will heal itself and am concerned that I will always have a weak spot in my knee. I am worried that it may be more likely to tear again... How long before I should return to training? How long before I can play competitively again? Do I need to buy a knee support to play? How long would I need to wear this?


Secondly, and obviously regarding my wrist: I have done some reading on the implications that may arise after this operation with lack of movement etc, but all things considered and hope that all goes to plan, how long will it be before I regain FULL wrist action and ability? I have also read that I should avoid any sports where I may fall on the wrist, which may damage the bone further... therefore I guess to play football/soccer I shall need a brace or splint?? Where can I get GOOD ones of these and which would be best to use in my case? Also I like to do weight training in my spare time, so how long will it be before I can do this, for example bench pressing and dead lifting etc??


Sorry about all the questions, only the operation is tomorrow and I am a bit nervous and apprehensive. Any help, whether just one question answered or all of them would be great!

Thanks,

Adam

[Heidi]

Hi Adam
With the knee, MCL injuries do heal themselves without the need for an operation, dependant on the severity. Usually they are graded 1, 2 or 3. One is a minor sprain, 2 is moderate and 3 is severe or a full rupture. You haven't mentioned how bad yours was, or what symptoms you have had (i.e. bruising, swelling, instability etc) but surgery is not often used for this injury. As long as you rehab it thoroughly - i.e. getting full motion back and then strengthening and working on balance etc then you shouldn't have a problem.
As for returning to football, its hard to give a timescale on this becuase again it depends on severity. It can be anywhere form 2 weeks for a grade 1 to 12 weeks for a full rupture. Just don't rush back and make sure you do some functional training stuff first - drills etc before you play.
You can wear a knee brace if you wish. If you get a stabilised one with some metal stays in the side this will reduce the twisting and lateral forces on the knee. Just bear in mind you won't be permitted to wear anything with exposed metal parts.

As for the wrist, I don't really know how long you can expect it to be before you get full use of the wrist again. I think this varies with cases and what exercises etc you are given and stick to! The first thing is just to reduce any swelling.
As for wearing a brace for football - I persoanlly think it's not necessary. The kind of thing you would be permitted to wear (again - no metal) wouldn't have any effect if you fell directly onto the wrist.

I hope some of this helps. I think you just need to relax and take your time. Don't worry about predicted times for recovery and don't push it either. Just take it as it comes. Follow all the advice you are gievn by your medical team and you will be fine!

[TheEdge2807]

Thanks Heidi for the post!

My knee was classed as a grade 2 (partial tear) and I had swelling, which has gone down a lot now but I am still not walking properly - 2 weeks after the accident occurred. I cannot fully straighten the leg still nor can I fully bend it. I was just wondering the best way in which to get this motion back?

The hospital I have been dealing with (Chester countess hospital, England) have been pretty useless and basically gave me a sheet of exercises to do. Another example of their inability to treat a patient I can give from about 1 hour ago where I was supposed to be having my wrist fixed and after waiting around from 8am to 12noon, I was ready for surgery in my gown and then the surgeon comes into the room and says, "bad news, I've ran out of time for today and you'll have to go home and come back sometime next week." So now I'm home still unable to do anything as my leg is damaged too and cannot use crutches!

Sorry if I am moaning a bit, it's just I have had a bad day as just explained!

Thanks again,

Adam

[Heidi]

That does sound like a bad day!
For a grade 2 sprain its not uncommon to still have milited movement after 2 weeks, but it is important that you try to get this back as soon as possible. You can find some mobility exercises here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/medial_ligament/mobility.php
(this is a subscription page so you may only be able to view it once)

[Sophie Hart]

I’m had a serious injury in my left knee a few weeks ago, and still not recovered. Guys can you recommend me any online expert who can gimme some nice advice.

[Heidi]

There is only a certain amount of advice that it is possible to give over the internet! But if you describe your problem we will try to help.