Hi. I injured my knee about 5-6 weeks ago. I have been waiting to get in from my ORTHO consult -- so much for speed. I've been NICE and the pain has gotten less, but I still have it and crunching pain when I rise from sitting too long or walking too far (not sure how far that is, but for a short distance). My ORTHO is in about 12 days. Part of me says cancel this appt cause they are going to tell me it's on the mend and of course there will always be some pain as you get older, but should I cancel the appt or not? Can a possible ACL injury heal itself and I won't or shouldn't have to go in for the ORTHO appt?
Hi, thanks for the response. I have sent you a private mesage so mayby we can talk that way in more detail and you can tell me a little more about your surgery, etc. I finally get to see the Orthopedic Dr. tommorow, Wed, so mayby then I will get some good news, which in my case is hopefully some answers to why my knee has been hurting so long. I was told by the receptionist that the dr. would offer me some " options" so I am not sure what they may be.
I do know unless they thought they could help me, they would not have even given me an appt. It requires a referral to be able to see them, and they also looked at my MRI report and also I would assume the actuall MRI itself.I am more afraid of nothing happening, as opposed to surgery,etc. The main thing is getting an answer. AFter over a year of pain, it is a relief to know that this was not all in my head. Thanks for the reply. Any last minute advice as to what to ask the dr. tommorow?
fluffypurrcat
good morning Fluffy, i've had an ACL repair of my right knee oh about 8 years ago and it was not healing on its own, i did have a little less pain but my knee was not stable and required the use a "quality knee support" which a script was written by the doctor and the insurance paid for it. i used it for almost anything i did after the ACL surgery only because i was afraid of injurying it again. and your right, the doc. that replied to your comment is enough to make anyone confused. he's not a knee doctor and he's located in india. when i had my ACL surgery, a machine was brought over to my house that automatically bent my knee for about a week. the purpose of it was to keep scar tissue from building up and getting good range of motion quickly. i do have to say if you get the ACL surgery don't go light on the therapy because scar tissue build up can be more painful the that the origional injury was. just ask the doctor. OH and DON'T let the doctor use a PAIN PUMP on your knee after the surgery, do your research. Take Care Phill
Thank you dr. for the information. I don't understand a lot of it, but some has given me a little more information. I know the MRI says Decreased T1 signal, and says, " suggests healing bone contusions." So I would think on what you stated this is the first step, before T, Correct?There are no T2 signals listed.
I did get a call from the Orthopedic DR.s office and they got my referral. I am now waiting while someone in the office goes over my MRI to see if they can help me or not. I do have one other question.
If the Orthopedic DR.s office feels they can't help me. What would my next step be in relation to the pain I am having? It hurts to bend my knee outward, and I can't sit with my knee in a certain position which I used to do with no trouble.Would physical therapy be of any value, or will my knee just be not the way it was before this uinury?
Thank you again for your time and all your advice I is much appreciated.
fluffypurrcat
Hello!
MRI is read in signal sequences.
There are T1, T2 signal sequences which show that the healing is taking place and fatty deposition has taken place. This is a good sequence for healing.
There is STIR sequence which is Short tau inversion recovery. Active bone oedema present. There is another PD sequence which is for proton density for knowing cartilage
Please ask your radiologist what sequence it is and the radiologist or your orthopedician can interpret it very clearly.
If required you would need a ligament repair as the tear is an old one.
Take care!