Cruciate ligaments :

almost two months post op... - - Posted by XxSkittlezxX (XxSkittlezxX), 8 January 2005

Hello all...

I haven't checked to see what everyone's been up to lately cause I've been full of PT and full of other school activities.  First off, how is everyone doing?  I've got some idea from just looking around... but I hope everything's superb with everyone.  

Second off... I am almost two months post op - will be 2 months on the 17th of January, and then 3 months post op on my 18th birthday!!  It's exciting I tell you!  However... I want to know if this is normal.  I'm was put in an immobilizer for two weeks post op and no CPM machine, I think that's hurting me.  However, I do have 120 degree's flexion and close to full extension, it varys day to day depending on how sore I am.  The question (or two) that I have is ... I have an awful amount of pain underneath my knee when I'm being worked on.  Especially when they're pushing on my knee.  And then when they're done pushing on it, and they want to get it back straight, it just won't go straight right away, like my "good" knee does.  Ya know?  It doesn't have that bending motion ... comfortably.  Second question... is there anything I can do to improve that?  I've been doing every exercise possible in physical therapy three days a week but I don't really know what all I can do outside of PT.  I'll bend my knee and straighten it every once in a while, while I'm watching TV or talking on the computer but... nothing more than that.  Should I start working it more?  Last question (yes, it turned out to be three) is I play goalie for lacrosse... yes it is at varsity level so it's a bit more contact than junior varsity would be... but I was wondering if I should go back to lacrosse at 3 months and 1 week post op, because that's what it will be come March 1st.  Do you think I have a better chance in re-rupturing my reconstructed ACL?  I don't want to chance anything either because I'm planning on marching in the marching band my freshmen year in college and I don't want to have to miss it because I decided to play lacrosse to early in the season.  

I'm sorry that was long... I haven't been on here in a while so that's what you get.  

 
Thanks guys, (and gals)
Libby
Posted by estogirl696 (estogirl696), 8 January 2005

I don't know what to do with flexion and extension except to sit on your legs (kneeling) and just trying to strech it that way.  Then with extension, lay on your stomach on a bed or couch and let your legs hang off with ankle weights.  

With going back to lacrosse, I would suggest waiting four months because that seems to be the common time period for serious athletes.  Just weighing the options, it seems that waiting three more weeks is worth letting it heal that much more.  I can only give my opinion (3 months and 1 week post op.)  My knee feels strong enough to go back to playing varsity basketball, but i am giving it the full four months.

Wish you the greatest luck!!!!!!!!
Posted by Gab (Gab), 10 January 2005

Lacrosse at 3 months post-op? lol. That's when the reconstructed ligament is at its weakest point, you'll blow it within the first 30 minutes of play.. I'd wait 9 months, as is recommended by most OS but you do what you have to do.
Posted by XxSkittlezxX (XxSkittlezxX), 10 January 2005

My OS recommended 4-5 months... because I'm doing so well in PT and I'm only a goalie.  I could do with out the running and the sprints... I'd just stand in goal... and I don't know what my PT's say.  I have to ask them.


Posted by imnotpunk (imnotpunk), 11 January 2005

Lacrosse goalies don't really make much use of their legs, so it is conceivable that you could play lacrosse 4-5 months post-op.

It's very common in lacrosse that a player who injured their ankle, foot, knee, or leg in general is placed in goal for a bit. I was a lacrosse goalie myself, it was the best position for me, a person with a wrecked right knee. The only reason I injured my knee was because of a freak play while a few of us were messing around, not something 'game' related.

Ultimately, it is up to your doctor whether you can play or not. If s/he doesn't give you the okay, then it's a no-go. It is a possibility, no doubt. However, you will definitely need to work hard (but not too hard!) in PT regaining strength.

Hope everything works out for ya.

Best wishes,
Patricia
Posted by libertynm (libertynm), 11 January 2005

XxSkittlezxX,

Do you still have swelling?  I'm 5 weeks post op and the swelling I have gets in the way.  I have found that after massage, my knee feels a lot lighter and all of a sudden my ROM increases.  It's my PT who's doing the massage.  I haven't had any pushing/pulling done to my knee yet.

If I were in your situation, I would probably wait a bit longer before going back to lacrosse, even if my muscles were rearing to go.  As Gab pointed out, the graft is quite weak at 3 months.  I understand the desire to go out and play very well.  Whatever you decide, I wish you well!!

Sincerely,
Nesanet

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