ACL Tear???

[ampowell83]

I got on the forums because I fear I have reinjured my ACL.  I tore it about 7 years ago.  This time, I heard the loud "pop" sound and it was deja vu.  I just knew and the ER doctor confirmed.  However, after seeing an orthopedic surgeon, he said otherwise.  He seemed to think maybe I tore some cartilage but nothing turned up on the MRI.  The Lachman's test, he said, did not show much disturbance in my ACL.  Bones are in good shape based on the X-Rays and I've had an MRI but it was somewhat inconclusive due to existing hardware in my knee.  I healed quickly and within a week I had full mobility.  However, my pain has been increasing, and this pain feels all too familiar to me.  I already had one ACL tear misdiagnosed and I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't have another.  Maybe I have a strange knee.   Anyhow, am I crazy?  The doctor hasn't been able to give me any information about what I could have done to my knee.  I have been focusing on rehab and losing weight but so far, no improvement.  Anyone still think I tore my ACL or reinjured in some form or another?

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
Current research demonstrates that the natural history of untreated complete injuries of the ACL consists of progression of symptomatic instability to recurrent injuries. These injuries damage the menisci and the articular cartilage, eventually leading to osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis. The primary goals in treatment of ACL rupture are restoration of function in the short term and prevention of long-term pathologic changes in the knee. The pooping knee may be due to Discoid meniscus - an abnormally shaped meniscus in the knee joint.

The discoid meniscus can cause problems, usually a popping sensation with pain over the outside part of the knee joint.
Conservative treatment consisting of exercises and stretching is recommended..
As there are no pathological changed diagnosed it could be a mild trauma  ,do not worry you can consult a physiotherapist if your physician suggests.
(Refer: http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic3.htm#section~Treatment)
Best

[ampowell83]

Thank you for the information Dr. Simran, but I wonder if that is truly the case.  The MRI showed no abnormalities in my meniscus and there was significant trauma to my knee during my recent injury.  Significant swelling occurred at the time of injury and I was immobile for nearly a week after the surgery.  Also, I was considered nearly 100% healed after my initial ACL reconstruction in 2001.  It does not always pop and never has until the injury this May.  I never had difficulties with the knee after my surgery until that day.  The popping, grinding, and pain in my knee has been been directly related to the injury on May 11.