Chronic Knee Cap Pain

[Jan40]

Hi

He was shocked by the physical appearance and the noise they make with the slightest of movement, havnt had MRI as never got an appointment from old OS, had new xrays done other day with all types of views and it showed that I also have tilted kneecaps and no space in between (not sure really what he meant), but that is the main reason he doing the lateral release, dom't no why this never showed up on last lot of xrays?

What was your recovery like after your lateral release, my OS is hoping to do my other knee in about 3 months

Im in touch with Cheryl via email as it easier if you want to email me my address is [email protected]

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

Wanted to ask Cheryl (Probull) and Milly - you both mentioned having second lateral releases done on the same knee? (not each's knees but your own ; you know what I mean!)
I keep seeing people on this board mention that but my OS says you can only have a lateral release done once ; did they only do a partial cut of the lateral retinacular the first time? How are you able to have a second one on same knee?
I ask because I feel like I need it again and they tell me its impossible. Appreciate any inf.

I had my first one on the left knee almost 20 years ago.  Scar tissue will form in the space left behind.  My kneecap was subluxed (hanging over the edge) toward the outside, so the OS released it again.  I do not know how much of a release was done so long ago, but the last one was substantial.  I have been told that the scar tissue can grow in and pull the kneecap laterally again.  Not sure if this answered your question or not.

[Jan40]

Thanks, well it only 2 days to go, I am very nervous as I have heard so many horror stories, but if I do not go ahead with it I will never know and I just can not keep living like this.

Will let you know how it goes.

Chat soon

Jan

[FormerlyActive]

Dear TwoBad - thank you for your very helpful info re lateral release! Yes, I recall my original surgeon said it filled in with scar tissue. Important question: HOW did they figure out it is on the outside again? Very curious to know!!! You can PM me instead if you prefer.

Dear Jan-
If there is any way you can ask them to make a tape of your surgery it would be good for you to have because with the kneecap stuff it is the best picture of what it looks like now. Not all places can do it but worth it to ask.  Very best wishes to you and keep us posted.

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

I don't mind "talking" about it.  When the doc went in to scope the knee the kneecap was hanging over the lateral edge of the femur about 30% (that's what the op report said).  He also took pics during surgery and I could see it too.  Obviously not enough to see by eyeball from the outside, but enough to be a problem.  I think mine might have shifted back over time and the lateral structures got tight again, also I fell right on my knees with no way to catch myself.  The poor kneecaps hit the ashphalt first.  I was thankful I had a pair of knee braces on! They have a soft doughnut that goes around the kneecap to relieve pressure, so they too the brunt of the fall or I may have cracked a kneecap.       I hope this helps you out.

[Jan40]

Hi All

Well had surgery, 2 days post op and oh my im in pain, OS did lateral release, shaved my patella and drilled holes in patella, not sure what the holes are for?

Will keep all all posted and thanks for all support

Jan

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

Hi Jan,

Sounds like the OS may have done some microfracture.  It is a way to "heal" the cartilage.  I know with a LR I was in lots of pain, and I've heard that microfracture can be quite painful too.  Try to stay on top of the pain and take it easy.

Take care,

Milly

[Jan40]

Hi Milly

Thanks, I tried to get off crutches today but far to painfull at the moment, was hoping to drop it down to 1 stick but will leave it a few more days and try again.

It been an awful few days as my dad is terminally ill and has deteriated very quickly over the past couple of days, I have been living with Dad and caring for him for the past 8 months, the good think is I have a wonderful family who are coming to see us everyday and help us both out.

Chat soon take care

Jan

[FormerlyActive]

Hi Jan
Glad to heare you are on the other side of surgery. Yes I had pain with my LR and I had both done at same time so I had a very long recovery. Also I was very careful.

I am so so sorry to hear about your father. I'm sure he is glad to have you in his life.  Thinking of you.

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

Hi Jan,

Let your knee be your guide for dropping a crutch.  If it's too painful with one, use two.

I am sorry about your dad.  It good that you can take care of him, but don't forget taking care of you.

Milly

[FormerlyActive]

Dear Milly
Sorry I forgot to thank you for your post. That was interesting they detected it during the scope (where they can test it) they don't seem to be able to figure it out any other way (i.e. kneecap hanging on the outside). In the MRI the knee is slightly bent so they claim that detects it but I don't think so because the issue is when the knee is straight. I really wish the best for you.

I suspect that is my issue but doc seemed uninterested, told me I have "patellar maltracking and chondral changes" and there is no clear surgical option. That perhaps my injury will heal itself (it has been 4 months now since March 18 hiking injury). I just have to decide how long to wait because at my age (46) there is no way I am going to be limping another 40 years. And this is the top PF specialist in our rather large city.

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

Hey no problem.  I think x-rays and MRIs are good, but getting a look at the real thing makes a big difference.  I hope there is something else they can suggest for you.  No one wants to limp around in pain for several years.  I am getting a second opinion myself.  Taking pills all the time and sitting on the sidelines of life is not the answer.  I'm not yet 40 and there are things I want to be able to do.  Take care.

Milly

[Jan40]

Hi All

Just to let you know my wonderfull dad passed away peacefully on Thursday morning.

Jan

[TwoBadKneesUSA]

Hi Jan,

So sorry your father has passed.  It is good that he went peacefully.  It sounds like you have wonderful memories of him. 

Milly

[Jan40]

Hi All

Hope you are all well, I am now 4 weeks post op and went to see OS yesterday he was very pleased with my progress and feels that it has been a success.

I am still in quite alot of pain (different pain from before the surgery) but can now manage to get up stairs but getting back down is a nightmare, there is still alot of swelling but Im iceing it as much as possible but I hate it, down to 1 walking stick and really only need that as my un-operated knee keeps giving way, having same surgery on that on the 2nd October.

Jan