RUPTURED PATELLAR TENDON

[FINFAN3DP]

I fell down three steps and ruptured my patellar tendon. My injury occurred 12/14/06, my surgery was 12/18/06 and they discharged me from the hospital on 12/19/06. 1/3/07 at the docs he said to do quad flex's 30 times twice a day and 10 heel toe points every hour. Next appointment on 1/18/07 I get the x-ray like usual then go into the exam room. He comes in, takes off my brace, throws it on the counter and then tells me to lay down. (i truly think he told me to lay down so I couldn't punch him when he did what he did next.) Next he grabs my knee cap and starts yanking it side to side and massaging my knee very roughly. He tells my wife she has to do this twice a day, ten to fifteen times and then pick up my knee so it bends a little 3 to 5 times. He then told me I couldn't have my brace back and sent us home with a script for Physical Therapy. I guess my question is, it has only been 4.5 weeks since my surgery and now i can't have the brace? Fast forward to today 1/31, only 6 weeks since surgery.  Doc had me put my leg off the edge of the table then proceeded to push down on it little by little until I was literally crying.  I'm a 39 year old big guy that doesn't cry. I'm really concerned that this guy is too agressive and he is going to rerupture it.  I'm a 350lb guy and I really don't want to have to go this surgery again.  Should I start looking for another doc?

[broke123]

deffenetly not. agressive is what u want! u dont want someone to baby u and take baby steps. or ull never recover!
u cannot(!) rapture it again after surgery. it would also help a lot if ur physical therapy place would also be agressive.
u gota suck it up and do it through the pain. other vise ull be in pain for a loooooooong time.

sugestion: ask ur doctor for a pain killer (light) take it right before therapy or doin excersises. it will help u expand ur range of motion.

good luck

[FINFAN3DP]

How can you be so sure that it won't rupture again.  I have already learned of two people that reruptured again on the table.

[broke123]

on what table?

ive seen many patients post op and post fx. they all baby their injury, afraid to move it. thinkin it will brake again. in the long run it causes more harm than good.
im saying dont go crazy. but u cant baby it. u have to do the range of motion excercises through the pain.

by the way, i would also consider loosin some weight. ur lookin at arthritis of knees within a few years, if u dont already have it. just a friendly sugestion

[FINFAN3DP]

The table in the doctors office, bed or whatever you call that table you have to get up on.

I can understand a little pain, but enough to make a grown man cry is a little too much.  I don't understand why it has to be so rushed.  Everything I have read online and in forums is that I should have a brace, I shouldn't be doing so much, all things totally opposite of what he has me doing.  

Why not take it slower, with less pain, and get to the same conclusion?

[FINFAN3DP]

Also, i'm seriously considering not going back to him.  I know that if the PT had done what he did yesterday, I wouldn't be going back to him.

Why would anyone in their right mind put themselves through that a second time.  Maybe I'll feel better in two weeks when I have to go back to him, but right now that is what i'm feeling.  Not going back.

[broke123]

bone heales in 6-8 weeks.
u dont think ur tendon healed yet?
u dont need a brace. use ur leg. its gona take a year about to get 90-100% better. u keep wearing a brace and baby ur leg. ur never gona return full use/motion in ur leg. or at least not any time soon.

if u want, take ur time gettin better. hey, its ur body.

all the best

[stiff knee]

I am 34 years old and am a pretty active individual. I play flag football 2X a week, and softball 3 X a week. This past Saturday 3/3 I ruptured my pattellar tendon playing flag football.  The only way I can explain the pain is that someone threw a rock at me and hit me square in the knee. I have never felt pain like that before. I had my appointment today 3/5, to schedule my surgery which will be on 3/7. I had ACL surgery 8 years ago, and from what I remember I was back on my feet with most of my motion and playing sports in no time. From what I have been reading I am in for the long haul. I guess my question is will I at least be back on the softball field by the summer, and as far as PT bring it on? I welcome that kind of aggressiveness. Can someone please offer me some support and answers to this particular injury?  

[Geno228]

From: patella rupture from tibia:
I am 33 years old.  I ruptured my patella tendon on 12/17/07 playing basketball with friends just about 2 weeks after I began playing again.  I was driving past a relative, planted hard to take off and dunk on him, and felt and heard a snap that shocked me more than it hurt.  I was more upset that I knew I was in for a setback than hurt.  The pain came 10 mins later and when it came it was pretty intense.  My 12/19/07 appointment with my specialist made way for my 12/21/07 surgery date.  The pain after surgery was unlike any other physical pain I've had in my life.  They had to give me the maximum amount of morphine and demoral (sp) to stabilize my pain for several hours, only to haunt me again on and off for another week and a half.  After that I ceased taking meds and have been on a fairly steady road to recovery.  Since my injury was more severe with my tendon rupturing by ripping from the bone, my healing time was pushed to 6 weeks rather than the typical 4 as stated by my doctor.  He had to use bone anchors to reattach the tendon to my tibia.  On 1/30/08 my doctor stated we'll start movement and take off the brace.  I get little pains here and there while lifting the leg to the bed or putting it on the floor.  It feels like its getting stronger and more stable.  I'm not quite sure what to expect as far as the physical therapy script goes but I welcome the challenge as I frequently work out and have always been an athlete in school.   I'm 6'5 and weigh 240 and have lost about 10 pounds while I've been off my feet in efforts to make my therapy go smoother at a lighter weight than when I injured it.  
I also would like to know if someone could help shed some light timeline wise as to what to expect with recovery time, when I'll be able to resume normal athletic activity, and what to expect.  I had surgery on a partially torn rotator cuff 5 years ago and gained full strength within approximately 4 months.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
Patellar tendon rupture is a disruption of the segment of the extensor mechanism extending from the inferior aspect of the patella to the tibial tubercle.
Patellar tendon ruptures require operative repair. Patients with acute ruptures should be placed in a knee immobilizer for comfort and should be referred to an orthopedist for surgical treatment.
With regards your physical exercises you should be doing quadriceps strengthening and ROM exercises. Begin with straight-leg raises and quadriceps sets. Allow early ROM within the limits of tension of surgical repair. May bear weight as tolerated with the knee locked in extension.
Core strengthening should be done after 6 weeks, advanced ROM and strength training as tolerated.
Most patients treated with early patellar tendon repair have good or excellent results. Chronic tendon ruptures are more difficult to repair, but repair provides better results than nonoperative treatment.
Hope this helps you.
Bye.

[privatewireless]

on 12 /18/07 I ruptered my patellar tendon, the rupture occured from the knee, taring away a bit of bone. It was the holidays and everyone was on vacation, surgeon's were scarce. I finally was refered to the hospital for special surgery in NYC. The surgery took place and the doctors were excellent. Immediatley post op they had my leg in a CAM machine movement to 30 degrees. The pain post op was enourmous for about two weeks. My Cam movement is on 80 degrees now and am walking well cruthches outdoors, and when needed. Started therapy for a week. Things are feeling better. Still have the brace and quad strength is horrible. The process is very weird everyone has a different opinion on the surgery and therapy. My knee is feeling better overall but from what I see and have educated myself on it's a long haul untill 100%. Wish everyone best of luck on their rehabilitation.

[Fritzy1328]

It's good to see a forum for this.  I was playing basketball on 2/7/08 when I felt like I got kicked in the knee.  When I looked at it, the kneecap was up into my thigh, and I couldn't straighten my leg.  I had surgery on 2/8/08, and just came home today.  I'm home alone all week, and wondered if anyone else experienced this.  It's worse than I could have imagined trying to get by on my own...any suggestions would help.  Thanks and good luck to all.

One last thing, I'm afraid to put weight on it this soon, although the doctor said it was ok.  Has anyone had adverse reactions to putting weight on their leg so soon?

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
I assume you had Patella dislocation; hence you had surgery for correction.
Patellar dislocation usually refers to lateral displacement of the patella out of its normal alignment in the trochlear groove of the femur.
Participation in football, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, or dancing is one of the many risk factors associated with Patellar dislocation.
Complications associated with the surgery are recurrent dislocations, chronic anterior knee pain, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Haemarthrosis with a lateral release, Patello-femoral arthritis, and osteo-chondral fractures.
Early weight bearing can have one of the complications. You can consult a physiotherapist to guide you regarding immediate weight bearing and further training.
I would like to know what the doctor say and what the result of imaging studied was.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[turton]

I am 39, healthy, fit, BMI 23 etc etc, and ruptured my patella ligament yesterday trying to pull a wheelie on my 7-yr olds bike. My left knee/outer lower quads exploded in pain and I fell to the ground clutching it in agony, and had to pull it out straight. Never had pain like it, and have had a ruptured ACL on the other side before and prolapsed intervertebral disc, and #tibia before. Entonox from paramedic crew was amazing as it reduced the spasm and pain and then they immobilised it in a splint. Idiots in accident & emergency came to the conclusion that I had "jared" my knee, even though I said I thought I had ruptured the patella tendon or dislocated-relocated it! I bought the x-rays home and confirmed it myself by comparing it to a picture of an x-ray on google! Luckily I am a surgeon and the Orthopaedic knee specialsit in Leeds saw me thia morning, and the musckuloskeletal radiologist did an USS and confirmed a complete ruptured patella ligament . Surgery is going to be this Wed am. Feel very worried to see som many comments from the forum that it is all so painful post surgery and recovery is so long. I don't do being an invaild very well. My intention was to walk on a straight leg brace straightaway, drive my car (which is automatic) as I can get my leg into the foot-well in a straight position, and hopefully get back operating, if I can hobble about without crutches around an operating table, and do my clinics. Would be good to hear from anyone whether this sounds in any way possible or is it pie-in-the-sky. The only thing I have done today is cancelled my routine for this week, and our family holiday to Orlando, which is just 4-weeks away, as thought the plane ride would be imposs, and couldn't lift suitcases or keep up with my family if they were walking miles in Disney World!

Advice gratefully received

Philip
***@****

[JainMD]

Hi,
Patellar tendon rupture is a disruption of the segment of the extensor mechanism extending from the inferior aspect of the patella to the tibial tubercle.
Ruptures usually result from trauma in which a violent quadriceps muscle contraction occurs against resistance in the flexed knee.
I think this is true in your case too.
Patellar tendon ruptures require operative repair and patients may bear weight as tolerated as long as the knee is locked in extension.
The surgery protocol varies from hospital to hospital and is one those surgeries which will be painful. But as you might know modern day surgeries are been attempted to be pain free.
Early repair allows for maintenance of patellar tendon length and better functional results.
Patients usually are treated with an above-the-knee cast or a knee brace locked in extension for ~6 weeks after surgery.
Most patients treated with early patellar tendon repair have well to excellent results.
Physiotherapy is a must and hence it has to be planned.
What have they mentioned regarding physiotherapy?
Keep me informed if you have any queries and would like to know the progress.
Bye.

[Fritzy1328]

Actually, I had a complete rupture of my right Patellar Tendon.  Today has been a little easier, but I think it's just because I'm getting used to moving around on the crutches.  It still hurts like crazy once I'm moving around on it, but I know I'm going to have to get used to that for now.

Thanks for commenting.

[JainMD]

Hi Fritzy,
If you had Patellar tendon rupture then I think the above mentioned post for turton would give limited but essential information regarding patellar tendon rupture.
I would like to know whether they have put you on any physiotherapy. If yes, what kind of exercise they have planned for you?
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[Fritzy1328]

My next appointment with the doctor is next Monday.  Until then, I was told to just bear weight as much as possible, and keep it up with ice.  I was told physiotherapy would be discussed at this next appointment.  

Thanks.

[JainMD]

Hi,
Physical therapy could be planned as follows;
You may require physical therapy for quadriceps strengthening and ROM exercises.
Begin with straight-leg raises and quadriceps sets. Allow early ROM within the limits of tension of surgical repair.
May bear weight as tolerated with the knee locked in extension
Core strengthening should begin after 6 weeks, advanced ROM and strength training as tolerated.
Keep me informed about your appointment with the doctor.
Bye.

[Fritzy1328]

Timeframe currently:

2/7/08        Ruptured Patellar Tendon (Torn from kneecap)
2/8/08        Surgery (tendon sutured to kneecap by drilling 3 holes in kneecap)
2/19/08       First follow-up with doctor  - Stay in straight-legged brace until next appointment on 3/20/08 to allow tendon to heal to bone.  Should be able to start rehab after the 3/20 appointment.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
So you have been given a timeframe for recovery. I am sure this timeframe is in place for the entire patient group with same bone pathology and same intervention. Orthopedic department would have planned such a time frame after following large number of cases.
I think this should help you in all further intervention.
Keep me posted if you have any queries.
Bye.

[Godz_bratt]

I am soooo happy to see this blog-site.    I comlpetely severed my Patella tendon on Jan. 4th, surgery was a week later, and all went well.   This is a workers comp injury, and I am being treatedly farly well at this point.   I live in an upstairs, end-unit Condo here in Irvine, CA.   The good news about this injury is that it's ok to be weight bearing on my injured left knee, I just (always) have a brace on when moving around, etc.    OMG this Dr. has been great for me, the staples came out 2 weeks after surgery, and after 6 weeks I have been cleared for Physical Therapy.     I agree that re-hab does NOT need to be an excruciatingly painful "Let's get you healed asap" kind of endeavour.   Slow it down a little for crying out loud, and go with the flow.    PT will indeed be painful, but better to err on the side of caution.    My thought is this:   I stepped wrong while doing Maintenance coming off a slight incline and my tendon completely ruptured, soooooooo if it ruptured that easily, ehy naot take every step in PT to allow my body to fully accept the repair that was done.   It would just literally kill me if some well-meaning Therapist overworked me and my tendon ruptured again.   This injury is an extremely uncommon one, and limited rehab info is available at this point ..... well, that's my understanding.    My Dr. has informed me that at 53, I will get 80-90% full recovery, but will have much difficulty when trying to work down on my knees.    For those who are newly injured, hold your head up high, allow SIX weeks minimum before trying to do any stretching, etc.    Thank God for Doctors who have (patience) with their patients, and thank God for a forum where can get some pertinent info, and re-assurance.    
Healing .... but slowly
Frank in Irvine, CA

[stayingpositive122007]

I am also recoverying from a fully ruptured right patellar tendon from the patellar.  My injury was on Dec 20th, 2007, surgery Dec 31, 2007.  I was told this was possibly the worst injury a person could sustain in their lifetime.  I could not agree more being that I am a 35 year old mother of 2 young children and very active in the outdoors.  I would like to encourage those not to see this as a lide sentence but a reason to rehab your body for life. I have been more committed to stay in good health.  I have lost 15 pounds and more aware of what I put in my mouth.  My kids have been my motivator to be a good role model too.  I have had time to also put things in perspective.  Since surgery I have started PT 6 weeks post op.  I have had more than 86 degeres of active range of motion restored and I am at 92 degress passive range of motion restored 64 days post op.  My PT is awesome, we work through the burn but not the pain.  I believe this allows for a more thorough recovery, your body tends not to resist as much.  I am concerned because I cannot do straight leg raises or drive a car. But I can do the recumbent bike, some ball excersise and leg presses. Listen to your body, don't compete with the injury...work through it instead.  In the long run you will be glad you were patient.  Any input would be appreciated.  Good luck to your healthy recovery.  

[Godz_bratt]

Thanks for that valuable input of working through the "burn", but not the pain.   I was given the PT go ahead Wednesday, and I have been ssssstttrrreeetching my leg/knee till I feel maximum "burn".   Getting myself a little ready for Therapy on Monday, it's gonna hurt, ouch!.     Believe it or not, I drove home in my truck the day that I was injured, and got myself up the stairs to our condo somehow.     I have been driving ever since I sustained this injury, except for the week of my surgery.     Just like you, I am haveing severe difficulty in Leg Raises, they are extremely painful, and I feel as though I am gonna rip something again, grrrrrrrrr.      I have not been on any meds, and hope to go back on 800mg Ibuproffen during PT.     If that doesn't cut it, it means taking Darvoset, and NOT driving.     Being a non-drinking Italian, I am finding joy and comfort with a small glass of Merlot a few times a week, my Grandpa would be soooo proud of me, lol.    OMG, it would feel wonderful to pedal a bike again!     I am hoping to see a post from JainMD soon, her info is direct, to the point, and in laymans terms.    Hang in there Staying Positive, have you in our thoughts and prayers.  
                                                                              (also) Staying Positive,
                                                                              Frank in Irvine, CA

[dmone]

Was searching around and found this forum, very nice. I recently ruptured my patella tendon as well, unlike most folks, this is actually my second rupture. Ruptured the left one 16 years ago and my right one 03/13/08 almost to the same day.

I have to agree you want to it be aggressive and work through the pain, my first one was horrible, and with the lessons learned I truly hope to get full flexibility with my right one.

Hang in there.

Semper Fi

[Fritzy1328]

Timeframe for future reference of similar injury.  I'm currently 34 years old, decent shape, with a complete rupture of my right patellar tendon from playing basketball:

2/7/08        Ruptured Patellar Tendon (Torn from kneecap)
2/8/08        Surgery (tendon sutured to kneecap by drilling 3 holes in kneecap)
2/19/08       First follow-up with doctor  - Stay in straight-legged brace until next appointment on 3/20/08 to allow tendon to heal to bone.  Should be able to start rehab after the 3/20 appointment.
3/20/08       Doctor follow-up.  Still in straight-leg brace, but ok to start Physical Therapy.  Doctor also ok'd straight leg lifts (had to concentrate, but able to do).
3/25/08       First PT appointment.  Went fairly well.  45 degrees flex was my starting point, thinks I should be to about 75 degrees by end of next week.  Was told aggressive is better, and to do exercises as many times a day as I can handle (straight-leg lifts, quad flexing, bending supported leg). Minimal use of the brace.  I'll keep updating weekly at this point.

[Fritzy1328]

Well, by Thursday of last week (3/27/08) I was to 71 degrees.  I was able to get in my car, and have been cleared to drive!  I have to use my left foot on the brake for now, but at least I'm able to drive myself to work.  PT continues this week, with 3 more sessions.  I don't think I've progressed much more than the 71 degrees, though.  Hopefully with the help of the therapist I'll be able to break-through toward 90 degrees.  Doctor still wants me walking with a straight leg, but that's the only restriction currently.

[dmone]

Good to hear you are making progress. Just started with straight leg raises this week, I have not been cleared to drive just yet, but I am hoping that next week will be it. The knees been aching like crazy with all the weather changes, but my new cold therapy brace came in yesterday which helps a lot.

[patricepinto]

Dear friends – yes, it happened again (3rd time!!).

I am 43 years old, male, maried, 2 kids and very active.

The first time I ruptured the Patella Tendon it was 1998. Like all of you, me too thought that someone hit me hard on the knee (left one) with a bat or even shot me with a gun during a soccer match. The pain was enormous!!!! I drove to the hospital (the car was automatic) and met my wife there. Surgery 2 days later. Recovered about 1 year later. Like someone said, it's never 100% again, but it worked OK all these years.

Well, a few years later (2004), I was playing squash with one of my buddies and this time the same injury, but different knee. This time the pain was even higher. I almost past out. After the pain passed a little bit I got so depressed… It’s because I knew all what was ahead of me…..usually it takes about 1 year for me to be back doing the stuff I love. Let me say that again: ONE hard year of PT.
Yes, I could be swimming or biking, but is not my thing. I am very active.

I also requested my latest doctor to repair my left knee again since the knee cap was higher than the one he had just repaired (right) which "feels" in the right spot. So I voluntary had a surgery in 2005 trying to shorten the length of the tendon….the recovery was fast…..I did that because on my research I learned that "Patella Alta" is a condition that increases the chances of the injury. I am not sure about you guys, but I know for a fact that I have Patella Alta or at least had...

This time (March 31st, 2008 precisely) it was an ordeal.
I was on vacation in RIO (Brazil) playing beach volleyball when suddenly the left knee snapped on me during ou 4th match. This time it was weird: it made a “pop” noise, but no pain or very little.
The lesson learned:
there is NO warning. It just happens without you expecting!

The ordeal was to get out of there and come back to US for surgery….there is NO comfortable position on the plane (even on the business class!!!)
It was awful. I will never forget!!!!

Well, now here I go next week for the Doctor's appointment on Monday following surgery on Wednesday.

I guess this time I am beat! I am probaly giving up the stuff I love to do. I don't want to do this again. It's enough this time.

Wish me luck!

[dmone]

I wish you the best of luck, I may need to look into the Patella Alta issue, my first surgery to repair the left patella tendon resulted in it riding higher. Had incredible pain in it last year that resulted in 4 to 5 weeks of PT.

PT for my recent tear in my right knee seems to be going well and that one seems to be in the correct position.

Good luck on the surgery. =)

[patricepinto]

Thanks!

My left knee (that I just blew) was higher. It actually felt weaker than my right knee.
I guess as long as the knee isn't in the right spot (not high nor low) the chance of rupture increases.

I guess it should be OK if  I did not try to do anything stupid like playing beach volleyball.

I knew my right knee seemed correct after surgery (spot on), but my left knee was high.  I had a surgery to correct this issue, but after the PT period you could easly notice that it was still high.

The issue is, most doctors do NOT make any repair work, unless if you are really persistent (my case). Most of them prefer to fix when it’s already broken.

Oh, well....it doesn't help to complain now.

[patricepinto]

Hi there -

I had surgery this Wednesday (4/9). All went well.
At the moment, just going thru the pain medication....probably I will be completly off by next week.

My next Post-Op appointment is 4/16.

I feel a little be more motivated today, since it seems I can see some light in the end of this tunnel. Positive thinking is the key here!!!!

[dmone]

Stay positive and motivated.. rooting for you..

[patricepinto]

Hi Dmone - I just read you had 2 Rupture Patellar Tendon (RPT), correct?
Same knee or different knees? Just curious.

[dmone]

My first rupture was about 16yrs ago, and that one was the left knee, the recent one, was to the right knee.

[Fritzy1328]

Just an update, I'm going into my 11th week post-surgery.  Today I was able to get to 132 degrees!  I've started doing light weight leg presses and leg curls.  Hang in there, everyone, it gets better.  My therapist has been great so far, which has helped me trust in what he says.  No pain, no gain...you all can do it!

[rberkley]

I am 39 yr old male and ruptured my right patella tendon yesterday playing basketball. it was the worst pain i've ever felt in my life. I'm an engineer and can sit at a desk all day if need be. I was wondering how long after my op will I be able to return to work ? Drive?

[Linda654]

I had a unicompartment knee replacement on Oct 17, 2006. I am a Home Health Nurse I fell in a patient's bathroom on June 8 '07. After several months almost a year since I was injuried the MD who did the replacement - I was pain free at 7 weeks with -5 degree to 180 degree ROM - told me at the last visit to "suck it up" regarding the severe pain. I got a second opinion and am having surgery June 3 to repair the internal derangement of my knee - it looks like I may have ruptured the patella tendon. You can look at my knee and see the presence of a lump below the knee cap towards the inside of my knee. I do not complain of pain unless it is extreme. I walked around on a torn meniscus in both knees the right one for about a year the left almost 2 years when I told my doc that it was getting bad. I am angry and hurt that the first MD did not listen to me. I told him over and over again that my knee was not hurting on the side where the prosthetic is. The Physical therapist sent note after note to this MD describing the pronounced lag when I tried to do straight leg raises. I was told by the surgeon who is going to do my surgery in June that the pain in my right knee, the subsequent pain in my right hip and SI joint is "a no brainer that occured when I fell" and he was not happy with my treatment and the obvious deformity in my knee. I waked into the ER several years ago when I dislocated my shoulder and told them that it was dislocated- no yelling or hysterics- I do not know if I will ever understand why the first MD did not want to see what is wrong with my knee. Feedback is appreciated. To those recovering from surgery you are supposed to push the affected joints to the point of almost pain. That is how I got the ROM range of motion back in my knee so fast. The best thing to do is to take pain medication 30 minutes to a hour before you start therapy. If it hurts and the pain does not ease up once you stop the exercise you are not supposed to continue. Ice is a big help with pain after exercise. Anone who makes you cry is being sadistical and you need a new doctor. Good luck.

[dmone]

I think you should expect not to drive for at least 6 weeks.

[Fritzy1328]

I was out of work for 6 weeks, and was finally able to drive at 7 weeks.

[SavCop]

Hello,

I'm a police officer in Savannah, Ga and on Christmas at around 2 in the morning i was chasing a drug dealer/shooting suspect and i ruptured BOTH tendons. I didnt feel any pain because of the adrenalin rush i had from the chase, i even tried getting back up off the ground a few times, when i couldnt i just sat there and waited for help. I had surgery two days later and thought i was on the road to recovery but i was SO WRONG....

In February i was told by my doctor to stop wearing the braces but at this time i only had about 70 degrees of bend in my knees. I was also getting ready to began my Therapy sessions but a day prior to my sessions I was in my home gym letting my dog in the house when my legs gave out, and BOTH TENDONS RERUPTURED. it was the most intense pain i have ever felt (i have shrapnel i my head from Iraq). I went back for surgery and this time the doctor said that he put wire around the tendon, so im still wondering how this is going to effect me long term. I now have 90 degree bend in both knee's although my left knee seems to have some deformity. Now that im back to work answering phones and taking reports at the precinct i do a lot more walking, along with Physical therapy which is giving my legs some strength. I am also a natural professional bodybuilder and i ran track all through high school and college, so i did a lot of intense leg workouts. While in the army i did experience some patella tendonitis and femoral syndrome but that went away after i left. The injury is somewhat depressing since i am active, but im just glad to be able to drive my truck again (i feel sorry for the people driving cars since you have to get in and out low from the ground).

btw, im 6'2 245lbs, but normally im around 265lbs.

also do oyu guys know of any medications, drugs or supplements that can strengthen the tendon?

[Drake1056]

I bought my kids a Banana Bike and showed them how to do wheelies. Well it worked the first few times then bang! I went over and my knee cap was not where it should be - opps. I'm 51 had the Patellar Tendon repaired on 5-19-08. It has been 9 weeks and all is ok. I drive a truck and have to do some unloading and my doc wants me to stay out of work for 4/5 more weeks. He says I'm not aware of how bad this injury is but I feel fine. He asked me where I went to Medical School? I asked him if he'll pay my bills! I'll do what he says, point taken. JD

[Peach30]

I was showing my cheerleaders how to do a back tuck on the trampoline when I heard a pop and my leg was in pain. This was july 19,2008 I did not get to see a doctor until the 03 aug 08 he immediatley set me up for surgery on 08-08-08 I am 3 weeks post surgery and ready to get physical but he keeps telling me that I do not how long it takes to repair the tendon. but my physical therapist do not want to work with me because I can not get physical this is very frustrating to me I do not know what to do i am ready to walk again.

[dmone]

Hi Peach,

I ruptured my right patella tendon in March, I now have matching scars on both knees. You will need to have patience and let the tendon heal. Rupturing your patella tendon is a very debilitating injury, and it needs time to fully heal. Going on experience, I would say you have at least 2 to 4 more weeks before you can get started with PT.

I started trying to bend mine at around 3 weeks, and continue to do that until I started PT, my first measurement was 57 degrees. Once you start PT, it is going to be rough, and you will want them to push you as hard as you can take it.

Even after PT, will still take up to 6 months to a year for you to get full strength back. I am 20 weeks out and I still do my exercises and hit the gym. You will have good days and bad days, but stay with it and don't get discouraged.

John

[kneegopop]

Hey everybody, this comment is for anyone who thinks that they are behind on their recovery schedule.  I ruptured my PT on 08/20/08 and had surgery on 08/22/08.  Today is 10/29 ( 9 weeks post op ) and I can only bend my knee 65 degrees.  I am just now starting to get strength enough to actively extend my knee.  My doctor says that I am doing just fine, do not try to over do it but by all means DO NOT baby yourself.  As far as range of motion, hop up on the kitchen counter and let your leg hang off and have somebody you trust bend your leg as much as you can stand (dont worry it will not rerupture) and hold for about 10 seconds.  Bend it 5 times twice a day and you should be able to gain about 5 degrees range of motion every 3 days, and that is not bad.  You absolutely have to keep at it.  A month ago my doctor was disappointed in me because I could only bend my knee about 30 degrees.  I stuck to my schedule and saw him 2 days ago and maxed out at 70 and he was proud.  I am still on crutches but I am doing a walking motion on my crutches with my brace on.  Once I get all my quad strength and balance back ( 6-8 weeks) I should be walking.  God willing I will be walking 16-18 weeks post op, now that aint bad

[Dita41510]

I am a 30 year old male, active duty Military stationed at Misawa, Japan , and athletic. I've been playing basketball, football and baseball since i was kid and heavily involved in softball and basketball in the Military. On 9 NOV 08, I ruptured my patellar tendon (Torn from left kneecap) playing in basketball leauge championship game going up for a lay-up on a fast break. When I planted my foot and jumped all I heard, as well as the crowd, was a POP! To make things worse, I  severly sprained my left wrist from trying to stop my fall and suffered whip lash in my kneck. Like "SAVCOP" I also didnt feel any pain because of the adrenalin rush and the only thing that was running through my mind was missing softball season.
Had surgery on 14 NOV 08 (Military Dr.) and was released the same day. I started driving after a week. I also started PT on 24 NOV 08, 3x a week. Every PT session consists of...
- Quadricep flexes - 3 sets of 15
- Calf flexes w/ resistance band around foot - 3 sets of 15
- outer Calf flexes w/ resistance band around foot - 3 sets of 15
- inner Calf flexes w/ resistance band around foot - 3 sets of 15
- Straight leg raises w/ electro stimulation machine attached to my quadriceps for 15 min.
- Side leg raises - 3 sets of 15
- Bending knees 15 degrees, using a strap around foot and pulling towards body - 3 sets of 10 (holding for 5 sec)  Increasing 15 degrees every week. I'm currently bending 70 degrees.
- elevate and ICE

It's rough, but have to get through this! I hate being a gimp!

Hope all you folks recover well.

[neonrams]

Hi, I ruptured my patellar tendon on 11/21/08 had surgery on 11/26/08.  They put me in a cylinder cast (which I thought was strange since everyone I read about had a brace), but anyway 2 wks post suregery I had my staples removed, then 4 wks post they removed the cast and sent me home with no brace and no real instructions (?? ice, elevate ??)  all he told me was to make an appointment for PT and hang my leg off the side of the bed using my other leg for support.  Does this seem like the proper procedure? I am nervous without a brace or anything.  It feels best when I elevate...I can bear weight but when I lose my balance sometimes it feels like my knee is comingout of place. It sorta feels like it is dislocating or something is wrong. Any replies would be helpful.
THanks

[dmone]

That seems little weird, my doctor had me in a cast at least for 8 weeks, just to ensure it was healing up correctly and I would not re-rupture the tendon. Definitely keep it iced up and elevated, I would suggest you start doing the exercises in Kneegopop post until you start with PT.

I guess some doctors are different, but I would think you would still be on crutches and in a brace. Maybe a second opinion would help.

PT will be hard, and you should push yourself, but know your limits, as stated in the above posts don't baby yourself, it will payoff later.

There are places for you to purchase a full support brace for you knee injury.. so look around or have the doctor give your old one back.

Good luck.. and don't get discouraged.

[johnden]

I am a 32years old experience basketball player and a school varsity basketball coach. I am 110kgs,6 foot 3 inches tall, very active and fit. I change my routine when I came to dubai to pursue a defferent type of job. For so many years I was not able to train my body as often training that I did those time that I am active of my sports. My company organise a basketball game between other branch. Through my experties I lead the team to prepare them in a real battle and include my self as one of the soldier. The team is mentally prepared but not physically, we only have few days to descuss our pattern and few days to stretch our muscles. Sunday 11:00pm (29-03-09) The most awaited day for every body, during warm-up,  I drive and try to gave a full strainght take-off to dunk when I suddenly slip and rapture my patellar tendon without any knowledge and for the second time I stand up and fail to straight my leg that cause me to hit my elbow to the floor and fructure my radial head. I was undergo to surgery next day and discharge from the hospital on the fourth day. my pt advise me to do some isometric exercise and ask not to mind the pain, she said no pain no gain!!   At 5th day after the accident I start walking slowly with the pain. lets just fight the pain for a while and back to a normal routine with fast recovery.  I am coach johnden

[billybadafucosprings]

i am 17 years old i ruptured my petellar well they tell me my knee blew up like a time bomb ripping every muscle completely in half along with my knee cap going into my quad this all happened 3 months ago (feb 4/09) i stopped using my brace (they told me to) after about the first month and have been strength training since ive gotten it off...do you think i could start trying to jump and run a little bit again because as a basketball player trying to go to college i would like to get it back soon i have a full range of motion and cant walk better then ever do you think its a good idea??

[jakarii]

im a probasketball player in europe..i tore my patella tendon on nov 28th and had surgery on dec 1th..its now be a lil over 5 months and i can jog at about 6.5 on the machine and jump rope..i was wondering if i can play some light 5 on 5 now..ive reserched other basketball players who have had this injury and the only ones i could find was mutombo ( who retired right after) and alonzo morning( who also retired right after)

[aschweic]

I thought I'd add to the discussion since reading others' experiences when I first got out of the hospital helped me to see how others got through it.  I was depressed and in pain for first week since I was laid up in the pull out sofa bed at home.  Pain was not acute (except at night) , but was a general cramping and "antseyness" that drove me crazy.

I'm a 45 yr old male diagnosed with patella tendonitis in left knee last Dec.  Continued to play basketball with patella brace.  Knee always sore afterward, but would do light quad extensions in nautilus machine after which seemed to help.  However, ruptured left patalla tendon on June 30 2009 going up for a fast break layup.  Felt like the worst knee knock ever and thought it was since layup was defended and collision occurred.  Also fell back and fractured right wrist.  Taken to emergency room and admitted.  Surgury next day.  Tendon had been ripped completely from patella.  Released from hospital on 2 July using walker with right forearm extension for fractured wrist in cast.

Doctor removed staples on 9 July.  Said i could put 20% weight on it with knee imobilizer in place.  Passive ROM PT started 13 July for three times a week.  Reached 88 degrees by July 15 but regressed back to 80 degrees on July 17.  PT said maybe scar tissue building up under patella and moved it around a little - a little uncomfortable.  Anyway, doing straight leg streches for 5 minute at a time (last 2 minutes very uncomfortable), pulling top of foot back to stretch hamstring for 30 sec at a time, knee bending stretches while on the floor and straight leg lifts (all 4 directions).  On 13 July i couldn't do straight leg quad lifts by myself; by Friday, I could do 30 by myself.

Pain medicine was percoset for first week and then ibuprofen was fine except for night when I needed Lortab and Ambien to help me sleep.  Didn't sleep well until about 15 July.

I think I'll be on a walker for a few more weeks, but my knee is getting stonger every day.  I can't drive because I can't  bend my leg to fit in the car.  Wife driving me to work.

My advise - get to PT quick - that has helped my depression and "antseyness" 100%

[Dr Vinod]

Physiotherapy is required as during surgery your tendons have been corrected and your normal anatomical alignment has been disturbed. With exercise, strengthening of the muscles slowly you will regain maximum strength. Operation only helped in correcting the problem but Physiotherapy will help you overcome other proeblems like stiffness, mobilisaition etc. Take care and always remember Surgery and Proper Physiotherapy is the secret for complete road to recovery in most of the orthopaedic operations. Take care!

[StormKing]

I am a 34 YO male in good physical condition.

On June 28th,  at about 4:15 PM, I was hiking in the mountains of Northern Vermont with my 21-month-old son in a little carrier on my back when my right foot slipped a bit and my left foot stayed firmly planted on the ground. I collapsed with force onto my left foot, butt to heel, and was confronted with a loud "snap" and the sight of my newly-freed kneecap grotesquely pushing up against my thigh.

I sent my wife, brother and son ahead and called for a mountain rescue. In the meantime, I made a splint for myself and tried to get down to a lower elevation, but fell twice when my leg buckled in the splint, hurting my back and my elbow. I decided it was best to wait and after about an hour and a half the rescuers started to reach me. They had me in a belayed stokes litter by six and then the hard part began: they spent five hours carrying me to the trailhead, a mile and a half down the mountain.

Fletcher Allen Hospital put me in a brace, gave me painkillers, and sent me back to NYC, where I live. The car ride was tolerable. I visited a doctor there on June 30th, and was operated on on July 1st, using a tunnel and filament repair, followed by a full leg cast. The pain was pretty bad for the first several days, got better, then got much worse last week when I got a small infection in the knee. I am now in a brace, staples removed, with some good antibiotics and I hardly take the pain meds anymore.

I will start physical therapy in about a week, but try to do lifts and other exercises in anticipation of it. My knee feels pretty damn stiff but I want my active life back, so I will deal with the pain and make it happen.

I work in law enforcement, so I can't return to work as soon as people who have strictly desk jobs. I'll be out of work for 2-3 months, concentrating on convalescence and rehab while out, then light duty, but it will take at least 5-6 months to get back all of my duties. This is probably one of the most debilitating tendon tears you can get, from what I understand.

Good luck to everyone!

[Dr Vinod]

Very well documented case and would be helpful to many people. Always wait for help and minimise the damage in the leg when you face this kind of trouble. Well, but many things are out of control sometimes.
You need to concentrate on the infection and with clearing of the infection your healing will be fastened and good to here  about your motivation. Physiotherapy will be easy for you and with that you will gain stength and may be join office faster that the normal recovery period.
In orthopaedic surgeries the most common problem is infection and you have to avoid that, improve and increase the hygiene. Take care!

[Wayne_P]

I can relate to StormKing's experience with his patellar tendon rupture as it is very similar to mine. On July 29th, 2009, I also heard that dreaded "snap" from my right knee as I slipped backwards while hiking down a steep dirt path to a remote beach in the Northern coastal region of Kauai, Hawaii. Apparently, I was paying a bit more attention to taking photos of my wife and the fantastic scenery than to where I was going. My right foot slipped on wet soil and caught the underside of a log that had been placed in the trail to divert rainwater. I rapidly went down with my leg forced backwards underneath me. I heard the snap but didn't immediately realize what had occurred. Putting my hand over my knee and finding my kneecap was now about five inches north of where it normally should be brought on confusion as to what had actually happened. I immediately attempted to stand up which resulted in a second crash to the ground and a sprained ankle on the same leg. Now, fully knowing that getting up, shaking off the dust, then walking away from this was not going to be  an option for me. I sat there with my wife, both wondering what's next. By this time, the pain was coming on full tilt and I was feeling nausea along with a cold sweat. Luckily another hiker came along minutes later and offered assistance in helping me back up the trail. With the aid of this sympathetic person and my wife I was able to get back up the the top of the path and call for emergency aid. Within minutes I was off to the emergency room. I had surgery the next afternoon at the Wilcox Hospital in Lihu'e Kauai and spent the remaining eight days of our ten day vacation consuming percocets and viewing the island from the passenger seat of our rented Mustang convertible.

With six weeks of full extension brace wear behind me now, I have begun physical therapy this week. Many of the components in the PT protocol for this injury are indeed painful to endure, but they are necessary for correct rehabilitation. My knee feels quite stiff and still gets swollen after prolonged standing, but I can already see some progress in range of motion after only  couple of PT sessions. I also have been doing home exercises outlined by my therapist that seem to be doing make progress in bringing back my sunken quadriceps. Wrapping the knee with an ice pack several times daily also brings relief.

My plan is to stick with PT and home exercises, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Like StormKing said in his post, I want my normal active life back and will
do whatever it takes.

[boulderman]

hello im 34 year's old
i have been a world class rock climber
on june 14th we play basketball for fun and that was the end for me

i was on the way for a dunk and i spin in the air with a big snap in my left knee

i tuched the knee and i knew i am missing something in my knee

i had my sergury on the 24th my patellar tendon split to half

today 3 mo' after and 1 mo' of pt im in 130rom and pushing my self everyday to be back in to the

climbing hopefully i will start to climb again in 1 1/2 mo'

but we will see

i wish to every one allot of helth and quick recovery

[M_Flash]

Please dont listen to anything broke123 has too say....   Ive gone through this and the key to a 100 percent recovery is obtaining a good heal of the tendon initially...that means rest, in my case and many others I have spoken with of 6 weeks and then rebuilding your quad strength and gaining r.o.m.................baby it in the beginning

[Dolphins54]

well I am now a member of this society.  I ruptured by patellar tendon last wednesday the 21st with surgery on the 22nd.  The post on here are not great to hear as this sounds like no fun for many weeks.  I do have a few questions.  You mention a full extension brace.  The brace I am in seems to have a slightly bend to it maybe it is just the way it feels.  I have a drop in which I have to drive a few hours, jump in the car and ride with local reps all day, it just does not sound like I will be able to do this for at least 6 weeks?  Any tricks to showering with this brace on?  Is it ok to go for a few mins each day with the brace open allowing the elevated leg breath a bit?  Thanks and this is day 3 so just trying to get a picture of what I am going to be up against, my doctor acted like I would be walking on this thing by the end of the weekend ha.

[Wayne_P]

The leg braced in full extension does have a slight angle. After four weeks you should be able to remove the brace temporarily for showering. Be very careful not to slip and fall though. After six weeks you'll be able to walk without the brace and begin some PT. Good Luck.

[LondonNiall]

To anyone recovering from a patella tendon rupture (like me) I'd recommend the following site/link:

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=8389.2430

There's an open forum there that's been running for many years specifically on RPT's.

The general rehab process is 6 weeks rest, 3 months to obtain near normal 120+ degrees bend with physio , 6 months to start light activity e.g. jogging, cycling, 12 months to full pre-injury activity. Full contact sport thereafter is possible but carries additional risk

regards,

LondonNiall.

[professorlam]

Oct 14th around 9pm playing basketball driving past a defender left me in the most painful situation ever. I, like all of you, ruptured my patella tendon. At 1pm next day i had surgery and stayed in the hopsital for one more night then i was discharged. Its been just over 2 and half weeks and have seen my surgeon for the follow up. He has told me that I have at least another 2 weeks (so a total of 4 weeks) till I can even think of starting with the PT.

I want to thank everyone for their insight and experiences. I think the hardesst part of this experience is the unknown so those who have shared their experiences and their timelines have been very helpful and now given me some rought timelines. Outside of that its the test of mental toughness and the ability to accept help from others when you were so independent before. I wish I had something inspiring to say to those who are perhaps even more recent then one of the most valuable lessons i have learned through this so far is that it ***** and its going to take time. Allow others to help you and just appreciate you have good friends and family around you to care for you.

With that said, I do have some questions for anyone who can bring insight:
1. How do you deal with the butt from being so sore all the time?
2. I am at the start of week 3, is there anything to speed up this process?
3. Does anyone put anything on the incision to help it heal?
4. Some have said you can drive by once the brace is off, others? Timeframe?

Thank you in advance
Gary
Vancouver, Canada

[IanBM]

Gary,

I had a complete tendon tear in left quadricep on Sept 6, 2009.  Surgery 2 days later.  My recovery has been remarkable.  I reasoned once discharged that as long as the leg was in a brace it could not bend, so the tendon repair could not be stressed.  I was walking with crutches within days.  I stopped using the crutches 10 days after surgery.  I also returned to work a few hours a day at that time.  I climbed stairs, walked, drove,- basically functioned quite well with the brace.  After 3 weeks or so, I started to leave the brace off around home- walked very carefully.  Staples out after 10 days.  Incision was well healed within 14 days after surgery.  I was scheduled for physio 6 weeks after surgery.  I already had 110 degrees range of motion.  I was disappointed with the physio session and never went back.  I left the brace off permanently after the physio session.  I am now at 8 weeks.  In the tub in the morning, I can bend the knee to get my foot within 4 or 5" of my butt.  I stretch the ROM every morning.  It continues to improve and now does not have far to go.  My left quad is still noticeably weaker than the right, but it is getting stronger everyday.  For the past 2 weeks I have been at work full time.  I actually look for stairs to climb as it is a great exercise for building the strength.  The worst time I am having is sleeping.  I find if the leg bends while I am sleeping, it starts to bother me.  It can get quite uncomfortable.  If I get out of bed and walk on it, it immediately feels fine- however it is hard to sleep while you are walking around.  If I lay on my stomach or back, the leg stays straight and feels better, but I can't sleep in those positions.

My theory from the start was don't do anything that would put the surgery at risk, but walk on it and use it as much as comfort permits.  I am convinced that the combination of quick surgery and early mobility has lead to a quick recovery.

I still have a long way to go, but at least I am fairly comfortable and mobile enough to live a normal life.  If it takes several months to get to 90+%, its no big deal.

Ian B.

[IanBM]

Just a little more ROM discussion.  After 3 weeks or so, I would very carefully explore ROM.  I would gently bend the leg (brace off) just until I could feel a little tension in the tendon and muscle.  No pain, just far enough to feel a slight tug.  After 5 weeks, I started to go a little farther.  At 7 weeks, I started to pull pretty hard, assuming that the healing is getting there.  Based on what I have seen on blogs, full biological reattachment takes 12 - 13 weeks, however after 7 or 8 weeks, the tendon attachment is getting pretty good.

Bottom line is in the early weeks after surgery, I babied the repair.  I did not anything that would stress the sutures- it is just not worth the risk.  Reading the blogs, the worst possible outcome is ripping the repair and having to have a second surgery.

[professorlam]

Thanks for your positive outlook and experience.
I am exactly 3 weeks (almost to the hour) from my injury. I will say that incision is looking better but it still looks like it needs at least another full week to heal. I have not taken the brace off fully yet and almost dont dare to in case or re-tearing the tendon. I have though, taken parts of the brace off and massaged my quad and around the incsion to provide circulation to the area daily for the past 3 days and I will say it feels alot better to get some circulation through there.

Ian, I can see how your theory of early mobility (with reason) and walking on it would result in faster recovery. I have taken this into more of my daily routine as bearing a more weight up to maybe 30% now. I have my next follow with my doctor a week Friday (Nov 13th) and I can't tell you how excited i am to see him so he can give me the green light to go to physio. But from what all i have read, 6 weeks seems to be the magic time frame to start physio.

Ian, I am curious, after 3 weeks did you get the green light from your doctor to try stretching to increase ROM ?

And for ANYONE, has anyone heard or have experiences with SCAR MASSAGE?
My brother told me to ask around as he has heard good things.

Thanks again Ian and looking forward to more insight.

Gary

[IanBM]

I injured myself while away from home on the Labour Day weekend, so my surgery occurred there.  I saw the surgeon pre and post surgery, but never had any follow-up.  After the injury (next morning), I actually drove myself to emergency.  I wrapped the knee up in strips of towel and tape so it would not bend.  I found I could walk (hobble) on it as long as I kept the leg straight.  The original hospital provided me with a Zimmer brace and sent me to the hospital that did the surgery- 3 hours away.  It was my own reasoning that lead me to the conclusion that if the leg could not bend, I could not possibly re-injure the tendon.  I also read a blog online where another individual had come to the same conclusion with no problems.  The next reasoning was that if I could walk on the leg after the injury with it all wrapped up so it had to be straight, I should be able to walk on it after the surgery in a brace?  When you are standing on one straight leg, the quadricep is totally relaxed, ie no tension at all.

The Zimmer brace is just a wrap around the leg with velcro closures.  It has strips of flat bar in it to provide stiffness.  I actaully added an additional strip of aluminum flat bar to further stiffen it.  It is simple thing to take on and off, so within days of the surgery, when I was sitting on a couch, I would take the brace off.  2 to 3 weeks after I was in the bath with no brace and the leg submerged.  It was in the tub that I would first start to explore ROM, but as I said before it was very gentle.  I would slowly bend the leg until I just could feel the tendons tug a bit.  With the leg submerged in water, I would see if I could straighten the leg with the muscle.  Everything worked.

Basically in a matter of days after the surgery I could weight bear on the injured leg- literally 100% standing in the brace.  For the first 10 days, I basically walked, using the crutches to take some of the weight when the injured leg was on the ground.  By 10 days I was using the crutches only when I was outside (away from home).  After 2 weeks, I just stopped using the crutches.  At this point I felt the crutches were more risk than help.  The only time I came close to falling and potentially re-injuring myself, the crutches were the source of the trip.  At about week 5 I started leaving the brace off at home.  It was week six + 1 day when I put the brace away.  I was very careful initially as I worried about the knee buckling and re-injuring the repair.  In reality, I never experienced any tendency to buckle.  Very quickly the leg strengthened and I was walking fairly well.  I need to stress I remain very careful.  I plan my routes when I am going somewhere and avoid tripping hazzards etc.  I am now at 8 weeks and 2 days.

In a way, I am possibly lucky that I had no follow-up with a surgeon.  I suspect that I pushed the envelope more than I should have, however I was very analytical and careful about it.  My family doctor was supportive.  She said if you are not in discomfort and you are careful, keep doing it.  She agreed that if the leg was straight, there is no way the tendons can re-tear.  The knee has to bend to do that.  By walking on the leg in a brace, all the other muscles (other than the quadricep) in the leg stay in great shape.  I was amazed after I took the brace off.  It was hard to tell that I had had the injury when I was walking on a level floor.  Climbing stairs is the greatest exercise now.  You basically are lifting your entire weight with the one leg.

I live in Oshawa, ON.  (Surgery was in Thunder Bay).  I was not successful in being refered to an orthopod in Oshawa.  However, last week thru a friend of a friend I have managed to be referred to an orthopod in Toronto (Nov 11).  I am extremely pleased with my progress, I just wanted an opportunity to have one follow-up with a specialist to make sure I am not missing something.  If the Toronto surgeon says something that contradicts what I have described here, I will let you know prior to your visit next Friday.

Ian

[Alex558]

Has anyone experienced dry foot after surgery?  My foot associated within my surgically repaired knee has become extremely dry and scaly.  I am going to check with my doctor and report back to the board but thought I ask the question.  My skin has also become rather dry upon my leg but not as bad as my foot.  I am 1-1/2 week post surgery and think it may be associated with the meds or blood flow.
Alex

[IanBM]

I had no such symptoms.  I was fortunate to be off the meds 2-3 days after surgery, so that may well be the source of your problem.  When you are sitting or laying down, can you not loosen or remove the brace to encourage blood flow?

Ian

[Alex558]

Thanks,
I think you are correct with the blood flow and the meds.  The doctor made the exact same comments.  He stated to use lubication/lotion frequently.  I am pulling off the meds at least until therapy.  My plan is to take meds the day of therapy only.  

Today is my two week period after surgery and one more week to the start of therapy.  I am getting quit impatient but know the negatives clearly out weight the positives regarding moving the schedule up.  I was told the inter work of the repairs take approximately 3 weeks to completely take.  

Good luck to us all,
Alex

[professorlam]

Hi,

Ian, I have another follow up with my OS this Friday as well (i think this is the day as yours) at that point I will be the start of my 5th week; so i look forward to what your OS says. I think I am with you that if i did not see my OS on Oct 30th I would have probably pushed it a bit but now that I am I'm a bit hesistent to start any ROM on my own. I have though increased weight bearing to the recommended 25% to probably 50% with crutches of course.

Alex, I agree with Ian on the relaxing the brace and using a moisturizer for the dryness. I have also started increase circulation as well by massaging my quad and this has dramatically made a difference. I have also started reading online about 'scar massage' for the incision and its quite interesting; i would recommend this. I will say i have lost some senstation on the outer side of my knee and its quite concerning (nerve damage) but with the scar massage that i have been implementing (at least 2 X / day) and has helped.

Even though I am just on 4 weeks and 4th day I have to say that the first 2 weeks were the hardest to mentally and physically get through but since then, i have reduced meds to only when i need them (maybe once every other day) and feel much better.

Gary

[IanBM]

I saw the surgeon in Toronto today.  In fact I saw 2 doctors.  The first spent the majority of the time.  I filled out a questionaire and then the doc put my knee through a series of flexes.  He would bend the knee up and ask to have me push against his bend, then the other direction.  Flexed the knee in every possible direction.......He said the repair looked fine.  Was not surprised when I said my major discomfort was when I was in bed sleeping, suggested that would improve.  At the end of the appt I saw the doc I was scheduled with.  Told me my knee was fine!  Just keep doing wjat you have been doing.  Continue to push gradually for ROM.  Specific example, --Do NOT do anything like skiing for full 6 months after surgery (another 17 weeks). (no problem, I quit skiing years ago)  Even though you feel good, don't take on sports or activities where you have the ability to stress the repair.  But for day to day activity, do whatever is comfortable.

No need to seek any further medical attention or have further follow-up.  As long as things continue to improve, keep doing what you are doing.  If something goes bad, come back and see us, but otherwise, let it continue to heal.

I am on my own- hope your healing goes as well.

Cheers, Ian

[professorlam]

Sounds like a very successful visit to the doctors - congrats!

Thanks for the positive outlook and good luck to you too. I've got my 2nd follow up (start of week 5) tomorrow so hopefully he gives me the green light for physio.

I'll keep updating.

Take care,
Gary

[volleygal1]

Hello~
Just curious...am I possibly the only woman in this forum?  I met with my doc today ( 5 weeks post-op).  He has done over 200 patellar tendon repair surgeries...and said that I was his first female patient with the type of injury I sustained.  I was playing volleyball on the 4th of October and was jumping up for a spike.  As I left the ground I heard an enormous "pop"...almost an out of body experience...I did not realize that it was me...or my knee until I landed and my knee completly buckled.  Kneecap was shifted about 2-3 inches up my rt knee and the pain...oh, the pain!  You all know!!  uuggh.  I did not have surgery until the 12th....long week on the couch.  My recovery seems very slow.  I am starting PT in 2-3 more weeks.  Doing my ROM excercises at home...knee is very stiff and painful at times.  Sleeping is hard. (hence being on the computer at midnight!)  
Oh...I am 39 years old, mother of 3 little girls...played college volleyball...play sand volleyball and softball in summer , court ball in the fall and winter and just completed my first triathlon 2 weeks before my injury.  Sad to think those days may be memories of my past....or will they?  I hope to be able to do all that again ...and more!   Thanks for reading and listening....feels good to vent!