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playne

Nov 15, 2010

To: swamitime3

Thanks for the feed back. I had my left one rupture in 99, now its my right one. The Therapist says my quad muscle is stronger than it should be. He works really hard trying to bend it and it wont move. You stated you had quad muscle spasms, did they do anything for them.

swamitime3

Nov 19, 2010

To: Playne

As far as the quad spasms, they were minor compared to what you seem to be going through. It would mostly twitch and that was about it. Lasted about 10 sec. so they said just normal for this type injury. I don't have them anymore. Sounds to me like that quad is just tight and needs to be stretched. I had similar issues early on thinking no way in hell that it would bend. They would stretch it out and it would hurt like crazy, but with the work I did at home it just started going. My advice is BIKE BIKE BIKE! Saved me!

Mike

lostandconfused448

Nov 27, 2010

To: any one.

I raptured my patellar tendon while at work. I thought my whole world crumbled. Since the tear wasnt normal(off the bone) but it was shredded and torn in the middle i was told to withhold from therapy for additional month and then start pt. well that didnt happen either because in the 4.5 week i had a blood clot from surgery and it traveled to my lung. I was in the hospital for 8 days. I was so distraught. I wanted to start pt and not be behind. so i didnt start pt until 7 weeks. so i am behind. now i am 12 weeks post op. I have a cpm to help bend my knee. I can only bend 53 degrees at this point. i am un sure if my exercise efforts are correct. i still can not do straight leg raises and the therapist is upset that i cant. im scared that i will nevr be able to do them again. can some one help me?
sincerly

lost and confused

swamitime3

Nov 28, 2010

To: lostandconfused448

Lostandconfused448,

Don't dispair. This injury is going to take sometime to heal. I was stuck at 80 degrees for a long time and then once I broke through things began to change. The injury should be technically repaired and now the strength needs to come back in the quad. The tendon will need to be stretched also. Everyone is different and there is no time table for this injury. Read some of the post above and take a bit from each one. Key for me was to keep doing every possible exercise I could. Scar tissue is also a key thing to get a hold of. Massage that scar to break that tissue down. Keep working it and it will eventually get to were you need it to be.

lostandconfused448

Nov 28, 2010

To: swamitime3

i have read alot of the posts and it has helped me. yesterday i sat on the side of me bed and worked my knee. I have always been afraid that i will hurt it even more but yesterday i had alot of confidence in myself. i wanted to be back to work by feb, but it doesnt look that way now. I am feeling so much better with everything that i have read and i will keep you posted, thank you so much. lost and confused

sugar1220

Nov 28, 2010

To: lostandconfused448

This is an injury that takes time to heal. Like swamitime said everyone is different as is their healing process. I am coming up on 4 months and at about 75 degrees ROM. Ar first I was frustrated but the fact that I ruptured both rendons at the same time may have had an adverse affect on my rehab. My scar tissue is bad and my ROM is not what I would like, however even though it is slow, I do see progress which is what keeps me going.

lostandconfused448

Dec 01, 2010

To: anyome (swamtime)

Super excited today!!!!!!!!!!!111 smiles and high fives all over the place.......... Guess what out of no where i did a straight leg raise. First time i did one and i did 12 in a row like i have been doing it for months now...... lol.........thanks to everyone who posted and gave me the confidence that i can do it. and thank you swamtime for a little extra boost. Oh i felt like i was the only one in this whole world with this injury.
thanks again
lost and confused
p.s im still at 55 degrees

swamitime3

Dec 31, 2010

To: everyone

WOW!!! 6 months finally arrived and I can say I made it! Yesterday my doctor cleared me for full activities. I have 138 degrees ROM but quad strength is still low, but improving daily. Six months ago it seemed that the whole world was collapsing in. With the help of many including the online community I got through the dark days of PT (5 months worth). I now have left the last strength issues with a personal trainer at my local club who is helping me develop a program to get my quad 100%. To anyone who is in the early stages of rehab don't give up keep working on that knee, ride the bike, use the leg press and get that leg stronger then it was!! I play a lot of competitive golf and the season ahead is going to be a whole new one where I will have a new attitude towards everything! Sometimes and injury this hard changes you inside and makes you stronger. So, take what you will from all the posts from me and others and realize that you will get through the injury!

So, Happy New Year to all!!

Mike

backspin

Jan 08, 2011

To: anyone

Can anyone w/ similar injury answer a question--not for me. I have a friend who ruptured his patellar tendon last year, early Feb. Complete rupture. Had surgery right away, had a very difficult recover--blood clots, etc. Had to be immobile for weeks.

Fast forward to almost a year later. He's not supposed to bend the knee more than 90 degrees. Often when walking, the leg gives out & if he can't catch hold of something, he falls down. He's also been told the patella is higher than it should be.

This person was an Olympic athlete, and professional figure skating coach. Now, he still cannot set foot on the ice, & is very discouraged about ever being able to do so again. He's lost most of his income.

Is there anything else he can do? He's still doing PT, 3 times a week last I knew. But he's having a very difficult time of it as you can well imagine. Any suggestions or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks.

rell414

Jan 18, 2011

To: Anyone

I rupture both tendons last week, i'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I read the other post and here the hard time that's ahead of me, and all I can think of is I have both legs to bring back.

Any help would be appreciated it.

swamitime3

Jan 18, 2011

To: rell414

Wow, both legs! I had mine done on June 21st. It was a very long road with just one but I got through it. What happened to cause both tendons to go? The first 6 weeks will be immobilization and with you having both it will be difficult to move around but you will find ways to get it done. I must of read and re-read all of these posts to help me get through the tough times. It is truely going to take 6 months to get really good ROM. I have complete ROM of 140 now but the quad muscle is extremely weakened. I get better each week and should be good as new in a couple of more months. Just realize you will get through it and listen to your PT and your body.

Good Luck

Mike

sugar1220

Jan 24, 2011

To: rell414

Hopefully the surgery went well on both legs. I had both of mine done and it is challenging. Be very careful not to re-injure yourself since you will not have one good leg. Follow the Dr. rehab plans closely, but you will come back.

TheLittlestHobo

Feb 08, 2011

To: Everyone

Hi there.  Uk resident here.  3weeks into my recovery from a rupture of the patella tendon.  I was playing football, planted my right foot and BANG.  It snapped at the patella so i am hoping this may mean the tendon is actually ok (Yes i know clutching at straws).

Anyhow, i dont know about american health service but here in the UK i have nothing but praise.  It happened on the Sunday.  I was ambulanced away from the pitch and taken to casualty.  They patched me up as best they could and gave me an appointment for the next day at 8.50am.  I was seen at 8.50am.  I was in front of a consultant by 9.00am.  I was told i would be having surgery that afternoon at 9.15am.  They sent for a taxi to courier over some special strip that they wanted to use which was supposed to let me be much more active from the off and then told to chill out untill my op.

Anyhow, post op (next morning) my consultant comes around and tells me surgery went well and he thought my knee should be capable of 45dg!!  WOW i thought, i would be surprised if i could get 1dg.  Guess who was right?  Yep me.  I was so heavily strapped up i couldnt have moved my good leg.  Anyhow about 1hr later they removed all the strapping and put me in the curse of my life, THE BRACE!!.  Within 2hrs i was pulling the straps by hand to bend the knee.  It hurt like hell but i got 35dg out of the knee within 24hrs of the op.  Insane you may say but the consultant had told me he had checked the knee on the op table and at 45dg there was little to no stress on the repair.  If i could take it, the repair could take it.

I came away from the hospital with the brace set at 45dg which i managed within the first week.  I returned to work after 1 week and it has been fantastic.  Its kept me mobile, thinking about other stuff and my knee, although really tired (Especially the 1st week) has improved daily.

Now at 3wks i can do a 90dg sit with no brace fitted (Brace is only set to 60dg).  I can walk up a flight of stairs wihtout too much pain unaided and the knee is returning to something like a normal shape.  I am doing my normal stretches every few hours and it is improving daily.

Have an appoint for next wednesday to be st at 90dg and hoping that i can ask for some extra exercises to start building up lost muscle.

Its painful but I will be darned if this is gonna beat me

mrfdk

Feb 19, 2011

i'm 40 years old, i had the
same injury as you, my dr.
screw a pin in my kneecap
so it couldn't move, sew
the tendon and put a brace
the next day, he took it off
after 6 long weeks, now i'm
going to therapy, it hurts
alot when the therapist
tries to bend it. it's been
almost 3 months and i'm
tired of this situation.
i wanna know if i will be
90 or 100% someday again.
:-(

rappEx21

Mar 06, 2011

I have my knee operated last December and now its almost 3 months. I am just doing pt at home. Can Anyone tell me how long would it take me to walk Without a brace? And is their a possibility to raptured my tendon again just by Exercising it? Because I'm afraid to flex my leg thinking that maybe it would rapture again.

I really need help because i'm tired of my situation.. ^^

swamitime3

Mar 06, 2011

To: rappex21

Mine was op on June 21 2010. I got out of the brace around the third month. I had ROM at 90 plus 4-5 months. Oct 31st was first day I actually rode a bike 5 miles on the trail. Today I have 135 degrees ROM, but still have tightness. It will take you a full year to get it back. Get the strength back and keep working it read all the post I made that should help you.

gsa07

Mar 07, 2011

To: mrdk

i was scared to push during rehab, and at 3 months post op i only had 70 degrees rom. i had to get another surgery - knee manipulation. they put you under then force your knee bent. 1st surgery 12/30/09. knee manip 3/1/10.

the dr said the most my knee went was 130 under anesthesia. now 1 year later its close to 140. my good legs does 155. mind you i am in superior condition, and very athletic. its still not 100%, but getting better every month.

its probably one of the toughest physical challenges i've ever had..........

rappEx21

Mar 08, 2011

To: mrdk

Hai!! tnx for the reply.

After your brace was removed.. Have you walk w/ full weight bearing?.. Now its almost 3 months and i think i reached 80 degrees flexion of my knee. but my thigh is very weak and i need to do something with it.

swamitime3

Mar 08, 2011

To: rappex21

Your quad muscle is going to be shot for quiet sometime. It has been 9 months and I still have only about 50% of the muscle. I have worked it hard too. Amazing that it takes so long. I can do 80 lbs leg extensions now but that took forever too. Just keep working the knee and it will eventually come around.

jmtepper

Mar 29, 2011

To: swamitime3

Your post was very informative. I am a 57 yr old male. I had a complete rupture 11/4/10, (surgeon said my knee was "mush"), repaired including allograft on 11/9/10. Complete immobilization for 3 weeks post-op. Then brace for another 4 weeks. Been in PT 3 times/week since middle of December. Now end of March 2011. ROM has been to 0-132 degrees for about a month. 150 lbs. leg press, 40 lbs. curl and extension. But still have pain on complete extension. Can walk, but it's very hard not to limp. I was ready to give up until I saw your post.

grateful39

May 02, 2011

To: jmtepper

Keep your head up! I'm a 39 year old male and about 13 months out from my rupture in April 2010. I've read most of the posts here and am surprised by the wide array of techniques for rehab from various docs. Here is what my experience was: after surgery, immobilizer for first 4 weeks, no bending, only minor weight bearing. 4-8 weeks post op, hinged immobilizer with no more than 45 degree bend. 8-12 weeks post-op, hinged immobilizer with goal of 90 to 110 degree of bend. After 12 weeks doc removed brace and told me no need for follow-up PT. Said I had done on my own everything that PT would want me to do. I'm very happy with the way my ortho handled my surgery and post surgery. One year out and I would say I am at 98% with no limitation on ROM just some discomfort on occasion going down stairs or down grade applications. Was on elliptical machine and stationary bikes 6-7 months post op working out vigorously to stengthen the quad, and can now jog (with some discomfort) and am now comfortable with full out sprints. It is a long road, but coming from an active 5'-10", 195lb ex-athelete, I am confident you will be back too. It is a horrific injury, just happy that the technology and expertise is here to fix us. 40- 50 years ago, who knows what our lives would be like with this type of injury.

erdoc18

May 04, 2011

To: Everyone

Just reading all the threads. Interesting variety of treatment. Here some thoughts about early mobilizaton an weight bearing. Its good if you you get surgery within a week of the injury, didn't need a graft and have no other illnesses which would cause delayed healing (ie diabetes). Tendon to bone is at 6-8 weeks then you need to rebuild the quad (6-12 months). I am 6 weeks post-op and an ER doc so I have researched the hell out of this topic.

http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/36/2/316.abstract

http://xnet.kp.org/socal_rehabspecialists/ptr_library/08KneeRegion/21Patella-TendonRupture.pdf

andioptera

Jun 24, 2011

To: Everyone

Great range of experiences and recoveries. I fell on the ice on March 23, 2011, with complete rupture of the left patellar tendon. Had surgery two days later with an awesome orthopedic surgeon. Three days after surgery i returned to teaching part time. It was horribly painful but in the long run, it was for the best. Day time television isn't fun. I work at a place where my commute is short, coworkers would transport me in the back seat of their car. At three weeks out i began trying to climb in and out of my car, just to fight cabin fever. By five weeks I was driving. The doctor began unlocking the brace at six weeks. I began using my old school nordic track just to keep the leg moving, at first i only used the legs part and held on for dear life. By week 8 I was at 60 degrees flexion just sitting on my bed and letting gravity flex the leg. At this time I ditched the crutches for a cane. I ditched the cane at week 11. I started climbing onto my road bike hooked up to an indoor trainer stand. I set it at maximum seat height and minimum resistance. Then i started just pedaling gently, at first just seeing how close i could get to a full rotation. every day I'd try to push it a bit farther. Within a week i was pedalling. Around this time I finally achieved my first true straight leg lift, my main complication was that my quad took awhile to come back, eventually it did. At week 12 I hit 100 degrees flexion. I also began pedaling my bike outside for real. The first ride was only two miles. I got home an hour later i felt something rip in my knee, it hurt like hell for two days. Turns out it was a bunch of adhesions and scar tissue in my knee getting freed up. The earlier post about the patient who had his knee forced by the doctor while he was on the exam table sounds like manual release of this stuff, it is common for the surgery and has to happen one way or another. Week 13 the surgeon took away the leg brace away, I'm at 120 degrees flexion. In my case he's opted to skip pt. As long as things continue to improve this will continue without pt. As of this week I am now cleared for light running and road biking.

My advice for those going through this is to work with a surgeon you trust. When in doubt call the doctor and find out if you are pushing yourself too hard or not hard enough. All of us will heal a little differently. Don't push yourself too hard, but don't take it too easy. When your adhesions free up go for an ice pack, take some pain relievers, and plan for a day on the couch. There will be good days and bad days, but you will be amazed as things start to heal faster. Tomorrow will by my three month anniversary since the surgery, I'm going road biking to celebrate.

You will get better,
Andy

rhaimann

Jun 30, 2011

To: Everyone

In March, 2005 I ruptured my left Patellar tendon pushing off to do a layup in a basketball game.  I was 44. I had surgery same day - kind of lucky.  The cast was on for 3.5 weeks.  The brace was on for another 4 weeks or so.  I started pt on week 6.  By week 16 I was off pt and on my own - biking, doing weights, but no running.  By that time I had pretty full range of motion.  Full strength took a year.  I am an avid cyclist, so full strength for me is pretty intense. My left knee became stronger than it was before - less pain and more sustained strength.

On June 8, 2011 I had a traffic accident and ruptured my right Patellar tendon.  I was standing on the brake trying to stop before I struck the car that turned left in front of me in the intersection. The distance was too close. My speed entering the intersection was between 35 and 40 mph. I am unsure of my speed at collision as I was standing on the break.  Upon impact, my body was thrown forward to the extent of the seat belt.  The air bag did not deploy (2008 Toyota Prius - 81K miles).  My knee struck the underside of the dash while standing on the brake. The combination of impact and tension ruptured the tendon cleanly at the bone.  The surgeon repaired the tendon on June 10.  He drilled a couple of anchors into the bone and sutured the tendon.  I am using the same doctor I had with the left Patellar tendon.  This time he is insisting the cast stay on for 5 weeks, to be followed by a brace. I can walk with the cast without crutches - it is just slow and clumsy.  I feel ready to start moving the knee and doing light flex exercises now - 3 weeks after surgery.  The doctor is concerned about re-rupturing the tendon.

At any rate, based on my last experience and the literature I have read, early and gradually increasing exercise if very important for full recovery.   My doctor is concerned about re-rupture so he must have seen those situations and my particular injury is concerning him.  The risk of re-rupture likely depends on the nature of the tear or tendon separation and the time it takes for the tendon tissues to heal back together after suturing.  Some types of tears or separations may heal faster than others.  Each situation may have its own unique circumstances - so if your doctor thinks you should be able to start bending your knee, start bending your knee.

orthodad

Jul 28, 2011

To: all

Hello, I am at week 3 after rupturing my Patella tendon playing basketball. I work in the orthopedics industry as a sales manager so I was able to pick out a great surgeon. I have been in a full length leg brace the entire time , locked out in straight extension. He had me start using a cpm machine to 30% of flexion at the two week mark. It hurts quite a bit but I made sure I took my pain meds a half hour before each session in "the rack". I am in it 4-6 hours total (2-3 sittings) per day depending on how long I can surf the web and answer work calls before going stir crazy. I am going back at the 4 week mark to see my doc and hope that I can begin PT. Thanks to all on this site as it has been very informative to me on what to expect. Best of luck to you all.

crappyknees

Oct 18, 2011

To: everyone using forums

I would like to firstly say that I am not a doctor, I am not an expert and my opinion is purley experience.

I have read this site and it bothered me that everyone was talking about surgery...I thought OMG should I have had that surgery???? then I realised all these people must have had complete evulsions and I wondered how many had took bone with it making it an eulsion fracture (ruptur). So my warning is to read forums but remember ALL situations are different and unless you want to type everything or read everything information is often left out. In saying that information is power....to change, repair, heal, or manipulate (some people use this against people but that is not my intent in saying it at all:{ ) a situation to suit you. If you want to read my story I have a short version below....

When I was 19 I had a german proceedure to correct knee problems which envolved stapling the patellar ligament to align the ligament. Long story. Needless to say it was then a 12 week recovery with the leg completely straight for 10 of those weeks the last 2 were no weight bear before rehab.

I am now 48 and both knees are RS....a series of wear and tear on the supporting leg and the other due to the original operation. I have had 2 recons and 3 grease and oil changes (clean ups bilaterally with lat releases).

I was grouting a room and got a little sore then went to a personal training session, felt a pop and stopped with that excersise, but not training. It took 2 days to swell and then the inability to bend. I have a fairly high pain threshold and have not been in pain....some of you are saying lucky girl....well the trouble is because I have not felt any pain I ignored it for 2 whole days. It was the inability to bend that made me check it out. After all I am not a stranger to ache and swell.

It was an MRI that showed exactly how much fluid was around and that it was a partial tendon rupture. I am immobilising, icing and resting....I am an active person so its driving me dotty. Daytime tv as previously said really does suck and I have watched every dvd in my collection.

We need a long term plan for my knees..surgery was not an option for me as I am due in 7 weeks to go to Antarctica and Peru....I am NOT giving that up.

I can weight bear and I am really taking it easy, so we will see how it goes..but what to do next....I am not done yet. 2.5 months in a wheel chair all that time ago still rings clearly....I am going to talk further to the doctor the week before I leave and look into 1012 to have an answer.

What I say to those in pain....bear it...its tough but necesary, at the same time listen to what your legs are saying...I am definately not saying baby it...no good comes from babying anything in life, but listen and watch. Symptoms will appear...just like my awelling and act....get advice. If you need to change doctors or get a second opinion be extremely honest to them so they don't tell you the wrong thing. A lot of good comes from a sound or confident mind...healing will quicken if you believe in it. I promise you that! Some surgeons whilst they have your best interest at heart are harsh....that cannot feel it remember. It is very different feeling a pain to knowing (through education only) a pain.

I wish everyone on this site well including myself....

TheFirstEdition

Dec 29, 2011

I'm a 22 year old woman who has dislocated my patella for the 5th time 27/12/11. I was given a brace for 2 weeks the trouble is no matter how tight I strap the brace it always falls down my leg and isn't doing very much good at all.. I was wondering if I needed the brace I can put my weight on my knee I have already started heel toe and leg lift excercises I still use a crutch because there is quite a bit of swelling. And I can't quite bend my leg just yet

dennygrif

Jan 16, 2012

To: Everyone

I suffered a dislocated pattelar and ruptured tendons about 4 wks ago and was reffered to and orthopedic surgeon and braced. The problem is I live on a small caribbean island with 1 MRI machine and it broke down with no idea as to how soon it will be up and running. Two orthopedic surgeons have suggested surgery and one noted that the muscles have tightened to the point that the leg cannot bend at all and after 4wks of injury I'm in pain and have localised swelling. Please give me some feed back as I'm concerned about what may be happening and considering my present experience should I fear post surgery/recovery.

Denny

knysnakate

Jan 22, 2012

To: All

Hi all,

I live in Australia, but this appears to be the only forum of this kind. My injury is slightly different to all the rest of yours, I just can't seem to find a forum for people who went through glass doors and severed their patella tendons! This is what happened to me. Not a sports injury so not a ruptured or torn tendon, was 100% severed.

This happened on the 5th January 2012, late at night. I waited in hospital for the whole night, and was taken in for surgery the following morning. They didn't know what was wrong with me but were concerned as they kept asking me to lift my leg straight up from off the bed but I was unable to do so. Anyway, they found that I had severed the tendon so they presumably stitched it back together and put in a wire to attach my kneecap to the tendon. I was discharged on the 9th Jan in a fully locked leg brace.

I was told by the nurses that I would be in the brace for about 6 weeks. I was supposed to go back in two weeks time for what I thought was another small operation to have the wire removed from my knee, then be in the brace for about another month after that. The way it has worked out (I think due to the fact that the surgeon is away on leave) is that I am only going back 3 weeks after the initial surgery, on the 27th Jan. Not only this, but I called the hospital today to find out if it would be day surgery or overnight, and was told I am not actually booked in for surgery this Friday, but just for a review with the doctor. This has me slightly concerned as A) my stitches will have been in for 3 weeks, and I feel that this is pretty long and B) I feel that every week the wire removal surgery is pushed back is another week I will have to be on the brace/crutches. Not sure if this is actually correct but just want to start physio as soon as possible to get back to normality as soon as possible!

I am in parts hopeful and distressed after reading all these posts. People make it sound like this is a terrible accident and that the recovery is a long, slow and very painful process. On the other hand it sounds like I will probably be driving in about a month, thank goodness, as there is not much I can do at the moment without being able to drive (such as work, etc).

My real question is: Does anyone know if my injury is the same as what you all are talking about? I ask mainly because I've been doing research on exercises to do to strengthen my quad - I'm pretty sure it has atrophied quite badly, just in the last couple of days has turned into flab! And a lot of the stuff I'm reading involves leg lifts, which I am still quite unable to do. I try my best, and when someone helps me lift my leg I can help them, a BIT, with a lot of strain, but it is quite scary to not be able to lift my leg at all. I hope that this also has something to do with the fact that the leg brace is pretty heavy.

Anyway, any comments and feedback would be helpful.
Thanks

fazerroy

Jan 23, 2012

To: everyone

I too snapped my Patella tendon, slipping on wet grass on a slight hill. This happened on the 12th November 2011. I was operated on two day's later, on the14th November. I had my leg, from ankle to groin, encased in a cast.I was told to come back in four weeks to have the staples removed from the wound and have a new cast fitted. The hospital screwed up the appointment meaning it was six weeks till the stiches were removed, 13th December. Again I was told to return in four weeks, on the 10th January 2012 now eight weeks since the accident. I attended the appointment. The cast was removed and my knee was x-rayed and MRI scanned. It was decided that a velcro brace with stays running up the back of the leg to stop any movement.
I am to return on the 8th February, thirteen weeks since the surgery. The Doctors have said all along that they are very happy with progress and that physio will start in February. Then I've been promised the knee brace to allow limited movement then a bit more and so on.
I was given no excersises to do post op or given any advice other than "If you can keep the weight on the straight knee to 50% for the first month, 75% for the next month and full weight on a straight leg weight from then on. I realise that everyone of us will require very personal requirements regarding the various stages of recovery, but mine seems to have been very long and drawn out compared to all of yours.
I also suffered blood clots in my lungs six weeks after the surgery resulting in Hospitalisation over Christmas and Warfarin being prescribed to help with this.
I'll let you all know how it's going
Take care
Roy

fatfat12

Feb 01, 2012

To: fazerroy

I had my patellar surgery on 12/19/11. i was able to walk without crouches in 4 days. no soft brace needed within 3 weeks.started to do light exercise in two weeks. Doctor did not prescribe hard brace. I decided to loss 8 lbs while
recoverying. The lighter you are the less impact your knees see when recoverying. Ate healthy all while recoverying.
Why? cause you are less active while recoverying so there is a possibilty you could gain weight which is not what you want. Pushed myself as hard as i could whithout re-injurying myself. Doctor said i have made a very speedy recovery. it is now just six week after surgery and already have the go ahead to play light basketball(my favorite sport). I did non-impact exercises swimming, biking, ect. all are great for recovery.

swamitime3

Feb 01, 2012

To: fazerroy

Well I am at almost two years since that dreadful day. I still feel at about 90% and will never be the same. I do everything except running as I just don't feel comfortable doing that. For you newbies you can read my experience above. I was pretty much a normal case study for this type of injury. It will take 6 months minimum to feel some what normal. Yes, if you do the PT you will be able to walk and do fairly normal things, but you will not be 100% and you will always have this injury in the back of your mind. I ride bikes, golf, swim, exercise regularly. I took the injury as a challenge and went from 242 pounds to 208 to get the extra weight off the knee. That alone has been a very positive plus. Time and doing the PT is the key to this injury. The one thing that surprised me was just how fast your quad atrophies along with your cafl muscle. They both were shot to nothing. Building that Quad muscle back is the key as it makes things go. So, don't fret things will get better for all who have this injury....

Mike

fazerroy

Feb 09, 2012

To: fatfat12

It really sounds like we are at opposite ends of the recovery scale. I got the knee brace this week, the instructions are "to try to bend the knee to the brace setting" aprox 30 degrees. They will change the angle in two weeks.
take care

roy

fazerroy

Feb 09, 2012

To: swamitime3

Thanks for the honesty in your comment, I think it'll be a trial getting as much of the mobility back as I can, I'm 6'2" and I'm less than 190lbs. I'm going to try to lose some weight as I build up the muscles. I have the knee brace set to 30 degrees for two weeks, I'm to streach my knee as far as the brace allows with out too much pain. Then the angle gets increased week by week. I work in Telecoms and need to be able to get up those towers........

Hvyrsq03

Apr 04, 2012

To: fazerroy

I ruptured my patella tendon on my left knee on March 9th. I had my surgery on March 15th and like all of you here the pain was excruciating. Initially I cold barely stand let alone walk. I was discharged from the hospital on March 17th and at that time could barely make it up and down the halls of the hospital with a walker. 3 weeks later and I am able to walk with just the brace on without the walker. I will begin PT in 3 more weeks but have been working on strengthening prior to starting PT. I've been doing hamstring stretches, leg raises, calf raises, contracting my quads and glutes, stretching my hips and training my core. I have been seeing a therapist now for a bicep tear that occurred at the same time my patella ruptured, and she's been giving me the exercises to do. My injury occurred while doing Olympic style push presses and when I brought the weight down I went down with it. My doctor has put me out of work until mid July, I'm a firefighter. I'm hoping my return date will be sooner but I'm smart enough not to rush it. I've lost 30 pounds and weigh in at 220 now and still dropping. I want to give my body every chance to succeed. I've seen the atrophy in my leg but I'm confident that muscle memory will kick in. As I read in an earlier post, I refuse to allow this injury bring me down but I'm using it as a chance to change my lifestyle, drop weight and concentrate on athletic conditioning as opposed to lifting massive weight. From adversity comes opportunity, just need to face it head on. I am grateful to find this fantastic web page.

chucky281

Apr 19, 2012

To: JainMD

i am presently recovering from a pattelar tendon rupture an have read many of your response to various concerns. i find u to be very direct an stick to guidlines as recomended by the patients doc, which i find to be kinda comforting. am going on 3 wks post surgery with a knee immobilizer an recovering without any pain on a constant base. am wondering if after wk 4 post surgery if its advisable to start PT? an possibly stop using the brace
thank u
***@****

lilwaynne

Apr 29, 2012

To: Hvyrsq03

I also had the same surgery on Apr 12th. I have already began PT. If you don't mind me asking how were you able to drop the weight while recovering?

rob196859

Apr 29, 2012

I Had surgery twice because a patellar tendon rupture. Once in 2002, 2nd one in August 2011. First time I suffered lots of pain because i rushed to do things I wasnt supposed to. Both times I got hurt playing basketball. My advise is take it easy, listen to your body. I feel doing lots of stretches, leg lifts, squats, helped me a lot. 8 months later from my second surgery, Im still not able to play basketball, jog, sprint, go downstairs comfortably. Walking. biking, swimming are better activities for me right now. Stay positive, ul be able to back to normal in about 18 months.

WHEEZY32

May 06, 2012

To: All

Hi all,
I've been searching around for a resource like this community.  You all GET IT!  I ruptured my left patellar tendon 4/20 playing in staff vs. students basketball game.  The kicker is this- I had the same injury, same knee 12 years ago playing softball.  I jinxed myself because I joked around that if anyone got hurt it would be.  Haha! What a prophecy right?
I knew exactly what happened and laughed about it while being helped off the court.  My students and teachers thought I was joking because of my response.  I wasn't!  I couldn't believe that I would have to undergo a third surgery for a ruptured tendon.  Yes, I said third! About a year after I tore the patellar tendon I ruptured my right Achilles tendon playing basketball! That's what made this recent injury a bit humorous and took the edge off the pain and anxiety.  Like who does this?  Shouldn't i have learned the first two injuries?  Not me!  I'm a former high school football and basketball standout, former Infantry soldier in the Army, and a regular gym rat. No major injuries until I became a weekend warrior!

At 41 years old, I felt pretty good playing competive sports within reason. Now, I'm not so sure? I'm beginning to question if I may have a degenerative tendon disorder (if one exists) or a nutritional deficiency.  Can anyone relate? Any thoughts?

ae03

May 11, 2012

To: WHEEZY32

Wheezy32, its unreal that you've had somany tendon ruptures.. I understand heavy antibiotics can be attributed to weakened tendons, but the most common would be steroidal use.. Do you have asthma? The inhalants contain anti-inflammatory steroids.. Or perhaps you've experimented with performance-enhancing steroids.. Not saying that you have but this could explain it..

WHEEZY32

May 12, 2012

To: ae03

My surgeon asked me the same questions. I've never experimented with steroids and I'm not an asthmatic. Years ago I recall taking antibiotics for a brief illness, but nothing major or long term. Other than these tendon ruptures, I've dealt with bilateral chondromalacia since I was a teenager. I could never confirm a connection between the two. Oh well, lucky me? Thanks for the reply.

jjsokol

May 30, 2012

To: WHEEZY32

I am a 48 year old male and I was in the gym front squatting 225 lbs on my fourth set. On the first repetition, as I was coming up, POW! My left leg made a horrible sound and collapsed under the weight. I dumped the barbell into the rack and started rolling around on the floor screaming. I could not find relief from the pain and the sight of my disfigured knee was all the more disturbing. I finally found a position for my leg where it stopped spasming and I was unable to move it at all without excruciating pain. I could not walk out of the gym and an ambulance came and took me to the ER. I was examined and X-rayed and my suspicion was confirmed that my patellar tendon was ruptured. They put me in a splint, gave me crutches and pain medicine and told me to see a specialist. The injury occurred on Monday, May 28, 2012. I saw a specialist on Tuesday morning the 29th. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday the 31st. I'll keep you posted. My wife won't let me live down the fact that I was screaming at the top of my lungs when it happened. Oh well, I guess I'm not the man I used to be.

WHEEZY32

Jun 07, 2012

To: jjsokol

Take it one day at a time jjsokol. I never would've believed that a simple game of hoops would cause a repeat injury. Frustration is part of recovery especially during the summer. Your entire routine is thrown off! Like using the bathroom...I took it for granted! LOLOL! I suggest that you commit yourself to doing your quad sets early and it will get you off to a strong start for rehab. I'm in my 6th week post surgery and I begin rehab next week. My surgeon is impressed with my progress, but wants to take it slow. Keep me updated on your progress! Stay positive!

reidm

Jun 09, 2012

To: WHEEZY32

SNAP! in more ways that one. I too have had multiple patella ruptures. First was an age ago in 1999. Volleyball (have played and loved volleyball and basketball since forever) jumped to spike and snap goes left patella. Surgical repair with immobilizing wiring in for 14 weeks. Not a fun wedding or honeymoon :-(. Have and three more small ops on it to debride scar tissue causing a uncomfortable clunk when I walked (hope you all don't get that). Left thigh never returned to sharp and knee does not track correctly. Then feb 2012 sprinting after a cricket ball snap goes the right knee, in agnoKnee I too knew what had happened, felt like I had sprinted into a knee high brick wall. This time after surgery recovery was 4 week lite weight and walking, then 6 weeks to slowly get to 90d with a ROM brace. Still have pain sleeping, standing up too long, say cooking dinner. But now my left knee is burning again with the added load of work she now is taking on.
I have often thought I have something wrong with my tendons, knees (pre-rupture) would burn if bent too long like driving or motorbike riding, then both rupture? what are the odds? Almost like the tendon started to come away from the shin years ago.
For those on recovery, good luck. I knew after a decade that lefty would never be normal again, but now my right is shot too so I have put aside my olympic dreams, and tremble in fear at the top of a flight of stairs.

Jeppy1956

Jun 17, 2012

To: Everybody

I am a 56 year old male an like most of you I managed to rupture the the tendon off the tibia side of the knee cap. One post on this site had patient saying that his doctor told him that he could only expect 80 to 90 percent recovery. As far as I am concerned that is poor medical bedside manner so to speak . That patient was 53 years old I am 56 and after 7 weeks of PT I can walk without a limp and have 120 degrees of flex in my knee. Today I was played my first round of golf. This was 3 months almost to the day of my surgery. I walked the course and also shot a respectable score. I am not bragging here I am just pointing out the fact that age is not a factor. And I feel that this doctor is giving this patient a reason to fail. As my PT guy told me it's easy to do nothing and I truly believe that the greatest healing tool that you have is the 6 inches between your ears. I and my PT guy expect I will make a 100 percent recovery. Good luck to you all and a speedy recovery is something you should strive for. It can happen!

DB303

Aug 10, 2012

Glad I found this community.  I completely tore my tendon in my left knee on June 26.  Walking down the stairs and felt a pop and looked down to see my kneecap mid-thigh.  My reaction was to 'push it back' where it was supposed to be and then lost my balance and went down the rest of the stairs (about 10 steps).  I was lucky I did not break anything else.

Had surgery on July 3rd and am now at about 80 degrees and see the doc for my second follow up on Aug 16th.  The tendon was so damaged that he had to cut 1/3 away and reattach with wire in two places.  When I get to 80 it just seems like it won’t budge a millimeter more.  I will ask him how long should it take to stretch out 2/3rd's of a tendon.

I am finally off pain meds but may take 1/2 a hydrocodone every once in a while when the pain gets too bad.  taking long walks (six to 8 blocks) around the neighborhood with a cane for stability and can walk around the house without aids - but with the leg brace locked strait.  I hope to get a brace with the hinges so I can at least sit in a car.

I applaud everyone that can get the right frame of mind - that seems to help alot.  I also worry about the other knee - all the stress of going up/down stairs and just putting more weight on it seems to cause mild to medium pain.  I worry about tearing that one!

I am not a spring chicken at 49 - but was able to drop 10 pounds (5'11" and 185).

Will just continue to stay at it and will check it to see everyone else's progress.

Cheers

DB

TennisSam65

Aug 11, 2012

To: To everybody

Hi guys
I am 8 days postoperative 65 year fit old played tennis
Same fan is yours
Can you suggest experienced PT in the Thornhill Toronto
It is excellent site
Thanks everybody
TennisSam

ae03

Aug 25, 2012

To: Everyone

I’m 38 and I ruptured my patella tendon playing basketball. I drove hard to the basket and planted my left leg and then it felt like someone kicked me in the knee. Both my feet flew out from under me and I was lying on the floor on my back looking at my deformed knee.. a clean tear just below the knee cap. Below is a sequence of events that happened from my surgery to full recovery. The pain after surgery is one thing, but its getting your mind right and knowing that you will recover 100% and will have a normal life again. Also, the pain is the greatest the night after surgery. Stop taking pain killers as soon as possible though. The key to recovery is sticking with your physical therapy (PT) regimens and pushing yourself to get your range of motion (ROM) back. This is the painful part. Just suck it up and be confident that you will make a full recovery.. Everyday is like a small miracle. You'll be able to achieve something you couldn't the day before. It forces you to appreciate the small things in life. I hope this helps.

2/24: Injury
3/6: surgery
3/12: post op apt.
3/15: start electro stim therapy plus toe touches
3/19: 2nd post op. stitches removed. 25% weight bearing and start quad flexes.
3/23: 1st PT. 25 degrees ROM. Plus at-home exercises and massage area.
3/25: started upper body training w/ weights
3/26: 2nd PT. ROM increased and managed slight leg lifts off bench.
3/27: 3weeks post op. apt.
3/28: achieved 39 degrees ROM during PT. Pain still w/ straight leg lifts
3/30: ROM up to 40 degrees and leg raises a foot off the table was achieved
4/3: 4 weeks post op. ROM up to 51 degrees on flexionator. Swelling down and leg raises w/ minimal pain
4/5: ROM 53 degrees leg raises high off table
4/6: ROM 54 degrees. Prone position leg curls
4/9: walked around in the pool waist deep w/ only a neoprene knee sleeve
4/10: 5 weeks post op. 60 degrees ROM at PT.
4/11: 60 degrees ROM
4/13: 61 ROM. Standing rubber band leg movements
4/16: follow up w/ Doctor. Removed crutches and opened brace to 40 degrees. Reported good progress. Tightness due to scar tissue and outside stitches.
4/17: 62 degrees. Weight bearing movements. Squats and balancing.
4/19: 71 degrees ROM. Work on balancing scale. Brace opened to 70 degrees.
4/20: 74 degrees ROM. More balance and rubber band extensions.
4/25: 7 weeks and 1 day post op. PT included more shuttle squats and side dips. Manual manipulation achieved 79 degrees ROM
4/26: 81 ROM. Prone manipulation.
4/28: first day back at gym. No crutches and got on step machine (huge achievement) and used hot tub.
5/2: 8 weeks and 1 day post op. walk at 2.5 mph on treadmill. 93 ROM. No more brace.
5/4: elliptical training. 95 ROM. Walking normal pace w/ little discomfort.
5/9: 101 ROM. Leg extension leg curls. 9 weeks and 1 day post op.
5/11: 106 ROM. Dips aka step downs. Walking w/ no discomfort and gait restored to normal.
5/17: 118 ROM. First Step machine with full revolutions. 10 weeks and 2 days post op.
5/18: first time on recumbent bike. Achieved full revolutions
5/23: 120 ROM. 11 weeks and 1 day post op.
5/25: 124 ROM
5/30: doctors appt. All is well
6/4: 13 weeks post op. 136 ROM
6/12: 14 weeks post op. 142 ROM. Single leg lifts on shuttle.
6/18: 15 wks post op. 145 ROM
6:26: 4 months post op. machine test deficiency in injured leg. 40-60% deficient.
7:25: Light running on track. First impact since injury

Ihatecrutches

Sep 25, 2012

Where to start?

I'm a 32 year old Firefighter that had ACL reconstruction on my right knee 8 weeks ago. The graft was taken from my left patellar tendon because of a previous ACL reconstruction in my right knee had already used that one.

Surgery went well, woke up in recovery, they were discharging me helping move me to a wheelchair and the left leg buckled and I felt a pop! Uh-oh. Saw the doc the following morning, thinks I tore the patellar tendon, MRI confirms, in a cast on the left leg, and the immobilizer on the right (yup!)

Had surgery on the left leg on August 23rd went well (no more injuries sustained at the hospital). Have been in a locked hinge brace since then, no bending, quad activation, etc. ACL rehab for right leg is going well.

I see the doc on Oct. 2nd, hopefully get to open the brace a little and start rehab on it.

Thanks for all the insight on rehab, knowing what to expect with the ACL, but was a bit lost in regards to the Patella.

gregory680

Dec 27, 2012

To: swamitime

i had a patella rupture dec 2010 my tendon tore away from my kneecap i had extensive surgery where the surgeon drilled holes in my kneecap then stiched my tendon back to my kneecap they put a metal cage around the injury to keep it in place put me in a cast for 8 weeks then a brace for 6 weeks it was as the surgeon told me a horrific injury. but as time goes by the injury has healed and does not stop me from getting on with the things i have always done .Dont let it bother you when i was in hospital iseen people with some terrible illnesses what we had is very small in comparrison with others

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