What could I have done...?

[Duncan Disorderly]

I was out bouldering the other day and feeling good when I had a fully straight leg and was moving for another hold with the majority of weight on my right leg when something went in the knee... It felt like a dislocation which is what A&E diagnosed (patela dislocation) but there are a few anomolies that don't point to this.. Firstly the knee's stable (had a PT friend check this - patella's stable too) and the mechanics of injury all point to the outside of the knee (which is where the pain lies), the other issue is that I can't straighten the knee without pain (not locked as will go full range but isn't nice). My PT friend's thinking hamstring tear but it really felt like something went in the knee itself. When flexed the knee feels fine but walking's pretty uncomfortable and when I straighten the knee I feel quite a lot of pain on the outside of the knee although it's mostly on the back side...

I've got a reassesment on Thursday but am sceptical about their current diagnosis so any info from anyone here would be greatly appreciated...

D

[Heidi]

Hi
I am not sure what this could be. It difficult without being able to see the knee and knowing exactly where it is hurting. hamtrings sound unlikely, is there any swelling/bruising? Is there a tender point to touch?

I would go to your reassessment and see what happens. If you are not happy with the diagnosis or treatment then ask for a second opinion or firther investigation.

[Duncan Disorderly]

Hi Heidi,

Thanks so much for getting back to me.

There's a little swelling but it's kinda going down now with the R.I.C.E. Initially there was none it seemed to come up the next morning. No bruising and not overly tender (actually feels ok when sat down with the knee flexed). The pain eminates around the joint on the lateral side but towards the back of the knee (behind the big tendon?). My PT friend performed a posterior draw test and there's no movement or pain. I can straighten the knee (with a little assistance) but it hurts and feels tight in one particular spot and if the knee is fully straight then weight bearing is a big no no...

Does this help? Do you know if A&E will do a straight referal for an MRI or will I have to get refered to a specialist first...?

Thanks again..

D

[Heidi]

Knowing the NHS i think they will avoid doing an MRI at all costs. They're quite expensive. If you are not happy with what you are told at your re-assessment then really push to see a specialist. It may even be better second time around, as often knees are very difficult to assess accurately immediately after the injury. They can take a few days for the real symptoms to show.

Good luck!