Cruciate ligaments :

Unsure!! - - Posted by golfing_guru (golfing_guru), 14 January 2005

Ok, I've posted here a couple times now, but unfortunately I'm still unsure as to what i have actually done to my knee!

After visiting several physios' I have been confirmed as having VERY positive lachmans - huge difference between my good leg (right) and bad leg (left).

I also experience instability but that seems to be getting less however i have been working my quads etc.

The thing that's making me question the diagnosis (made by both GP and physio's) of a ruptured ACL is the pain that I get! It seems relentless after working my quads in the gym to walking up a hill etc. (walking any great distance also provides instability but never actually given way).

The pain seems to come from the bottom right hand side of knee and feel to emanate from under the knee cap. Swelling occurs somewhat often (esp. after walking up lots of stairs on a reg. basis e.g. @ uni).

Does this sort of pain, and its chronic, sound like part of the ACL - most people just complain about instability - does it sound like a wrong diagnosis, or is it simply another problem on top of a ruptured ACL ?

Any help appreciated,

Cheers  
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 14 January 2005

Hi, read your post and you never mentioned anything about seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon.  Has your GP only referred you to PT and not to an OS?  

If not, you should go back to your GP and ask for a referral to an OS who specializes in knees, especially if you tested positive to any of the tests performed.  


Posted by jbluestein (jbluestein), 14 January 2005

do you have access to a good MRI scanner? A radiologist report and diagnosis by a knee surgeon should get to the bottom of it.

knee problems are difficult to diagnose.
Posted by golfing_guru (golfing_guru), 15 January 2005

Hey,

Sorry i shoulda said that in my original post that i have been referred to an OS but as yet i've heard nothing from him/her (referred only 2months ago).

Unfortunately i don't get access to an MRI until i've had my first consultation with my OS, so that aint gonna happen for at least another 4months.

My GP and PT have already made diagnosis of torn ACL but cannot explain this pain that i'm getting. I also went to a private PT who deals with the international soccer team and he also confirmed it (says he's seen lots from all the soccer players) but also informed me that i've dislocated my kneecap at some point as well (pushed down on my kneecap and it made me scream naughty words  ).

Don't know if this would explain the pain !  

Cheers  
Posted by jbluestein (jbluestein), 15 January 2005

hi gg, you say you've already been diagnosed with a torn ACL.

Since you are still working out, my guess is your meniscus are saying "You want trouble from me too?" Or, perhaps you have some scar tissue rubbing around.

Here's a good site to self-diagnose. in any case a 'scope  or MRI and an experienced knee surgeon are  required to figure it out.

Cruise this site, you'll be glad you did.

http://www.orthoassociates.com/knee_lig.htm#injury

good luck


Posted by golfing_guru (golfing_guru), 15 January 2005

Thanks for that link.

Even looking at the diagram at the very top of the page helped - the area the pain is coming from is definately from the ACL. Its EXACTLY where i feel it.

This makes me wonder if i have a fully ruptured ACL or not - the docs seem pretty sure that i do but its more pain than instability that troubles me - don't get me wrong i go get occasional real bad instability but with a couple days rest i'm back to normal until i push it too hard again, but the pain? .... don't get me wrong i'm not a barer of pain @ all but i've broken bones and my hip and a lot of other things and have NEVER felt pain like this before. It's even more debilitating than when my knee feels unstable.

Cheers for the link though, just have 2 keep my fingers crossed that i get my letter from the NHS sooner rather than later  
Posted by Gab (Gab), 16 January 2005

I had pain in that area too after my injury...The more unstable the knee is, the more prone to damage other things you are. To stay on the safe side, I was partial weight-bearing in crutches for 2 months until I got the reconstruction done. I know this is not something practical for you but at least try to avoid doing anything crazy with that knee..

Oh and the pain in the area could be explained by the ruptured ACL that's just hanging around loose in your knee and gets pinched etc..
Posted by golfing_guru (golfing_guru), 16 January 2005

If it is a floating part of the ACL thats causing this pain is there anyway of reducing this or is it simply a case of waiting until the recon?

Cheers  

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