Possibly a Neuroma?

[cjunebug]

Going on two years ago (February 2010) I tore my right ACL in a varsity softball game, I had it repaired and went through therapy for a long amount of time. In January of this year I found I wasnt getting any relief and was having a hard time getting full flexion back. They went back in and found a inflammed Plica band wrapped around my knee, which they removed, afterwards I continued with therapy. Since then I have still seemed to not get any relief, but the pain now is very specific. Its a sharp shooting pain near one of my ACL surgery scars. The doctors thought it may the screw which has not softenened yet. They also thought it may be a nerve problem or a problem with the fluid, so I underwent Euflexxa injections, then had a Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block, and was taking Lyrica for several months. The condition still persisted and now I have finally gone back to my Orthopaedic surgeon to get another diagnosis. They still believe it may be the screw, but recently they have suggested it is a neuroma. Because they harvested my hamstring for my ACL it would make sense to be a problem with the nerves and the doctor checked it out and thinks so too. Today I got another Cortisone shot directly into the pain site in hopes it would help, but so far I have had no relief. Im only 17 so this process is not because of my wear and tear on my knees over the years. Im confused though, how does the Neuroma surgery work? Will it have a long recovery time and require therapy? Will I be on crutches again? If anyone can answer these questions please tell me! Thank you!
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[dkumbhar]

I have a sharp shooting pain along my ACL surgery scars.I can also feel the scar tissues/neuroma. I am unable to kneel even on soft bed or let anything touch the knee area.
I have consulted a orthopedic surgeon and he suggested surgery to block the nerve.

Please advice if I there are any other option to surgery or should consult a neurologist/ neurosurgeon.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment on the situation. The pain could be due to a neuroma, which is an abnormal growth of nerves; however other possibilities like pseudoneuromas and degenerations that could present similarly; may need to be considered as well. Neuromas/ pseudoneuromas can be managed conservatively for most cases, while surgical/ interventional options are considered for cases that fail to respond; and may include blocking sensations to the nerve or resection/ destruction of the tissue by surgical or interventional means. It is not a major surgery and recovery is usually good. It would be best to discuss the management options in detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!