Collateral Ligaments and other non-cruciate tendons & ligaments around the knee :

ruptured patellar tendon, surgery on tues 8/10 - - Posted by imnotpunk (imnotpunk), 8 August 2004

Hey all, I'm new here. I'm a 19 year old girl who has been suffering knee pain for a year and a half after twisting my knee playing sports. My doctor decided to to arthroscopy after multiple MRI's came back inconclusive. He found a torn meniscus and also did a partial lateral release. However, the pain persisted and I began to rapidly form scar tissue. I would then have two MUA's and another arthroscopy, to no avail. He eventually sent me to a pain management specialist who put me on multiple medications including Actiq (a breakthrough-cancer pain medication), Neurontin, Skelaxin, Bextra, and also did multiple lumbar sympathetic blocks (he had thought I was suffering from RSD). None worked, and I was still in severe pain. Physical therapy also did not work, it only made the pain worse due to aggressive stretching to maintain range of motion (which was my biggest problem).

Finally, a couple weeks ago I got a second opinion and found out that both my menisci were torn, my kneecap was dislocated, AND my patellar tendon was COMPLETELY ruptured! My doctor said it probably occured during aggressive stretchfing at PT or during one of the manipulations, but now I'm facing open knee surgery this coming Tuesday (the 10th) to repair the tendon and meniscus, while sliding the patella back into place. He also said he's going to insert pins in my tibia to prevent scar tissue from forming. I will also be in a full leg cast for 6-8 weeks which makes me a little nervous about the possibility of scar tissue redeveloping (   )

While I've had a couple knee surgeries before, they were all athroscopy and this is definitely more on the "major" side than a scope or MUA. For anyone who's had this type of procedure happen, could you give me any tips or advice for post-operative care? I don't want to have the same thing happen again (go another long period of time in severe pain and frustrated due to lack of answers from doctors). Also, I want to make sure I can rehab correctly and effectively for a 100% recovery. I would like to live a normal life again, my knee has taken away that liberty for too long now (ugh).

Thanks!

Patricia

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