The patello-femoral joint :

another lateral release ? - - Posted by Lynn76249 (Lynn76249), 19 June 2003

I had a lateral release done about 4 weeks ago, can anyone tell me about their experience 4 weeks after their lateral release? Still have swelling, some pain, the DR said that they may need to drain the fluid off my knee, how painful will that be  Thank you for your help.

Lynn
Posted by Helena (KTF), 19 June 2003

Hi

I still had swelling after 4 weeks along with pain at the LRsite. Its normal and it'll get better in time! Just ice and rest regulary and keep doing those quad exercises.
Draining fluid can be painfull, I am used to it so far! So I say it "might" be painfull, more uncomfortable.
When my LR failed (which your OS normally will tell you 6 months post-op) he said there was no way he did another LR through arthroscopy 'cause it's most likely to fail again. IF he would redo it, he would do an open procedure but he advised me to have the whole thing, so I had a TTT.

Give it time and do lots of exercises. It's still early. Good luck H
Posted by april220 (april220), 20 June 2003

Hi, i was wondering, do you know how they decide whether they do an open lateral release or through arthroscopy?? My doc did an open one on me. I just wanted to know why an open one for some and not others? anyone know? sorry if this sounded dumb, but i am new to this and i just want to know as much as i can. thank you!!
oh and the fluid draining.. it's more uncomfortable feeling than pain really. just the initial needle poke is bad, oh and what ever you do, do not look at the size of the needle! i almost passed out!!! hehe
Posted by Janet (Janet), 20 June 2003

At four weeks I still had pain and swelling. I was using a cane. I didn't go back to my desk job until 5 weeks post-op. I didn't need to have it drained, but have had that done in my childhood following a knee injury. It really wasn't too bad, and felt better after getting the pressure of all that fluid relieved.

Janet
Posted by OhioStateMel (OhioStateMel), 1 August 2003

To quote my last OS "a LR is a bloody surgery" so, it is quite common to have persistent swelling.  After my "closed" LR, I had to have my leg drained 6 times because it would continually swell to gigantic sizes.  A hint or two for you:  DO NOT LOOK at the needle.  Also, tell your doctor before he drains to NOT show you the fluid- my Doctor did the first time, and I threw up on his shoes. Take your pain meds before going.  2 of the 6 times, they didn't give me anything for pain- and it can relly hurt.  All of my drainages took place within the first two weeks after surgery- so maybe since youa re further along thatn that, more tissue is healed so maybe it won't be as painful.  Good luck to you.
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Take care
Mel

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