Ruptured Patellar Tendon Surgery

[CSM4thCAV2014]

Juls, Paul…thanks for your kind words of support.

Juls, I think you are doing just fine where you’re at for 12 weeks. Everybody has difference getting ROM back…but time is on your side, it’s not a race. You sound very focused on the tasks at hand and I’m confident you will look back in later weeks, as you suggested in an earlier post, and chuckle over your concerns you had at this point! And you’re doing much better than I was at 12 weeks, I was a mental basket case at that point…you can go back and read my posts to see! Granted, this is a very serious and challenging injury to suffer and rehab from. However, the good news is that with modern medicine and surgical procedures, physio techniques and good ol fashioned willpower, the outcome can be very good. Many achieve pre-injury form and function as well as full ROM. A few others don’t, but I think most go on with their lives fairly well.

As for the clicking, I still think its likely normal to have at your point in time. Again, as sort of a disclaimer, I was an anomaly what with being a double and having the high kneecap thing. But my noise was never just a click; it was a very audible pop that even other patients heard during my PT sessions. For instance, my original PT had me doing short arc lifts (where they slide a tube pillow under your knee and you flex & extend your leg). These caused an unbelievable amount of pain as the knee joints flexed and popped loudly as I cycled between flexion and extension. Mercifully, she finally had me stop performing those. I had to go to another physical therapy center with a PT who specialized in knees to finally convince me something wasn’t right inside my knees and recommended a new OS. So unless you’re having a severe “pop” and/or loud grinding in the patella groove, I think you are likely OK with the click you’re hearing. As always, relate your concerns on this with both your PT and OS.

My best to you and keep stretching!!

JC

[tiger77]

Hi everyone,

After my first physio appointment earlier this week which was more like an assessment, I am dreading next week's appointment as I have been told that to expect a lot of pain (to the point of tears was how the physio described it) as they bend the knee.
It is now exactly 12 weeks ago since my accident after which I had surgery to repair the patella tendon three days later on the 14th July. I feel like I have not made much progress regarding flexion of knee (I can only bend 40 degrees max) and feel that I was not referred for physio early enough. In short the treatment program (or should i say lack of) has not been aggressive enough.
I wanted to ask really regarding the physio I will have next week - will the pain really be that horrendous? I am doing the exercise they have given to me in the meantime. After doing those exercises after which I feel quite sore.

Best wishes to everyone,
Tiger

[The Eejit]

Tiger,

I dread my Physio and hospital appointments but then I have a fear of all things medical.

Not really sure why I do though because both times I came out after my physio appointments I wasn't traumatised like I seem to imagine I will be lol it would appear I just like to worry and they didn't even tell me they would bend me to the point of tears like yours did..had they I would probably not have gone back!

My first session after my initial assessment she measured my bend and showed me my exercises. She did bend me but she was getting to the same level I was in he house so no more pain than I was used to. I did feel sorer coming out but it passes when you rest. Bear in mind though my session is only 30 minutes once a week, I'm no sure how much you're getting.

Second actual session she measured me again and massaged my knee....hate people touching them so I cringed a little. She bent me a little more forcibly this time until the dreadful noise then she stopped and massaged my knee again.

Not due again till next Wednesday and I'll dread it again because basically I'm a big chicken! But as you can see I'm perfectly fine. I think a lot of it is mind over matter. They work with you so they will listen to you.

Take pain killers an hour before you go, I do now before I exercise, the lady in boots thinks I'm a paracetamol addict lol and I keep an ice pack in the freezer because I'm still quite swollen!

My physio says what they do is only part of it. The hard part is us continuing the exercises at home. She tells me off for stressing about my degrees and does not seem concerned that I'm only at 70 which to be fair I only get after really pushing. Thats my top limit of pain and I can't hold it long. She says as John does o me, next step 90!

You will be grand! I'm telling you Tiger if I can do it anyone can :-)

[John42]

Hi Eejit

Have you had your good leg measured?, if not, get it done, then you know what you are aiming for.


JohnK/Manchester UK

[sunkizt1984]

Hi all,

New member of the RPT club here. Ruptured the left patellar tendon playing tennis on Saturday 9/30 and had surgery Tuesday, 10/2 in Washington, DC. Had surgery at Walter Reed and likely will be doing PT there. JohnK, if you have time would you be able to send the documents on RPT you have to [email protected]? Spending most of my couch time trying to read through the 300 pages on this forum. It's helpful reading through all of your success stories!

Thank you!
Danielle

[The Eejit]

Hey Danielle and welcome. It's very nice to meet you, just a shame it's under these circumstances!

Speedy recovery :-)

[John42]

Hi Danielle,

Welcome to the best source of information on a RPT injury - my goodness, you have already received my e-mail with the documents covering this injury and guidence on the rehab process.

Read with care and ASK questions - lots of buddies who have gone through this injury and we all help each other.

Keep posting

Take care

JohnK/ Manchester UK

[GQJimmy]

Welcome Danielle,

I grew up in Reston Va & spent alot of time in DC and Georgetown, I miss it, great area, except during the winter storms.... 
Here are a few tips that might make your life easier:
Use a belt to wrap around your foot, when you need to move your bad leg.
Get a portable tolet with handles and use a stool to rest your bad leg on when going #2....lol
A stool to rest your leg, makes it easier to sit on a chair.  I got a foldable stool that I take with me when I go out.
Get a shower bench, it will make taking a shower a better expierence.
Place a towel or something soft under your heel when sitting in bed or the couch for a prolonged time, it will prevent heel blisters or irretation.
Start bending your knee as soon as you can, like the 2nd week, with your hands. It will help to prevent SCAR TISSUE, which if not prevented early, it will make your recovery harder.
Do your quad sets as soon as you can.
More info to come after you get your stich's out.

Take care & be patient,
Jimmy

[John42]

Hi Danielle

Another valuable tip - sleep with a cushion/pillow between your knees -

Take care

JohnK/ Manchester UK

[snoopz_mum]

Snoopz_mum, I had a biking trip to France booked for May and had to cancel as it was only 2 months out from my surgery. I worked on the floor cycle and then on a regular stationary every day once I reached about 100 degrees, by the time my OS let me really start working my leg I was able to get back onto the road. I am now at 5 months and have done a few fairly long rides and the leg feels really good both on the bike and when I get off. The real challenge is my cardio fitness, not sure the best way to work that although I read a few posts here from folks who did a lot of swimming.

Hopefully you will get on the bike soon enough that you will be able to make  your trip to France, I have rebooked mine for next spring and definitely plan to make it.

Paul

Thanks for the advice Paul.  Unfortunately, it was a "one off" trip.  I've got over it...... I am still not cycling.  If the crank were the hands of a clock. I can currently get my leg from 10 past to 20 to.  No give beyond that.  It's very frustrating......

[snoopz_mum]

... just trying to catch up on all the posts since I was last here.....  I've been a bit down on my luck lately (ha!  no more so than when I got knocked off my bike!).  I split up with my partner, started back at work and am very low in mood.  I returned to my home (where I hadn't been since the accident) and have to cycle past where I got knocked off twice a day (I'm not pedalling, fortunately I have an electric bike so can use it on throttle).  I have to walk my dog in the neighbourhood of my accident which also adds to my stress.  I have decided to move (end of the month and before the ice) before I have a complete nervous breakdown!
I had my medico legal appointment last week.  He is sending me to see a knee specialist.  He says most people at this stage (of accidents generally) would be so close to recovery that he could tell them how long it would be/how much function they would get back.  Not so for me, apparently.  And winter's coming.  Is there anything positive to say about the world?!
I haven't been on line coz (since I moved out from my partner's) I can't afford internet at home.  That's about all for me.  I shall try and see what's been happening in my absence.  I see new people   

[Jennyb1]

Hi All, room for a newbie?
I fell from a front doorway and landed on the garden path (on my knee) a couple of steps below.
I got a taxi to A&E and was diagnosed with patella tendon rupture and was operated on the next day. That was August 17th. The surgeon said I had shredded the tendon really badly and he had a tough time stitching it all back together. He has used wire which will need to be removed.

I was in a full cast and no weight bearing for weeks. Had the staples removed and another full cast. Then on Oct 2nd I had the cast removed and had a brace put on, set at 30 degrees and told I can still only 50% weight bear (whatever that means). I asked for advice on that and exercises etc but was just told to take direction from my physio but as yet I haven't managed to see one (despite my nagging). I am hoping to hear from one this week.
The brace will be adjusted fortnightly next to 60 then to 90 then I have my next hospital appointment (Nov 20th) but at present I can't seem to bend my knee at all.
I am getting a bit frustrated as I don't seem to be able to find out what to expect timeline wise.

I live alone and I can only get around the ground floor (all bathroom facilities upstairs) so I cannot look after myself unaided. My parents are having to take it in turns to stay and help but I don't think they realized how long it would go on for!! Neither did I!! I had thought/hoped that once the cast was off I would be allowed to walk a little and master the stairs (after a fashion). I don't have crutches - just a walking frame so I am VERY limited.

I am a care worker and help people in their own homes in my job so that involves driving as well as needing to be fairly flexible mobility wise. I don't think my boss really appreciates how long I might be off for (originally signed off for 12 weeks). I was leaving my last call of the day when I had my fall.

I am finding that whenever I mention to someone what my injury is, they just assume it is either like a sprain or at worst on a par with a broken bone and therefore they think I should be back running around in no time.  Have any of you experienced this?

I am beginning to think I will never get back to normal. It is reassuring to read of your progress though. There must be some hope for me too eh?

[ianb2405]

Hello Jennie b1,
Sounds like you are getting a bit frustrated, talking may help.
I am new here as well.
My situation is a bit different as I ruptured my quad tendon above my left knee.
(That was mid August. Surgery then brace for 2 weeks. Followed by full leg cast for 4 weeks. That came off almost 2 weeks ago. I have has a PT assessment and go for my second PT later this week.)
But there are some simularities.
I was sent home from hospital with no help. My partner got in touch with NHS Occupational Therapy. They did a home visit and then supplied some things to help.
Another bannister to help climb the stairs,
extra height toilet seat,
a turning car seat turntable,
blocks to raise the height of the settee
and "a dog lead"
Let me explain. Imagine  a dog lead with collar. The collar is stiffened and the lead has a stiff core. So hook the collar over the bad foot and you can raise it by pulling on the lead. Helps when getting the leg up onto the bed or what ever!
We have toilet facilities downstairs otherwise I think they would have offered something else.
Might be worth a phone call to see if you can get some help.
I already had elbow crutches from the hospital.

Hope some of this helps.

Good luck and try to stay positive,

Ian

[tiger77]

Hi Jennie,

Welcome to the forum. It seems like your leg has been immobilised for quite a while. I ruptured my tendon around a month before yours. My leg was immobilised for around three weeks in a brace then followed a program like yours, although I am only able to flex around 40 degrees. I started physiotherapy appointments last week. I would encourage you to continue to nag for a earlier physio appointment and to start the exercises which I am sure John will send to you.
I am not sure why you have been given a walking frame (usually given for upper limb injuries I think) and not crutches. Everyone else on this forum seems to be given crutches so I think it is worth questioning your healthcare provider.
It must be difficult if you're living alone and I think you need support, for at least another couple of months.  Ian made good points about getting occupational therapy, although i do not know where you live. One thing i found useful was a foot splint i bought from amazon as i was suffering from plantar fasciitis. The splint was useless for plantar fasciitis! But it has been useful for this injury to help me lift my leg. The top bit is attached to another cord rather than around my calf! Now my physio has discouraged me from using it as one can become too reliant but it was definitely useful in earlier stages and still is at times.
In a way i have to look after a baby and toddler at home with my wife, so that is my hard work! Regarding driving you need to be able to do an emergency stop and also depends on whether you drive automatic or manual.  I believe not for four months post injury at least.
As you and there's mention and as I feel on an almost daily basis, it is very frustrating and slow process to recovery. Some times I feel happy and that I am progressing and at others it feels like I have got nowhere. I think the changes are very subtle but they do occur.
Keep the faith - all the best!

Tiger

[The Eejit]

Hey Jenny, hang in there. As Tiger says there are good days and bad days and the like he also says I to find that progress is gradual. It's good to have this board for support though.and yes like you I've found that people expect me to be able to do more than I actually can. It's very frustrating!

Tiger, how you getting on without the brace? I've found his week slow going because I feel less confident without it. My leg feels more insecure but I guess it's going to take time. I did manage the stairs without it today although I still need to use a crutch.

Here's a question i'd like help with. When bending I seem to feel pain down the left side as in the outside of my knee. Has anyone else had this? I'm still really stiff to and find when walking I almost have to forces my leg to bend?