Bone breaks around the knee :

hardware in or out??? - - Posted by jamiep (jamiep), 6 October 2004

Hi
The power of the www hey - hopefully there are people out there that can help!
Potted history:
I play a lot of sport, mainly (field) hockey at a high level in London, UK. Initial problems in May 03 on left knee, had an authroscopy in June 03 after MRI was inconclusive of damage. Turned out some damage but ACL partialy intact, patched up and 5/6 weeks before back to full sport.
Random accident playing hockey Nov 03, surgery for full ACL reconstruction using PTB. All went well, lots of PT and recovered to have a gentle weekends skiing in March.
I returned to gentle hockey training in April.
Whilst wearing a full ACL support brace, I was playing hockey, running in a straight line, accelerated and heard a twang. Knee swelled and couldn't put weight on it, went to see PT  (walking slowly) next morning and sent to see sugeon for MRI,  OS put a cricket pad splint on and I carried on walking around waiting for an MRI slot. Cam out of MRI to be told full horizontal patella break and being admitted there and then for surgery next morning!
Following surgery, I had a full leg brace for 4 weeks and then a cricket pad splint for another two weeks.
Walking okay ish and seeing PT 5 days a week. Long slow process but now 5 months post op.
I have full range but not very good extension, my quads and VMO are building up again after dissapearing completely.
My calf muscle is very tight and I can't get a stretch. ITB is also tight but no suprise.
I've been cycling in the gym for a couple of weeks, now just on bad leg which is getting a lot stronger. Have tried running at 8 kph but limping and bad leg is striking the floor straight rather than slightly bent.
The lack of extension (better after work by PT) might be to do with what feels like a "blockage" where the quads meet the top of the kneecap, also painfull acrross top of kneecap in the first stages of SLR. PT thinks it might be the hardware at the top?
Due for update with OS next week.
Sorry it's such a long posting but wanted to give all info in case anything important.

Anyone thoughts on keeping hardware in or getting it out??
Also, what's the likely delay in rehab if I have it out??

Thanks
Jamie
Posted by Pat_A.E. (Pat_A.E.), 6 October 2004

I am fully in favor of hardware removal.  If you do a search on this topic I think you will find general agreement that removal is a plus for comfort and ROM.
Posted by kgrosskurth (Kathy G), 7 October 2004

Welcome, Jamiep!! I wish I can help, but I am a Tib Plateau "baby" but as Pat_E has stated, many people have fould hardware removal especially for patella breaks have been helpful in regaining ROM and in improving the quality of life. Remember it is major surgery to get it removed, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

Wishing you all the best!!  
Posted by jamiep (jamiep), 9 October 2004

Thanks.
also, is there anyone on the board who has returned to a high level of sport including skiing??
Posted by Womble4eva (Womble4eva), 9 October 2004

Hiya Jamie! Like Kathy I was a tib plateau fracture girl but I had my hardware removed after about nine months as I was told that in order for me to return to what I would like sport wise I would have t have it out. I am glad I did. If it wasnt for injuries after the removal I would be pretty ok now. Sorry I cant be any more help, but hope u find some helpful info on this site and come to an answer.
Posted by lizl (lizl), 12 October 2004

To paraphrase Shakespeare--"Out, out, darned wires."  

LizL (hardware-less and happy about it)

Hmm, looks like Shakespeare was edited! "Darned" is as close as the forum allows for the word da**ed.

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