HTO 5.5 months post op question

[aussie1087]

Hi Everyone,

I am 5.5 months post op from a closing wedge HTO. My rehab is going quite well, I'm back on the cross trainer for 5 minutes and still building up my muscle. Over the last week, I've noticed that whenever my leg is out straight for a while and I go to bend it, it feels like my kneecap pops before I can straighten it. Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone have any idea why/how long this might go on for? It's really off putting! Thanks =)

[UK86]

Yes I have this, though I would describe it as more of a 'clicking' than a popping.  Sometimes it hurts sometimes it doesn't, I'm not sure what causes it?

How is the rehab going now?

[aussie1087]

My physio told me its because my muscles aren't strong enough, so it should improve eventually. Rehab is okay, I'm actually having my hardware removed tomorrow! So I guess everything will be set back a few weeks but hopefully its all good times from here  How is your rehab going, how far post op are you?

[UK86]

Hi, glad to hear that things are going well.  Please update us on how the hardware removal goes... I hear it is a lot easier than having the HTO itself.

I'm just over 6 months post op but I was told hardware can't come out for 18 months.   My rehab is OK but I'm a bit disappointed at this stage. I can walk reasonable distances and do a bit of cycling but I still have pain and take meds.   

My physio is also saying to target muscle strength. I find I am still limping and protecting the operated leg so although I'm doing all this exercise the muscle bulk and strength isn't coming back very quickly.   I also have stiffness and swelling.

Anyway I see my surgeon for a check-up soon so I will see what they have to say.

[aussie1087]

Hi UK86,

The procedure apparently took 20 minutes, I was out of the hospital 2 hours later! I walked out too, they didn't wheel me anywhere. I can do SLR and squeeze my quad no problem. Bending hurts but it hurts my scar, not my actual knee. Going to take a painkiller before bed and hope that I get a somewhat good night sleep.

Also, my surgeon originally said hardware could come out after a year, but my physio recommended getting it out earlier and when I saw the surgeon at 7 months he was happy with my progress and agreed to take it out earlier.

I'm really sorry to hear that you're still limping and having stiffness and swelling, hopefully your surgeon will have a reason for this? Keep me updated with what they say, I hope it gets easier for you!

[UK86]

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