Hey allyd,

I'm glad your appointment with the new OS went well and that you're happy with the MPFLr decision. I had one in April and, so far, I'm happy with it. I'm only four months out but I feel pretty great.

This is my post-op diary:
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=55881.0

Haha, yes. I like writing a lot. But the rehab aspect of this surgery is definitely one of the hardest part of this whole thing.

This OS looked at and measured just about everything (couldnt tell you what they all were) and took a new set of xrays. No CT scans or anything like that, but did look at a lot of things that were never 'officially' measured before. Alignment and rotational issues were discussed and ruled out - which is what I expected. I'm comfortable with her level of expertise and recommendation.

RE: the lateral lengthening/release. Couldnt agree more as my sister is among the many w/ a 'failed lateral release' So, we talked at length about.  My first question was "is that like a lateral release" - She said that she didn't want to admit, but yes. She took a lot of time to explain how they are widely overperformed, can cause more harm than good, the subtle differences (of release v lengthening), and why it is indicated in my case. Definitely has a clear understanding of the importance and role of the lateral restraints. She really felt the combo needed to be performed in order to restore some balance to the joint. Her logical approach won out.

Hi, firstly good luck with the surgery! And secondly. I've been through similar to you, except you were lucky, I've had to wait 10 yrs before they fixed me. I had the mpfl lr surgery you're getting, I had it back there 20th june. Although I had both my knees done together. It is a very painful proceedure, and I have an ultra high pain tolerence, I dislocated my knEe one day in asda supermarket. And popped it back into place and went to walk round to work. I made it half way up the shopping mall before fainting. But the first week was rough. I didn't have braces. Jus a zimmer. 2 weeks ago I was put onto crutches. And today I took myself off the crutches and walked without them. I'm a not unsteady, as its 2 months past my surgery on monday. But the pain subsided quickly after 1 week I only took painrelief morning and night and after I think week 3 I'd stopped altogether. I don't even need it for after my physio sessions and I haven't had to ice for ages. Bags of ice are the best thing for this surgery, trust me! And hot water bottles relax the muscles wen they start to cramp.  I swore by it! My advice for you would be if the surgeon thinks you should, then do it, I nearly backed out and minepushed me into it. And for almost a month I thought ugh not worth it. See now, I am soo glad! My knee caps never sat in place and my legs were like jumbo swollen, but now they are half the size, I have distinct knee shapes, my scars are healing great. I would say it was definately worth while.

If MPFLr is needed, I'd recommend it!  I had bilateral MPFLr on 7/25 and although rehab is tough with some tears here and there, my knees feel very stable and have not dislocated since (and they were either subluxing or fully dislocating 50x/day each knee so the fact that it's been almost 4 weeks and they are still in place, I consider it a success)!

My incisions are not that big for this surgery-have had many resulting in 8-10" incisions but for these, there are two scope holes (my surgeon checked out and cleaned out my ACI graft sites) and then 2 incisions, one measures about 2" and one about 1.5" in length.