MCL/ACL/Meniscus

[Starsky]

In August, I injured my knee. I was actually convinced that I was fine and tried to get up and walk, but was unable to and was taken to the emergency room.

At the ER, I received an X-Ray, and was sent home with vicodin (which I never took), a knee stabilizer and told to follow up with an orthopedic practice, as I probably had torn ligaments.

I visited the Orthopedic physician and was given an exam and told that based on how I injured it, and the exam I was given, I most likely tore my ACL, MCL and possibly the meniscus.

I was sent to physical therapy and had an MRI, and given a hinge brace to make mobility easier.

I have been in physical therapy for two weeks with vast improvement in range of motion, though I still have the same pains as well as dull aching (similar to how my carpal tunnel felt) in my kneecap.

I received my MRI results, and the report states that my MCL is torn (not completely), My ACL is a complete rupture, but due to fluid in my knee, they cannot tell if my meniscus is actually torn.

I am to continue PT for four more weeks after which I will go back to visit the surgeon who will re-examine me and determine whether or not I will need Surgery for the ACL rupture.

Since I cannot get to the surgeon for another three and a half weeks, and it is next to impossible to speak to anyone there via phone, I was wondering what I could do for the meniscus. Someone suggested glucosamine.

As for the ACL... what is the likelihood of surgery? I am 30, and active and while I am not currently playing a sport, I was actually going to begin training to get back into softball and roller derby. Does this make me more likely to need it? I really would prefer NOT to need surgery, but if it is in my best interest to do so, I am willing to go through with it.


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I should mention that I've been on my feet since I got out of the ER that first day - for the first few weeks I was unable to walk without a brace or my knee would slide inward and I couldn't support weight. Since I started PT, I have been able to walk without the brace (but I don't unless I'm home or in PT) and it feels very unstable.

I have been back at work since three days following the ER trip.

I hate downtime. I hate being inactive. I hate not being able to work out at the gym other than the PT approved stuff. Hate it.

[Starsky]

I forgot to ask - does anyone else who wears a hinge brace for stability with a ruptured ACL have any suggestions of something to protect my skin beneath the brace?

I currently rotate cut up socks, shirtsleeves and cut up leggings, but I still get horrible rashes from the sweat and the material of the brace rubbing on my skin.

It not only looks disgusting, but it burns, itches and is really tearing up my skin.

[Heidi]

Hi

The decision to go ahead with surgery is down to a few factors, including your opinion and feeling. It does also depend on the stability, your activity levels and the opinion of the surgeon.

My personal feeling would be to go with it. ACL reconstructions are pretty common now and generally have a very high success rate. Without it you will always have a bit of instability of the knee no matter how much PT you go through.

I don't think any extra treatment is necessary for the cartilage at this stage. Rehabilitation for ACL and meniscus injuries are very similar. You should just be working on getting full range and strength back in the knee.

Although glucosamine is used extensively for cartilage injnuries, there is no proof that it really works. Especially not for catilage tears. It may be better for wear and tear.

[kane08]

I twisted my knee playing football back in February. I did al lthe usual R.I.C.E and after about 5-6 weeks it seemed ok, I could run on it and felt pretty strong. How ever even to this day when I twist my knee inwards I still get a sharp pain on my MCL and I could not kick a ball properly within being in agony. Although just lately kicking a ball has got much easier and does not hardly hurt but it still hurts when twisting my knee inwards. I am going to see a specialist in a few weeks and am afraid he is going to turn around and say I need surgery. I am hoping that I just need to keep exercising and strengthening the muscles in and around the area and hope it heels slowly in time.

Does anyone have any suggestions or sufferred similar pain?

Thanks

Kane

[Heidi]

Hi

I would say that it is unlikely you need surgery. From what you have said about your injury it was probably a grade two strain. Only complete ruptures (grade 3) may require surgery and this isn't in every case.

Try some sports massage. If you get a good therapist they should be able to do some friction massage to the tendon itself to break down any scar tissue and realign the fibres of the ligament. An increase in the blood flow will also help healing.