My dislocation story... looking for advice please?

[badkneeskatie]

I first dislocated my left knee april 2007 but it wasn't a full dislocation as the knee went back in again and i went to A&E and very painfully had the swelling drained out and was given a support and crutches. Then in Jul 2007 my right knee dislocated fully and stayed out and had to be put back in at A&E i was then in plaster cast for 8 weeks. More recently in Jan 2009 when i was 32 weeks pregnant my knee decided to dislocate again left leg this time but went back in just like the first time. I went to A&E and as a result of being pregnant I couldn't have an xray so didn't know what damage had been done I was then put in a plaster cast for 6 weeks as they couldn't drain the swelling as there was a risk of causing infection to my baby. Now its 5 months later and my knee is playing up again the muscles feel tight like someone is wrenching them and the knee keeps clicking funny as if it wants to pop out again.
 

Was just wondering if anyone else has experience of this, in january when it last happened the doctor said that they were quite recurrent for the time scale and surgery could be an option. Having a 12 week old baby i'm so scared of it dislocatng again, falling with her and not being able to get to her. What would you advise, I have made an appointment with doctors on sat to arrange an xray to be done will it show anything 5 months later? Also do you think surgery is a good option and if anyone has had surgery did it help, did it hurt and how long was the recovery period?

Many thanks.

[doublemom]

When you go in for x-rays, be sure to ask for the merchant, or sunrise, views of your knees.  These are a series of x-rays taken with your knees bent at different angles (mine were 30, 60, and 90 degrees).  This is the best way to show patellar tracking and/or tilt within the groove.  Don't be afraid to speak up and specifically ask what types of x-rays you will be getting, and requesting those views. 

Your next step would be to find an orthopedist who is a knee specialist, and preferably a patellofemoral specialist.  Unfortunately, a lot of general orthopedic surgeons just don't know enough about the mechanics of kneecaps to handle your situation well (I'm speaking from a lot of experience, and just about anyone on the patellofemoral forum here can say the same thing).  Your best bet is to ask around and get a recommendation for a PF specialist... ask your doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, who usually have a very good line on who the best physicians are for particular problems.

You could also post to the Patellofemoral Forum here at KG... there are dozens of us there who all have kneecap problems, so you'd be in good company

Andi