KNEE ARTHRITIS - Autologous chondrocyte implantation (A.C.I.) :

3 Years Post ACI - - Posted by gailg3 (gailg3), 11 January 2004

I haven't been around the boards in a long time but I decided to drop by and post a message about my knee.  I had Carticel surgery on my L. knee just about 3 years ago at age 25 (I'm 28 now) for a medial femoral condyle defect, moderate  to large size.  It took a long while but I am finally back to enjoying my life and riding my horses and in the barn caring for them daily.  I figure what the heck, it feels decent most days for now, and I'll deal with it in the future when it goes bad again.  Why did I have my knee fixed if I'm not going to live my life?  I can do some light running on it but I don't push it.  I definitely feel it afterwards and I ice the knee still (believe it or not) if I do run.  I spent the first year wondering if it was ever going to get back to normal, and the next half a year back in PT due to return of pain and ongoing swelling (that was my major problem).  Since I got past the year and a half point though my knee has really improved and I'm glad I had the surgery.  I had daily debilitating pain before surgery.  I can live my life now, although I am aware of my knee at all times, if that makes sense, and I am very cautious.  I wish everyone luck considering this surgery.  If I can offer some guidance please feel free to ask.  Gail
Posted by collins8 (collins8), 11 January 2004

I firmly believe this surgey will get you back to a daily routine, but I have yet to meet anyone that went back to regular sports.  I can see someone with a small defect getting back to regular sports, but once you get that large defect it is another story.  I think the future will be very promising that is why I am trying to hold onto my knees as long as I can.
Great feedback and if you do not mind I would like to know who did your surgery??

Rob
Posted by gailg3 (gailg3), 12 January 2004

Rob, my surgery was done by Neal Stansbury in Allentown PA.  May I ask who did your surgery.  Maybe it's posted somewhere else but like I said I haven't been around the boards and I haven't been reading the posts.  It took a long time before I even imagined I could go back to any kind of sports activity.  I didn't feel secure with my knee and I was scared.  Since then I've gained confidence, lessening of pain and swelling and just the passing of time and daily life.  Getting on a horse for the first time was painful and it does not feel the same as it did pre injury.  Hope your knee does well.  Gail
Posted by collins8 (collins8), 12 January 2004

My first ACI was done by someone I prefer not to mention, but my last three was done by Scott Gillogly and he is top notch!!!
I have had the large trochlear defects repaired twice in each knee.  The first one in my right knee failed and was not my fault.  The first one in my left knee was ripped out by me loosing my balance and then my reflexes took.  The muscles in my left leg tried to take over and just overloaded the graft area.  I was 4 months post Op when I did that.
You really have to be very carefull while the cells are maturing for the first 12 to 18 months!!

Rob
Posted by pcfu (pcfu), 13 February 2004

Hi Rob.
you said your first ACI failed in your right knee. Just curious as to the reason it failed, and also how did you know that it failed. did it show up on an MRI or through a scope, or could you tell by the feel of it that it hadn.t worked.
i had a trochlea graft too, and am 10 weeks 2 days, so hoping mine will go ok.
Posted by collins8 (collins8), 2 May 2004

My Right knee failed beacuse the Surgeon did not do a Fulkerson to unload the defect. An MRIwill give you a clue that you have a problem but the scope is definitive way to tell!!

Rob  
Posted by PJS (PJS), 19 May 2004

I also have become a very intermiitent user of the boards.  I would like to report that my ACI is now a success.  My op will be three years this September and most days I never even think of my knee.  The last six months have seen a dramatic improvement since using a x-trainer at the local gym.     I feel very confident with the knee (last night 5kms walking without even a twinge) and believe that it takes anything up to two years before the cells are fully matured.  Of course, I suspect, dependent on your age and your bodies inherent healing ability.

regards

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.