new to the board-MCL repair--Microperforation

[teach']

11 days ago I had MCL repair--a technique called microperforation--putting holes in the MCL causing bleeding and somehow resulting in the tightening of the ligament.

Has anyone had this technique done? Was it successful? What are the followup techniques?

My OS has me on nonweightbearing crutches for 6 weeks and is not encouraging much activity or physical therapy. I worked out faithfully for months prior to my surgery--My original injury was in July 2004-- and worry about losing all the strength I gained prior to surgery. The only activities he is recommending at this point are quad sets and light hamstring strengthening.

I also had my ACL reconstructed with a hamstring graft and have an unrepaired PCL grade 2 tear.

I am having trouble with my kneecap moving to the outside (laterally?)  since surgery. Is this due to the swelling? It is quite scary since my original injury included pattella dislocation and my knee cap would not stay in place. What holds the knee cap in place and why is it much more unstable after surgery? My surgeon seems to think the knee cap thing is not an issue.

My knee injury is apparently somewhat unique--anyone had similar issues?

Stuck at home and bored--ready to be better.

Susan

[shadehawk]

Susan,

This article might help you some:  http://endo.smith-nephew.com/US/node.asp?NodeId=3413

Good luck with your recouperation.  Know it is hard to be NWB and really boring.

Shade

[teach']

Thanks Shade for the information--I googled Microperforation and only found two articles the one you mentioned and the one at this URL http://www.techknee.com/pt/re/techknee/abstract.00132588-200209000-00005.htm.

I see my surgeon on Friday and he is talking about another procedure on my MCL--taking my blood and injecting it into the ligament. I've only found 1 reference to this on the Internet--just that it is a treatment, but not its pros and cons.

Do you know anyone on the board whose MCL has not healed satisfactorily on its own requiring additional treatment.

Its been just about 3 weeks since my surgery and I went to work on Monday for a few hours. It was good to get out but frustrating to not fully be able to do my job.

[lloydbayliss]

Hi Susan,

I'm nine weeks into some ligament surgery and only just been allowed to go pwb. Non weight bearing is the absolute pits, but it's only for a short time, so stick at it! It'll be over soon    <hark at me - I'm only just limping better!!!>

Lloydy

[teach']

Thanks for the encouragment. I saw my dr today and he was pleased with my progress-said I was a great patient to obey the NWB orders. I am hoping to be halfway thru that sentence, but no guarantees! I will continue to "be good"--it just isn't worth the risk.

It was interesting-I told my OS that I couldn't find much on the Internet regarding the microperforation-has said it is a pretty uncomon procedure and he knows the guy who first came up with the procedure. My OS said I was about the 25th person he has done the procedure on and he does a lot of knees!

I was really encouraged after my appointment today--maybe I will eventually be ok--probably a long haul--but at least I feel hopeful for the first time since my surgery.