Over ten years ago, I stepped in a soft spot of the lawn during Karate
training and heard a "pop". My knee proceeded to swell up for a few
days and then returned to normal. I could still walk fine, but testing
for Black Belt was out, because my knee would slip out when doing any
sideways techniques. I never had it looked at, rationalizing that my
knee "just had a tendency to pop out".
Last summer I jumped off of a downed tree trunk while at work
(surveying) and it popped out again, landing me in a bed of poison
ivy, so having good insurance, I went for x-rays and MRI's of both knees.
To my surprise, I was diagnosed with a completely torn ACL and complex
tear of the Medial Meniscus on my right knee and also, a torn Medial
Meniscus on my left knee. (To be repaired at a later date)
My surgeon used the Patellar tendon graft (from my right knee) to
replace my ACL and did a partial Meniscectomy. (The detached portion
is simply removed and the remaining cartilage is trimmed to create a
smoother surface.)
My leg was immobilized for 12 days, after which I returned for staple
removal (18) from the 4 inch incision. 6 steri-strips were placed on
the incision. I was fitted with a brace that I could lock or un-lock.
Then I was put on PT, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, with home exercises
everyday.
You know the drill:
Leg lifts, front, inside, outside. Isometrics: hamstring and quads.
Stretches: calves and quads.
At PT, I rode a bike (isokinetic setting) Total Gym squats, Seated
Stepper, etc.
I eventually went from both crutches to one crutch, then to just the
brace and now, no brace.
The biggest problem now is limited range of motion bending my leg back
(tight quad) (110 degrees max), so I bought a piece of rope and am
trying to stretch the quad everyday, along with my other home
exercises. I have a bit of numbness on the outside of my knee, from
the incision outward. I don't know if this will go away or whether a
nerve was cut. My gait is awkward, but will improve with walking more.
It has only been 6 weeks since surgery and I am walking without a
brace or crutches. I have a great surgeon. I am to see him in a week
for follow-up and to schedule the partial meniscectomy of my left
knee. It should be an easy one, compared to my right knee.
I hope I get somewhat back to normal, but I do expect it to take
awhile, and I do expect to have a little discomfort from time to time.
I will write back soon when I find out what my OS says next week. Good
luck to all and do your PT!!!