Author Topic: Lisa's Fulkerson TTT, Lateral Release & Medial Plication LK- 1/25/11 RK- 4/26/11 (Read 5405 times)

lisa424 · « **on:** February 07, 2011, 04:15:12 AM »

(FYI my Dr. was Donald Rose in NYC.- read my other posts)

Hey guys,
I've been reading this forum for the past month, and I thought I'd share my story.
I had my first subluxation at 12 years old. I'm 25 now and get monthly subluxations in both knees. I saw several orthopedic surgeons over the years and went through years of physical therapy - which didn't help at all. Some doctors said I'd outgrow it and other recommended a lateral release but warned me that the chances of it fixing my problem weren't good. So, I decided to limit my physical activity for years...no running, no sports, etc. At the end of 2010, I decided I was sick of being so limited. I started looking for some better doctors. I saw specialists at both NYU's Hospital for Joint Diseases, and the Hospital for Special Surgery. Both doctors recommended the same procedures for me. I needed a Fulkerson TTT, lateral release, and medial plication on both knees. I ended up going with an OS at NYU. I decided to do the left knee first, since it was worse.

I had the surgeries on my left knee on Jan 25. I went with general anesthesia with a nerve block. I woke up in pretty bad pain and got some morphine shots. The nerve block didn’t seem to be helping much, but who knows how much worse it would have been. I was pretty surprised at the size of the immobilizer. I'm 5'5" and it goes from my thigh to ankle. I was thinking how am I going to move in this thing?! I got home a few hours later and started on percocet for the pain. I only got up to use the bathroom..quite difficult because I hadn't really practiced on crutches beforehand. I also ended up having hiccups continuously for almost 2 days...a side effect of the general anesthesia.

The first week was pretty bad pain-wise. I spent most of my time sleeping. The cryo cuff I bought ended up being a great investment. It helped a lot with the pain. But, every time I got up, the blood rushes were pretty bad. The swelling got real bad around day 5, and I was screaming in pain when I tried to get up. One day, I had to get in a rolling chair and be pushed to the bathroom! I hated having to get up at all because it was annoying to have to move my leg.

One week post-op, I saw my doctor to get the bandages removed. I was actually shocked at how small my scars were. Two small incisions for the lateral release, a 1” scar at the medial plication site, and most surprisingly, my Fulkerson scar is only 1.5”. I only have one screw. I got to see the xrays and arthroscopy pictures. My knee was still somewhat swollen and my entire leg was badly bruised. My doctor says I’ll be in the immobilizer for 6 weeks. I’m NWB for the first 4 weeks. After 4 weeks I can be PWB. Crutches for 6 weeks, unfortunately. I really hate them, as I have very little upper body strength. Physical therapy starts 6 weeks post op. Screw removal after 4 months.

Right now, my ROM is 30. It’s still kind of scary to do that even, because I’m afraid I’ll break something. I’m not used to my knee in its new position. Now at 12 days post-op, I still have pain around the TTT site. Luckily, my parents have been helping me every day, bringing me food, etc.

I scheduled the surgery on my right knee for April 12, if all goes well with this recovery. I just want to get it over with. I figure I might as well do this now, while I’m unemployed and can devote my full attention to rehab.

Rknees4 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2011, 04:42:06 AM »

Hi Lisa
Welcome to the board. Glad to hear things are going quietly, hopefully you don't get any surprises. Those blood rushes are a real treat aren't they?

Every surgeon does it different, thus the variation in scars, rehab and other post op protocols. Hang in there it does get better and easier, but it is a long recovery so don't expect to be up and running to soon. Well take Care Lisa,
Rknees4

Clav · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2011, 05:16:18 PM »

Hi Lisa

I had my TTT, medial tightning and lateral lengthning a week before you and i can relate a lot to you.

I never had any such subluxations like you - ive only subluxed/dislocated my knee 3 times in my life and after a failed lateral release i finally found my problem - am very hypermobile and lax in my joints.

Like you, I also only have 1 screw in and i was completely in bed 12 hours a day for the first 10 days because i dreaded the blood rushes - it was the worst - infact i went to hodpital because i thought theres a blood clot.. it is the worst

today is 3 weeks - i was 100% weight bearing since day 1 .. but i have to use crutches when i walk because my leg is very weak and i cant really walk at all..

I do excersizes but it is really difficult because my quad is very very weak.

My doctor did not do a lateral release but rather a lateral extension - he made it longer and on the medial side he made it shorter.. he believes it works much better.

Well I hope your recovery goes well because at 3 weeks i am still very upset at how long this road still feels.

all the best

Clav

lisa424 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2011, 07:02:32 PM »

Rknees4, yes, it's important to remind myself that every doctor does it different. I was reading about everyone elses scars and multiple screws and thinking maybe there's something wrong!

Clav, I'm also hypermobile to some degree. I don't think my knees are though. I also thought I had a blood clot last week, but it was just bad swelling. I wish I was weightbearing now. The only time I am, is when i accidently slip and have to put weight on it to keep from falling!

I love reading this forum because I've never met anyone with my same problems, and sometimes doctors didn't even know how to fix it! But here, there's so many like me.

Rknees4 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2011, 07:07:22 PM »

Lisa,
I am glad to hear you are a little happier knowing there are others like you. I go for round 2 on Thursday. Ouch is all I can think of.

Just try and remember everyone is different, everyones pain levels, rehab, and procedure have differences. But as a whole can shed a lot of light of what to expect and watch for. Hang in there.

Rk4

JessicaO · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2011, 09:41:24 PM »

Hi Lisa!

We are surgery twins! I also got mine on 1/25/11 and I am 24 years old. (Right knee though but i do need my left done i just really do not want to go through this again )

I am also 5' 5'' too...anyways, i also have a post op diary if you want to follow mine. Right now my pain is ok, u have my first doctor appt tomorrow (well i did have one at 6 days post op because i had these horrible blisters that they had to look at) I am start PT on wednesday. Are you still on pain meds? I am trying to cut back on mine but it is hard. I just dont want to become dependent on them, with the meds i feel ok. I am just so darn uncomfortable at night and pretty much all the time. I also am getting very bored! sleeping alot even if im not tired.

Anyways, you sound like u are doing great. Do you have any foot pain? My foot constantly feels like its falling asleep and tingly

i hate it! its worst than the knee pain

Hang in there!

Runner1993 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2011, 11:32:13 PM »

Hi Lisa. My recent surgery (a little over 3 weeks ago) was very similar to yours, but instead of a Fulkerson (anterior plus medial) I just had a medialization TTT and I had a MPFL reconstruction instead of medial plication. Like you, I also had the lateral release.

Your scars are smaller than mine, lucky duck! For my TTT, it's about 3 inches down my shin below my knee. Then, my MPFL reconstruction is located on the upper medial part of my knee and is about 1.5 inches. I have the scope holes through which the lateral release was done. I have 3 screws for my TTT. Then, my MPFL one is a plastic screw.

So, you are in a straight leg immobilizer? I was in one after my first knee surgery. I much prefer the hinged brace I have now. For the first 3 weeks, it was locked at 0*. Just recently, it got unlocked to 30* and depending on my progress, it will be unlocked 15 more degrees each week. I was WBAT right out of surgery and am encouraged to put weight on my leg. I'm still using both crutches currently however. I started physical therapy 2 days after my surgery. It's interesting to see how much protocols can vary!

Why does your surgeon plan to take the screw out? Usually, they stay in unless they give problems. However, my surgeon can predict now that I will probably need mine out due to the nature of my leg (bone right below the skin).

Good Luck!

lisa424 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2011, 05:54:35 AM »

Rknees, good luck with your surgery!

Jessica,
I read your story. Showering, even with the chair really sucks and I'm also bored out of my mind in bed all day! I don't want to go back for part 2, but I also don't want only one good leg after all this! I'm still on pain meds, one or two during the day, but mostly at night to help me sleep, since it's a pain to sleep with this brace on. My feet are ok, but my ankle's killing me for some reason. I'll have to ask my dr, next week. Hopefully, we both heal fast!

Runner, I think my doctor was more concerned with scars than I was! I'm in a hinged brace, but I'm supposed to keep it locked at 0 most of the time. I can unlock it to 30 to bend it a bit. I can't imagine putting any weight on it right now. My surgeon always takes the screws out asap for some reason. I'm not sure why.

lisa424 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2011, 07:26:15 AM »

Day 16, and I've been having bad muscle spasms and twitching throughout my leg all day. I'm worried about damaging something since these quick contractions are quite painful. Has anyone experienced this before? I don't think its a hydration problem...
I feel a lot of hard spots around the knee. I hope I'm not gonna have a big problem with scar tissue.

Clav · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2011, 01:17:48 PM »

Lisa,

They pretty normal as far as I am concerned - I had them aswell, I started having them on day 1 already and I still get them now but they not painfull at all anymore - I am almost 4 weeks and I have also got a lot of hard spots - physio works them everytime i go to break them up. my calf is also rock hard.

mermaids · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2011, 08:05:53 AM »

Hi Lisa,
You are smart to have this done while you are unemployed. Going back to work is tricky after this surgery... even for those with a desk job. My OS wanted me to take 3 months off after my TTT. I think he exaggerated a bit because he knew I would go back early. "If I tell her three months, maybe she will take off two months..." Yeah, well, I went back, part time, about 6-7 weeks. I am teacher, so on my feet all day and have to move around campus.

You are probably over the worst part. Around 4 weeks, it seems to get better.... well, until PT kicks into high gear.

When they start pushing you to bend it more, PT can be rather unpleasant. I encourage you to follow that PT protocol to the letter. Do those home exercises diligently, even when it hurts. You lose a lot of muscle tone with this surgery and it takes hard work to get it back. Having your second surgery so soon after the first one means you don' t have time to play around. That newly repaired leg is going to have to lots of work after the second surgery. I'm not trying to scare you... just being honest.

This board is great place for support and information!

lisa424 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2011, 05:15:29 AM »

Yea, its not ideal having the second leg done so soon. But I have time and insurance constraints. Hopefully my left leg heals in time to do the right. If not I'll have to push it back a bit. I just know if I dont get it done now I never will...can't be unemployed forever!

Now I'm worried that my screw is loose. It feels weird. Maybe I'm just imagining things. I have an appointment with my os monday so we'll see.

KW · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2011, 06:01:44 AM »

I'm sure the screws are fine....Why do you think they are loose? Did something happen to cause them to loosen? It takes a pretty good trauma to pull one loose....Plus I will tell you from experience that the pain from a loose screw is like nothing you have ever felt before...the pain of the original surgery is nothing compared to walking around on a loose piece of hardware.

Rknees4 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2011, 08:33:54 AM »

I am with KW it takes something tramatic to pull one loose. You are yonger so the chances of being healed are good.. you will probably not be 100% but will be able to take it easy until you feel good. Hang in there.
Rk4

lisa424 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2011, 03:21:31 AM »

3 weeks post-op now! I saw my doctor on monday. My knee looks pretty good...I can get it wet now and the stitches will dissolve. The screw is fine. The fracture healed a bit. My ROM is 60 right now. 2 weeks until I am PWB and 3 more weeks on crutches.

I really hope this fixes my instability. There is always a chance that it won't because I have shallow trochlear grooves. I really hope I don't need a trochleoplasty eventually. My doctor tells me not to worry and it should be fine, but I always consider worst case scenarios! I guess I'm always gonna be scared to run or play sports.

Also, now I'm feeling a little grinding & crackling when my knee is bent. Is this normal or should I be concerned about my cartilage?

lisa424 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2011, 04:58:39 AM »

4 weeks now. I'm at 70 degrees now.
I have a question. Are normal knees supposed to have any side to side movement when extended (moving the patella manually)? My knee used to be able to move an inch in each direction. Now I can move it just a little. Is it supposed to be completely stationary?

JessicaO · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2011, 04:11:37 PM »

Do you mean the knee cap?? The first time i extended my knee i was like wheres my knee cap? Because my old knee cap (and my left knee) move all over the place when i straighten my leg. So I think that means you knee is fixed? Im sorta in the same boat as you though because I was wondering the same thing. I am also 4 weeks today too. \

Are you still sleeping in your brace? I ditched that thing two weeks ago...not sure if its good though because i move from side to side all night. Does hurt in the morning though.

Also i started to put 50 percent weight on my leg now.

Runner1993 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2011, 04:38:17 PM »

The kneecap, I believe, don't quote me on it, is suppose to move some side to side in extension when the quad is not tensed. It's a seasmoid bone meaning it's encased in the tendon. However, it should not move excessively side to side thus why most of us needed it the MPFL reconstruction or in your case, plication, to keep it moving too far to the outside. However, you don't want to overtighten things because if the kneecap doesn't move at all, you won't function right. At my first post-op visit, my orthopedic surgeon moved my operated kneecap then my other one. There was such a difference! It moved so much more less than before, but it still did move. I don't know if you guys have done them, but at physical therapy they do patella mobilizations in which they move the patella around except laterally, mostly they move it medially to prevent the lateral release from scarring down and pulling on the kneecap again.

My kneecap will still occasionally make noises besides leaving me worried I don't think it's anything bad unless it causes extreme pain.

lisa424 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2011, 09:06:43 PM »

Thanks, that makes sense. I guess I don't know how a normal knee is supposed to move!

Jessica, I still sleep in my brace (and sleep on my back with my legs straight) It's uncomfortable, but I'm too nervous not to because I move a lot in my sleep. I think that's whats causing my ankle pain...too much pressure. My foot looks a little purple sometimes too, maybe because I'm non weight bearing for another week.

Lana_O · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2011, 11:10:56 PM »

Lisa I feel your pain with the brace and pain in the ankles. Mine were so bruised and are still tender, it felt like they were broken. But what helped me, while I was still locked in my brace, even though I could WB since day one, I would unlock my brace while laying, or sitting, and than I used Arnica gel, natural stuff, it took bruises away in 2 days, and ever since I would unlock my brace when not up and around for a few hours, before sleeping time. I mean that way, you will not hurt it any, you're not WB, and you're not twisting it, it's in the brace, just not under the pressure,it made a world of difference for me.

lisa424 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 01, 2011, 01:48:03 AM »

thanks for the advice.

5 weeks post-op - Hopefully just another week until I can walk. Having such trouble with my ROM. I have to work so hard to get to 80 and then I have horrible pain under my patella. Not fun. Physical therapy starts in a week for me.

lisa424 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2011, 11:08:39 PM »

Update: 6 weeks and a couple days.
I'm fwb and walking now. Still using one crutch and a smaller brace (no metal) I started physical therapy 2x a week. My ROM is 100. Full for me is 150 so hopefully I get it all back. My screw site is almost all healed. I can do a SLR as of today. Two days ago I couldn't lift it myself. But I have a lot of pain under my knee when I do lift it. My knee gets swollen after exercise too. I think I'm pushing myself too hard but I only have 5 weeks until my next surgery.

JessicaO · « **Reply #22 on:** March 11, 2011, 01:49:00 AM »

hey lisa!

I got my surgery the same day as you as i mentioned earlier. I got to 100 degrees today too. Ive been able to do a SLR since about two weeks post op though. You are getting your other knee done in 5 weeks!? that seems so quick. my doc wont even talk to me about it until 4 months post op.
Well looks like we are about doing the same! thats good.

lisa424 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 11, 2011, 09:19:06 PM »

I was not allowed to use my quads at all for 6 weeks! I was worried my muscles would not come back so quickly.
5 weeks isn't ideal but I wanna get it over with and I usually don't have health insurance and free time unfortunately.

Lana_O · « **Reply #24 on:** March 12, 2011, 04:54:40 AM »

Hi Lisa,
I hope your other surgery goes well. It must be hard to go through recovery and have to be back to work so soon. I admire you for that. I am lucky enough that my work is amazing about this. My bosses said to take my time and think long term, and my work benefits are awesome, still the recovery is gruesome. I don't know how you do it, but my thoughts are with you. Having both of mine knees done at the same time seemed like a crazy idea, and it is challenging, but I would have a hard time with going through it again. Good luck, and speedy recovery.

lisa424 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 17, 2011, 06:12:30 PM »

Thanks. I'm dreading the second surgery knowing everything I do now. Physical therapy is the worst part. I'm 7 weeks now. My ROM is 110. 115 if I really push it. Still more to go.
I still have pain under my knee when I work on my quads. My vmo is in terrible shape. I hope this gets easier soon. I still have this fear in my mind of more dislocations and damaging my knee. Not fun.

lisa424 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 19, 2011, 02:43:42 AM »

So much pain from my IT band and my patella tendon. I think I'm working myself too hard. I just wanna walk normally again!

lisa424 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 24, 2011, 01:59:51 AM »

8 weeks already. I've been in so much pain this week, especially where the medial tightening was. I couldn't do much strength work at PT today, too sore. The stationary bike is helping a lot with my ROM - 125 now. 35 degrees in 2 weeks somehow! Only 25 to go. My hips are still week and as a result my knee gets turned in when I walk, which is not good!
Also, Ive been tachycardic..heart rate of 105 resting! My doctor says it's from being inactive for so long. I've been making an effort to walk a lot more, even though I'm in pain. It's down to 90 now so it seems to be helping.
I'm thinking about pushing my next surgery back a couple weeks. I can't imagine going back in just 3 weeks!

Fogie · « **Reply #28 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:45:12 PM »

Hi Lisa, I would really like to hear how are you doing now & do you think the operation was worth it. My story is similiar to yours, dislocating & loose knee caps since I was fifteen & I just stopped being active. I am now 37 & I have decided to get the operation done because I have fallen with every one of my boys in my arms & I also live in fear of my knees going out around my three boys. I am on a waiting list at the moment. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Hope you are doing well, all the best, Sheila.

lisa424 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 19, 2011, 12:49:39 AM »

It's kind of early to say if it was worth it/successful. My knee does feel more stable. My kneecap moves 50% less than before. Physical therapy is not fun. My knee is still stiff and some days the pain is really bad.
I'm scheduled for surgery on my right knee in one week. I'm kind of getting sick thinking about going through all this again. I really hope I'll be strong enough to stand on this leg alone and use crutches.
I guess I can always get a wheelchair.
My rom is stuck at 145. I can't seem to get the last 5 back!

JessicaO · « **Reply #30 on:** April 19, 2011, 12:53:33 AM »

Wow i cant believe you are getting the other one done so quick. i had my surgery on the same day. Dont even worry about that last 5 degrees! im stuck at 110

so good for you even getting to 145, i thought 145 was all the way anyways.

good luck with surgery next week!!

lisa424 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 19, 2011, 07:42:00 PM »

Thanks! I can't believe I'm getting it done so soon either! If it wasn't for the money/time I'd wait. Unfortunately my unemployment ends in august and then I need to find work again or I'll be broke! If I don't get it done now I don't know when I'd be able to. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to get clearance and make sure the surgery leg is ok.
I know a couple other people on this forum had theirs done with little time between so hopefully it's ok.
Two broken legs in one year...not fun!
As far as my ROM, I'm hypermobile, which sucks, so I hardly had to work on it. Don't worry about yours though, I'm sure it'll come back soon enough.

lisa424 · « **Reply #32 on:** May 06, 2011, 04:22:01 PM »

Ok, so I had the same procedures done on my right knee on 4/26, last Tuesday. I also had the screw on my left knee removed - same day. Let's just say this all went much worse than last time for some reason. I've never been in so much pain in my life. I guess my body was not happy about having a second surgery so soon. I was in the hospital for 3 days, in excrutiating pain. Even morphine wasn't helping. The swelling and bruising was way worse this time. I didn't have the energy to get up. When I did, I got terrible blood rushes. My doctor said the surgery went well, not that that made me feel any better. Honestly, if the pain was this bad the first time, I would never have done the second.
I made it home somehow. I'm using a walker now, because my left leg is still weak, and crutches felt unsteady. My left leg is also in a lot of pain from having to do all the work. I have to use my arms a lot just to stand up. I think my left knee hates me! I can feel a little hole where the screw was. Gross.
Now, I'm on oxycontin and percocet, sleeping most of the day. My leg is still swollen and I have hematomas from the bad bruising. Also, my heart rate got even higher, so I'm having bad palpitations too. This has all been a nightmare. Glad I only have two legs! My doctors been really unsympathetic about my pain, which really sucks. He doesn't even think I should be in pain anymore! That's just insane! I'm really upset with him. I think everything that could go wrong this time around did. I'm kind of miserable right now!

JessicaO · « **Reply #33 on:** May 06, 2011, 04:30:57 PM »

Lisa,
I was just thinking about you yesterday and I was hoping you were going to write soon. My heart sunk when I read your post. I am so sorry this is happening to you. That is horrible. It will get better, you know it will. Please keep your head up and just try and sleep away the pain.

Good luck

Rknees4 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 06, 2011, 04:56:15 PM »

Lisa,
So sorry to hear you are having a rough go this time out.

Time will fix most of it. Just hang in there the first 2/3 weeks are the worst and things will start to calm down. Your body is just tired of trying to heal itself but it will. Get as much sleep as you can keep that knee and the other elevated and iced and you will make it.
Remember you need extra calcium now lots of yogurt, cheese and milk and if necessary a suppliment.
Take Care, Know that we are all here for you to cry with.
Rknees4

lisa424 · « **Reply #35 on:** May 06, 2011, 09:40:33 PM »

Thanks guys. I figure the worst of it is over at least. I'm pretty much icing it 24/7 now, even when I sleep. I'm also living on chocolate milk! What's weird is last time, my left knee felt real numb..it's still a little numb is some areas. But, the right knee is not numb at all. Maybe that's part of why the pains worse. Really, I just wish my doctor had more compassion. At least the people on this forum know what I'm going through!

lisa424 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 14, 2011, 01:12:28 AM »

2.5 weeks now. The pains a little better. I'm not nearly as active this time. It's hard to stand up using just my left leg. It's still really weak and I'm afraid I'm gonna damage it. My bone kinda aches with every step. I'm trying to exercise it while lying down. The swelling went down a bit on the right knee. I can do 30 degrees pretty easily.
Right now I guess I'm just bored and frustrated. I've spent so much of this year handicapped. I hate being trapped indoors but I work up a sweat just getting to the bathroom and back. And now that I'm using a walker instead of crutches it's more inconvenient. I really can't wait for this brace to come off.

Rknees4 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2011, 01:31:45 AM »

Hey Lisa,
Hang in there it will get easier. Your left leg will get stronger as you use it. I didn't get my second knee done so soon because I knew it would be too difficult I waited just over a year before the second round. My right balked at the extra work right after surgery #2.Take Care the time will pass and you can then get on with your life.

Rknees4

lisa424 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:38:05 AM »

4.5 week update. Time flies I guess. I really wish I'd waited for the second surgery. I found out right after my second surgery that I could get disabled status on my parents insurance so I didn't have to rush it after all. Oh well, it's done now. My left leg got weaker somehow! I guess because I'm not walking much. My right knee is still swollen. I'm way behind on my ROM this time. I can only get to 40. I guess my right knee was always tighter. The left is stuck at 140. I don't know if I'll get the last 10 back ever. It's too painful. Also my doctor says that the patella is catching on scar tissue. Ugh. Might need to get that removed eventually. I feel like my knees look all gross and bony. And my vmo is still non existent. Here's a picture of my scars. They look a little worse in person, excuse the bad flash.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b303/usclisa/Knees%202011/photo.jpg?t=1306553533

pngwnchica · « **Reply #39 on:** May 08, 2012, 11:06:37 PM »

I am 24 y/o female considering my first TTT. I have been active for about 10 years and remain active as best I can to this day. My damage is not too bad yet, and I have no other problems other than the chondromalacia and mal-tracking patellae (a result of femoral anteversion). It has only been really bad for 2-3 years and the Dr suggests I get a Fulkerson Procedure before the damage gets worse.

I have seen plenty of posts immediately post op, but I am interested in hearing more about the procedure after 1-2 years or more. Would you be able to give us an update on how your knees are doing now?

lisa424 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 09, 2012, 01:14:49 AM »

Personally I had a terrible doctor at Nyu. The surgeries were not right for me. I have anteversion as well. I hadn't had any real measurements taking prior to those surgeries. It turned out that lateral releases were the worst for unstable knees- very outdated procedures. Also the fulkersons made everything worse with the anteversion. I ended up with medial instability and a whole lot of pain. Essentially everything had to be reversed. I probably only needed an mpfl reconstruction in the first place.
I would say don't rush into anything. Get a rotational Ct scan or mri. Find out what your TT-TG measurement is. And make sure you see someone who specializes in patello femoral issues. My new doctor is amazing.
PM me if you want more info.