KNEE ARTHRITIS - Changing the forces through the joint :

Why did I need an HTO? - - Posted by gimp (gimp), 7 November 2003

This has been bugging me for a while.  I know there are a couple clear reasons why one would be bow-legged or knock-kneed such as being born that way and removal of meniscus on one side or the other.  I fit into neither of those categories since I still have about 80% of my meniscus and it is in good shape.

Right or wrong I now believe that my bow-leggedness began when I tore my ACL five years ago.  Part of me is happy that I now have full extension and a better prognosis.  Another part of me is angry that this was not diagnosed sooner by my previous OS who is extremely well respected and prominent (his office is full of signed jerseys from pro athletes around the world).    I basically ran and played sports on a faulty joint and caused irrepairable damage to it.  I also drove myself nuts because I never regained the strength in my quad despite literally years of constant effort.

Has anyone heard of this happening or had this happen to them?  Should I feel as bitter towards my previous OS as I do?  I know no good comes from being angry but it's pretty hard not to be.

Thanks,

John (gimp)
Posted by KJ (KJ), 20 November 2003

You can become bow-legged on one side after injury particularly if you damaged your posterolateral corner at the same time as the ACL. Or if by not reconstructing the ACL you gradually increase the damage to the PLC
This can gradually cause joint opening on the lateral side - you can test it by stressing the lat side in full extension - there shouldn't be any increased joint opening
KJ

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