The patello-femoral joint :

Shin Pain and Bruising after LR - - Posted by Tamknee (Tamknee), 6 January 2005

After an MRI, I was diagnosed with Grade IV chondromalacia on my left knee.  I underwent surgery 3 weeks ago where the doctor performed a LR for a tilting knee cap, cleaned up a small meniscal tear and smoothed out the cartlidge behind my knee cap.  After surgery, I was severely bruised from my thigh to my ankle.  I now only have bruising on the front of my shin and lots of purple pooled blood below my ankle bone.  I have started having severe pain in my shin when I walk (the knee feels pretty good).  My ankle and shin are also very sore and the slightest touch is very painful.  Has anyone else experienced anything similar?  I'm concerned about the sudden shin pain and the pooled blood in my foot.  I am awaiting a return call from my doctor, but he doesn't always call back the same day.

Any info is appreciated.
Posted by Linds (Linds), 6 January 2005

Hi,
well, LR surgery is notorious for causing bleeding so the bruising and blood pooling doesn't surprise me at all, make sure you pump your foot alot when you are sitting down to keep the venous return on the go.  
The shin pain is also something i'm firmiliar with, I had a LR on both of my knees 2.5 years apart and I definately didn't forget the shin pain when it came to the second one. Just remember that your body is adjusting to a new set of mechanics.
Rest lot's and use lot's of ice..
Goodluck with your recovery
linds
Posted by hottubpam (hottubpam), 6 January 2005

I just had a LR on 12/29 and I have very little visible bruising, although the knee area itself is very tender and feels bruised.

The only time I have had bruising like you are describing was after my 2nd surgery that included a MUA.  After that procedure I had massive bruising, from my hip/butt to my ankle.  You might ask your OS if they performed an MUA.  It is a common procedure (and not one I'd never recommend).

I don't have any shin/ankle pain - maybe a little swelling there.  Most of the pain is in and around the knee itself.  I do occasionally get sharp pains that shoot up and/or down the leg, but these are decreassing with each passing day since the last op.

Hope this helps and hope your OS responds soon.

Pam
Posted by DrThea (DrThea), 6 January 2005

I also had some bruising after my LR - but not as extensive as you have.  Took a month to disappear.  Linds had some good advice - keep pumping - stop blood clots from forming.  Does ice help you?

All the best to you,

Thea  
Posted by Tamknee (Tamknee), 7 January 2005

Thanks to all who replied.  I appreciate the information.  Thanks also for the well wishes.

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.

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