Cruciate ligaments :
Please Help! - - Posted by sian (sian), 12 January 2005
Hi, I'd really appreciate some advice here. I'm 30 and completely tore my ACL 9 years ago. At the time I saw many doctors and received a lot of conflicting advice. Basically I felt that I was discouraged from having reconstructive surgery due to possible complications and was told that unless my knee began to collapse continuously then I may as well leave the ACL torn.
So I decided to leave it damaged and continued a normal, reasonably active life with much hiking and skiing and experienced a knee 'collapse' perhaps only twice per year. Each time this happened I experienced pain as though the knee had dislocated but the pain subsided after a few minutes and I could continue as normal.
However, over the last year I have experienced 2 incredibly painful collapses. The first time was after a long trek and the pain lasted about 10 mins after which my knee felt weak but soon returned to normal. The second time was horrendous, much more painful than when I first tore the ligament and my body went into shock for some time after. Since this second episode my knee feels very unstable and I dont trust it at all.
All this happened whilst I was travelling abroad for an extended time so I was unable to seek medical help. I have just returned to the U.K and am awaiting a referral to a specialist. Having researched my condition on the web and especially this site, I am left wondering whether I ever should have been advised to just leave it alone, especially with such a severe injury as a completely snapped ACL. I am now extremely concerned about the long term effects and wanted to hear other people's thoughts on the issue.
Your replies would be much appreciated,
Sian.
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 12 January 2005
Hi there, why not go to your GP and mention your current situation and ask for a referral to an OS who is experienced with this type of injury.
It never hurts to get another opinion no matter how much time has passed. There could be something else going on with your knee now and you should definately have it checked out by a good knee surgeon.
Posted by jbluestein (jbluestein), 12 January 2005
sounds like you may be ready to consider surgery, sometime..... lots of us in the same boat.
Be sure your OS is very experienced at ACL reconstruction, your PT too.
check this site to start your research.
http://www.orthoassociates.com/ACL_Indications.htm
good luck.
Updated Sat Nov 21 2009
