LM Menaflex + Recent LM Allograft - RECOVERY ? OUCH ?

[HavenDTS]

Hi folks - In Summary over the last two years Ive had a combination of 3 x LM trims, a couple of clean outs, an LM Menaflex Transplant and most recently a LM Allograft (transplant) all in my left knee.

I've had a number of injuries over the years that originate from accidents jumping out of things whilst in the military in 1989 when I was 23 years old - then following a motorcycle accident in early 2007 (then 40 years young) I dislocated my left knee again causing additional damage to my Left LM and then the above 6 operations followed.

Ive always been very active and very fit in myself and have always continued in sports until within the last two years and in particular nothing in the last year as Ive pretty much been on crutches since Sept 2009 following the menaflex and a failed recovery. With my last Operation being a LM Allograft (Transplant) back on April 24th 2010 I am sitting here today (43) with my fingers crossed and hoping this has worked (but given my age it could be debated).

My challenge is that in moving my leg off a large supporting (raised support) cushion before the weekend I felt a sharp pain from the left outside edge of the knee, the knee locked and was difficult to straighten and then when it did it clunked/clicked on every flex. The knee swelled almost immediately and has been like that throughout the whole weekend. Ive kept it raised and iced regularly and finally today (three days later) it seems to have settled and the swelling has reduced but its still painful. Knowing whats involved in an LM Meniscus Allograft and having experienced a failed Menaflex earlier this year i'd lay money on the fact that the graft has torn or dislodged.

The question I have is do I grin and bear it and hope it sorts itself out or do I do what I think is the sensible option and not risk any further damage and have an Arthroscope to check and hopefully recover any damage and ask the OS to repair ASAP?

This feels like a disaster has occurred? We all say we know our own bodies best- should this be residual clicking and clunking and a concern?

Any help or recommendation is appreciated. Thanks In Advance.................:-)

[HavenDTS]

Ive been and visited the OS and as they say - youve gotta trust the people that know best. OS retested the knee with a heavy McMurray Test and feels that the Allograft is still intact and that the issues could have been caused by one of the fixing stitches bursting (hence swelling) or a piece of scar tissue breaking away. As for the clunking and the bits moving around the OS thinks this could be scarring bits and I need to ignore them - OS wont go in an check useless we both feel that its truly bombed. Ive been instructed to stay zero load bearing and on crutches for another 3 weeks to protect anything that may have caused the pain on Friday and I need to send in weekly email updates on progress.............. 

Fingers crossed, all parts crossed that I make progress and the thing hang in there and lasts or stays put..........

[HavenDTS]

As at todays juncture I suppose Im feeling a little more up beat, knee obviously still doesnt feel correct but then will it ever given whats been done.

Anyway - I can fully straighten the leg past 180 degrees to probably nearly 185/190 degrees and the leg does tend to feel okay on a full extension with no locking or clicking other than some catching behind the knee cap which I assured I should ignore 

On a full flex or bend (have I got "flex and extend" around the right way?) I can comfortably get the leg to 90 degree's then the back of the knee becomes really really tight and I can actually feel the quad stretching - so not sure whether its the back of the knee or the quad restricting the movement.

As for pain relief Ive stopped taking the pain killers unless its aching badly because it doesnt half affect the bowel movements and Im more scared of that than the knee pain at the moment to be honest  As for healing - the wound areas still feel tender, and I can still feel the metal button inside that ties to the graft pulling against the flesh inside the knee on the inside of the leg when it moves? Maybe thats meant to happen? Who knows?

I start physio therapy on Wed night for the first time again since Jan 2010 and feel slightly worried - its at this point that the Menaflex disintegrated last time...............Ouch - so need to take it easy obviously. Also looking to transition off my crutches over the next few days as Ive started to slowly build up the weight bearing this last week - fingers crossed.................fingers crossed !!!!

Wish me luck...........

[HavenDTS]

What was that song "The only way is up?" and it must be but aint found the way just yet - Im two weeks further into my recovery after that LM Allograft and my leg appears to be getting more stable. My Vet (sorry my OC) says he doesnt want to see me unless something bad/dramatic happens - so I will leave him alone for now 

Anyway I started Physio just about two weeks ago, and Ive increased my static quad contraction sets and reps, Ive added a little weight to my leg raises and I have a number of other lighter exercises that I complete along with some very very light cycling for around 5 mins per day.

I seem to find the exercises work well but the following day I do get a bit of fluid and stiffness in the knee, so Ive been taking it slightly easier, and I suppose I just need to check with the physio that this is as it should be, or as its expected to be?

Has anyone on here experienced and LM or MM Allograft and if so can you please comment on recovery and what it feels like, or how it should be managed would be appreciated.

[HavenDTS]

Following a fun fun fun packed working day I did some light physio at home again last night - I agree that physio should be daily but I havent done any for a couple of days due to a recent increase in pain (aching) and fluid swelling etc - Im guessing its probably due to an increase in general activity and load on the knee, but then Im no expert obviously.

On a positive it appears to be okay today - within reason - mainly becuase Im not actually sure what okay in a knee feels like anymore - I suppose I should say that it feels better compared to the "day after physio" from last week.......... Which I would say was progress

I will do some more physio today as Im working from home and guage my feelings for tomorrow before I visit my "professional physio" tomorrow night. That way I can at least take some constructive input to my next formal review, discussion and exercise session.

Again - Please Folks - Any comments are appreciated - Im looking and hoping for anyone in a similar situation or with similar experiences to comment, advise or compare notes on recovery and exercises etc etc etc.

[mrpenguin]

Hi HavenDTS,

Hope your recovery is going well and you are back to the level of activity you wanted.

I wanted to ask you a question about the Menaflex op you had done previously that failed as it may be that I may need one?

[HavenDTS]

As an update - it's been a funny couple of months since my last update. But for the most part the knee seems to be holding up even if I can predict the weather now on cold and damp days. The knee has gone from strength to strength and I now have full flex and extend with a little soreness on full flex at the back of the knee where it pinches. I still have to be careful not to over do things or the knee grumbles with some light swelling and infusion of liquid or treacle effects!! Normally takes a couple of hours to calm down again with light flexing etc etc. Generally I've restarted heavier training and physio and Ive started to get the quad bulk back and pain is greatly reduced. How long it lasts I can't guess ? I'm truly surprised by how long the recovery is taking but then again the issues have been significant over the last 2 years.

[mrpenguin]

I guess it can be a long slow recovery process but keep at it.  Do you have much of a scar from teh last op?

[HavenDTS]

Scarring is minimal even with a Menaflex having gone in and out and the Allograft. I have lots of old hole marks and one thats approximatley 1.5 inches. but thats as bad as it gets. Regards.............:-)

[chewymix]

Hi

I tried to mail you to ask how you were going now as i am currently having issues that back to back meniscus trims have not helped with so looking for advice.

Do you still check in on this board?

thanks

[HavenDTS]

Hi - Yes I still check in now and again - How can I help?

[chewymix]

I mailed you some questions, not sure if you managed to write back yet

thanks

[HavenDTS]

Sorry but I havent seen any questions come through. Please resend. Regards........................JJ