Bone breaks around the knee :

Has anyone had this type of repair? - - Posted by JRR (JRR), 9 October 2004

I'm a 43 year old male and was very fit when I fractured my patella on 8/22/04 mountain biking.  The horizontal fracture was located just above where the patella tendon attaches to the  patella.  Given the small bone fragment of the bottom piece (and the fact that the fracture did not involve cartilage), the OS drilled three holes superior to inferior in both pieces and sewed the patella together using strong suture versus screws and/or wire.  

Has anyone else had this type of repair, and what's been your experience?  I am 7 weeks post op, and still have a lot of pain, swelling, and have not been released for motion (hopefully next week).

Also, I tore the medial and lateral collateral ligaments in half and they had to repaired as well.  The surgeon said that it's very common to see collateral ligament damage with patella fractures, but I haven't seen it mentioned in any of the threads.  Has anyone had this as well?
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 13 October 2004

Sorry I cannot give you any specific advice, but I just wanted to welcome you to the club noone wanted to join!
Posted by JRR (JRR), 13 October 2004

Thank you!

After 7 weeks, I was finally released for motion and PT.  No crutches and no brace.  ROM right off the bat was 68 degrees.  It's pretty bad that when I walk by homeless people and they avert their eyes and don't ask me for anything.  I guess my slow shuffle is pretty pathetic!

You're right - I would rather not be in this club!
Posted by HHB (MHB), 13 October 2004

JRR,

Initial ROM (just out of immobilizer, whatever) of 68 degrees sounds good to me. According to what I've been told and also have experienced, that much ROM after 7 wks of non-use is promising -- you'll probably be back in no time.

This broken patella (screws/wires, no ligament damage) was treated with 5 wks in an immobilizer, yet I could walk anywhere with a cane (not to support weight but available to fall back on in those "unforseen" moments -- tripping, whatever). But ROM, just out of the immobilizer at 5 wks, was only 40 degrees that first day, which isn't a lot to work with.

However, was very lucky in that the next morning, ROM was about 90 degrees (something happened in sleep, I wonder?). And within about a week and a half, without any "torture" at all, it came back to 135, which seemed very useful at the time -- could drive, get in and out of the car, stuff I'd been needing and wanting to do.

And hoping to cheer you up, let me say that at 6 mos from surgery, injured knee ROM is 150+, identical to the uninjured one, and finally, that much bend is now easy and comfortable. Even though available fairly early on, it wasn't as functional for a while.

I may envy you your stitches -- they sure do sound less bothersome than wire and screws. Am guessing you're gonna come right along in a short while -- next week, you'll probably be walking like everyone else. I sure do wish you comfort, ease and good luck in your recovery.

MHB

PS Do the repaired ligaments get your attention -- i.e., do they feel "weak" or do they  hurt now?


Posted by JRR (JRR), 13 October 2004

MHB,

Thanks for taking the time to reply, and for the words of encouragement!  I can't wait to get the ROM I need to ride a stationary bike.  At least I now feel like I am making progress versus watching 2 inches of my thigh disappear.

As for the ligaments - they do hurt (probably more than the patella itself), and now that I'm moving, they feel incredibly tight.  I had some ITB issues before the injury so, I'm sure that doesn't help.

JRR
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 16 October 2004

I agree with MHB that 68 deg. of ROM is pretty good just coming out of a mobilizer. With persistence, you should regain your ROM in no time.

I wish you all the best in your recovery!  
Posted by JRR (JRR), 16 October 2004

THanks, Kathy G!

Second PT session today...  ROM is now 101 degrees.  Progress sure feels good.  Thanks for the kind words!

JRR
Posted by HHB (MHB), 16 October 2004

Way to go, JRR! 101 already, that's terrific. Makes a world of difference in what you can do, that's for sure. When you're 120 (no time at all in your case, I'll bet), you'll enjoy that stationary bike. Again, best of luck in your recovery. We're rooting for you!

MHB

PS If you raise the bike seat, guess you can use it now!
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 16 October 2004

101 - that's GREAT, JRR - you should be at the point you can use that stationary bike, which is what helped me (and I STILL use it today!!) Way to go!!  

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