Torn PCL, surgery, opinions

[Karebu]

Hey guys.

I've been living with a completely torn PCL for about 6 years already. Recently the knee is getting extremely unstable, visible loss of muscle mass around knee (quadriceps). MRIs over the year show that the ACL has elongated slightly.

 

Back in '05 where technology did not permit it involved open surgery and there were often issues such as the instability in knee and inability to kneel etc.

 

Need to ask if the arthroscopic surgery these days for PCL recon works well or if its a better option to get a knee brace. Please bear in mind that PCL recon often pales in comparison to ACL recon.

 

 

If brace, would hinged braces off the shelf work well or custom brace? Please also recommend brand/type of brace/where to purchase/order.

 

I do not mind wearing braces for extended periods of time.

 

 

many many thanks.

Edited February 26, 2011 by Karebu

[Heeheehaahaa79]

Hi KArebu,

 

I had tom my ACL 10 yes ago. Really regretted not fixing it as my right knee is now suffering the consequences after all these yrs of excessive loading. Right knee hurts when I exert force...

Had recon my left ACL 6 mths back. Was recovering well into 4 mths when suddenly 1night I could't straighten my left leg.. Cld nt even bear weight on it.. 2mths later another MRI scan revealed a bucket handle tear of my left meniscus..... Sigh.. Going for another op in 2wks time.

 

My personal advise.. Quickly go & recon before other parts of ur knee fails. Like mine.. I'm only 32 dunno hw am I going to move on later in life..

 

Be prepared to be out of action for abt 6 wkd.. Gonna hurt initially & needs plenty of determination to work up the muscles again as it will go flaccid after op due to the trauma. Full recovery will take abt 9 mths.

[Heeheehaahaa79]

Forgot to add.. For knee braces, Che k out this German brand called bauerfeind. They have an extensive range & they are located in Cambridge link rd. The assistance there are veri thoughtful & wld even let u trial their products before u purchase!

[Karebu]

hey and thanks for your reply.

 

anw how did you survive with torn ACL? may i know what your lifestyle was like? did you sport? light jogging etc? ACL has always been easier to fix in comparison and most ppl who go for it. what made you stave off your surgery?

 

the reason why i was holding back was because the options back then were - rather, there were no options (no keyhole etc). also, there are quite a number of people moving around with torn PCL (but few can with ACL).

 

PCL surgery is still more controversial. in the sense that the results may not be as ideal as that of ACL and also the slightly higher risks involved due to the proximity of the popliteal artery. also, the success of the surgery itself (that pertaining to the functionality of the knee), i was quoted a 65% from a top 'sports' surgeon just two years ago (clinic P, SGH). that to me was horribly low when one bears in mind that ACL surgeries hover 90-95%.

 

im looking for a brace like donjoy or CITs pretty much as an exoskeleton substitute. however i wonder about the feasibility of that..

 

 

Edited February 26, 2011 by Karebu

[Blackchicken]

Need some advise if u pop ur ACL...How long did it take for the swelling to go down...Can the knee be fully straighten in a lock position with a torn ACL or PCL?..

[Heeheehaahaa79]

The swell took abt 2 to 3 weeks to subside... Meanwhile it's gonna be veri unstable.. My case usually have to straighten it to unlock..

Quickly see a specialist for a scan.dun drag!!

[Heeheehaahaa79]

hey and thanks for your reply.

 

anw how did you survive with torn ACL? may i know what your lifestyle was like? did you sport? light jogging etc? ACL has always been easier to fix in comparison and most ppl who go for it. what made you stave off your surgery?

 

the reason why i was holding back was because the options back then were - rather, there were no options (no keyhole etc). also, there are quite a number of people moving around with torn PCL (but few can with ACL).

 

PCL surgery is still more controversial. in the sense that the results may not be as ideal as that of ACL and also the slightly higher risks involved due to the proximity of the popliteal artery. also, the success of the surgery itself (that pertaining to the functionality of the knee), i was quoted a 65% from a top 'sports' surgeon just two years ago (clinic P, SGH). that to me was horribly low when one bears in mind that ACL surgeries hover 90-95%.

 

im looking for a brace like donjoy or CITs pretty much as an exoskeleton substitute. however i wonder about the feasibility of that..

 

I was veri much into soccer and abit of rugby back then.. However everything changed after I pop in in a soccer game.. I took quite some time to get over my "handicap"..

Went into my predictive sports like swimming. Even water polo ! However still pop my knee when I over exert it.

Todate, have completed 1 half marathon, 4 biathlon , 1 duatholon, & 1 triathlon.. However all this has caught up with my good knee.. Due to the overload to compensate my left knee..

In short, better to patch things up quick if u wish to continue with ur sporting life!!!

Personally feel that braces just a temp measure.. Have to try out to see if it serves ur purpose..

 

Just my 5 cents thoughts

 

[Perrier]

I did ACL recon on both keens. Key point to note is u got to do the rehab. While the recon may add stability back, rehab is critical to get back to pre-injury condition. Alternative, did u seek advice fom physiotherapist? They might be able to recommend some exercise that specifically train certain part of your muscle to improve stability.

[Jtb]

Broken Patella

 

I am saddened with this elderly patient after surgery with this xray result from the hospital.

I wondered the pin shifting common as what the doctor described!!! May have to open up and remove

it after healing period. This is a joke and should not happen. I am sure there is pain during pin movement.