Gb23

[charliethomas1]

I'm having an arthroscopy soon, my third, but I'll save the NHS the cost and not have it if someone can tell me why I get fluid, swelling and stiffness in my right knee and that it can't be cured with surgery, ie. it's arthritis.
I'm 54, a ski instructor, and this occurs every season.
Scans show up no damage so this op is a last, exploratory, resort. A few years ago, in my last op, they trimmed the meniscus but it hasn't done the trick .
In the first op, 20 years ago, a tendon was "sliced" to cure chondromalacia and this worked.
I get occasional shooting pain when cycling but on the opposite side to the meniscus tear.
The knee often feels "out of joint" but that disappears with an extreme stretch and a "click" or pop.
But it doesn't lock and both knees are generally loose and working under normal conditions.
Any advice, please?

[Heidi]

Sounds to me like patellofemoral tracking problems which would co-incide with teh previous chondromalacia.
Have a look here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/patellofemoral_pain_syndrome.php

[charliethomas1]

Heidi,
Thanks for this. I have been told I have an "A frame" stance so this does make some sense.
Would the arthroscopy deal with the "lateral structures" mentioned on the patellofemoral page though? Maybe I better cancel it.

[Heidi]

No. An arthroscopy would deal with internal structures in the joint, usually cartilage and excess fluid.
If it were patella maltracking this is usually treated with a rehab programme to correct muscle imbalances. I would advise you to speak to your consultant before cancelling the procedure.