Patellar Tendon Rupture..... [Archive]

pedro77

15-07-2005, 06:33 AM

Okay here goes...

On May 9th I was playing basketball with some friends, lost my footing on some wet ashphalt and felt a "snap" in my knee. It hurt immensely. I looked down to see the kneecap about 3-4 inches higher than what it should be. I went to the hospital, xrays were done, and the ER doc said that I had ruptured the patellar tendon. They put it in a Zimmer Splint. (foam and velcro wrap with metal re-inforcing on the back and sides)

I saw an Orthopaedic Specialist 2 days later (this was the soonest I could get an appointment). He took a look at the knee and the xrays and said that I had likely ripped the tendon off of the bottom of the kneecap as opposed to tearing it mid tendon. He said that it was a good thing as it is a stronger fix when it tears off of the kneecap.

Surgery was scheduled for the 18th of May. (9 days after the injury) The surgery was delayed due to swelling and the fact that I had some exams to write for my schooling. It was the first time ever for surgery. Everything went well. The Orth Surgeon came into the recovery room after I came out of anesthetic and explained what he had done. The tendon was sutured and passed through 3 bone tunnels in the kneecap and anchored above the kneecap into some muscle tissue. He said the procedure went well....no complications.

The knee was locked in extension for 2 weeks using the Zimmer. During this time I was not to do anything. At 2 weeks the staples were removed and I was switched over to a hinged knee brace (still locked in extension).

I started PT 6 weeks post-op. Our goals were 30 degrees flex and full passive extension for the first 2 weeks, and 45 degrees flex and full passive extension for the next 2 weeks. Weightbearing was allowed as tolerated. PT consisted of passive range of motion exercises, ultrasound, high voltage stimulis, and ice. Our goals were met with quite a bit of screaming on my part to get the 45 degrees.

On June 30th I had a check up with my Orth Surgeon. He said that thing seem to look OK, and that we can proceed with full active flex and active ext to 120 degrees. He did express some concern about the amount of scar tissue. I told him about the pain experienced during PT and he stated that it will be rather painful trying to get the range of motion back because we literally have to tear through the scar tissue that has formed. I asked if it was wise to take my painkillers left over from after the surgery before PT. He said to go ahead.....at this point he is confident that the repair will hold, and any pain experienced will be from scar tissue only, not to worry about re-damaging the tendon.

Over the past 2 weeks we have gained about 15 degrees more...so up to about 60 degrees. It has been extremely painful trying to get more range. I am "walking" with almost no weight on the single crutch. I am able to do straight leg raises with no extension lag with some pain. I am also able to do leg extensions while hanging the leg off of a chair...also some pain. I can bear full weight while balancing without the knee brace. PT now consist of the same as before, but with added quad strengthening excercises. We are hoping to have enough stabilization next week to discontinue the use of the knee brace.

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there that has had this injury and what their experience was like. Does anyone have any secrets to being able to bear the pain of ripping through the scar tissue?

Thanks....

Peter

Unregistered

23-07-2005, 04:58 PM

Well on July 5 I was playing basketball and went up to dunk the ball. I heard a pop in my right knee and then a pop in my left knee. I looked down and noticed that my knee cap rode up by my quaracipes. I automatically thought I had torn an ACL or something. I was rushed to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a bi-lateral ifra-patellar tendon rupture. I was operated that night and came out with good news of the operation. I am now on my third week and can bear weight on my feet. I wear knee emobilizers and just stay home all day. I have to wait for the third month to start my PT. I did get my staples removed and the doctor did try to bend my knee a little bit and boy was it painful. Atleast you have one knee to worry about but as for me I have both so I guess there was a two for one special that day. But I'll have to get by. What doesn't kill me won't hurt me, well maybe a little bit.

Unregistered

12-04-2006, 01:07 PM

I ruptured mine (right knee) about 3 years ago and had a similar experience, altought rehap started about week 5. I was particularly frustrated by the lack of 'aggressive' treatment in re-hab; I didn't care about the pain because I knew that each round of streching and pain just meant more movement in the future.

I recently had the same injury occur in my other knee, so I'm back at it again. I'm starting week 4. There was more post-op pain with this one - I think because the rupture occured at the tibia (point of tendon insertion), rather than along the tendon itself.

Syd Uni sports clinic

13-04-2006, 12:32 PM

Pretty unlucky for you to rupture at the tibial end. Normally the patellar tendon is very strong there.

John42

03-05-2006, 03:20 AM

Hi Peter

Just read your posting of a year ago and wondering how you got on, have you fully receovered or still having problems

JohnK/ Manchester UK 1/5/2006
Jkramrisch@aol.com

n May 9th I was playing basketball with some friends, lost my footing on some wet ashphalt and felt a "snap" in my knee. It hurt immensely. I looked down to see the kneecap about 3-4 inches higher than what it should be. I went to the hospital, xrays were done, and the ER doc said that I had ruptured the patellar tendon. They put it in a Zimmer Splint. (foam and velcro wrap with metal re-inforcing on the back and sides)

I saw an Orthopaedic Specialist 2 days later (this was the soonest I could get an appointment). He took a look at the knee and the xrays and said that I had likely ripped the tendon off of the bottom of the kneecap as opposed to tearing it mid tendon. He said that it was a good thing as it is a stronger fix when it tears off of the kneecap.

Surgery was scheduled for the 18th of May. (9 days after the injury) The surgery was delayed due to swelling and the fact that I had some exams to write for my schooling. It was the first time ever for surgery. Everything went well. The Orth Surgeon came into the recovery room after I came out of anesthetic and explained what he had done. The tendon was sutured and passed through 3 bone tunnels in the kneecap and anchored above the kneecap into some muscle tissue. He said the procedure went well....no complications.

The knee was locked in extension for 2 weeks using the Zimmer. During this time I was not to do anything. At 2 weeks the staples were removed and I was switched over to a hinged knee brace (still locked in extension).

I started PT 6 weeks post-op. Our goals were 30 degrees flex and full passive extension for the first 2 weeks, and 45 degrees flex and full passive extension for the next 2 weeks. Weightbearing was allowed as tolerated. PT consisted of passive range of motion exercises, ultrasound, high voltage stimulis, and ice. Our goals were met with quite a bit of screaming on my part to get the 45 degrees.

On June 30th I had a check up with my Orth Surgeon. He said that thing seem to look OK, and that we can proceed with full active flex and active ext to 120 degrees. He did express some concern about the amount of scar tissue. I told him about the pain experienced during PT and he stated that it will be rather painful trying to get the range of motion back because we literally have to tear through the scar tissue that has formed. I asked if it was wise to take my painkillers left over from after the surgery before PT. He said to go ahead.....at this point he is confident that the repair will hold, and any pain experienced will be from scar tissue only, not to worry about re-damaging the tendon.

Over the past 2 weeks we have gained about 15 degrees more...so up to about 60 degrees. It has been extremely painful trying to get more range. I am "walking" with almost no weight on the single crutch. I am able to do straight leg raises with no extension lag with some pain. I am also able to do leg extensions while hanging the leg off of a chair...also some pain. I can bear full weight while balancing without the knee brace. PT now consist of the same as before, but with added quad strengthening excercises. We are hoping to have enough stabilization next week to discontinue the use of the knee brace.

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there that has had this injury and what their experience was like. Does anyone have any secrets to being able to bear the pain of ripping through the scar tissue?

Thanks....

Peter[/QUOTE]

John42

03-05-2006, 03:21 AM

Hi Peter

Having just read your posting, noted that you had a RPT some 9 months ago. What is todays situation?? did you recover 100% or are you still having problems.

Best wishes
John Kramrisch Manchester UK
Jkramrisch@aol.com

Unregistered

04-05-2006, 12:21 PM

Larry

10-05-2006, 11:34 AM

Had a complete rupture falling down a flight of stairs and had surgery 4 days later.
I started PT 4 weeks after surgery and was released from therapy 4 months later.

By August of 2005 I was jogging, playing softball, and weight lifting. I am 40 years old.

This morning I ran 5 miles on the treadmill and played softball in the evening after a full day of work.

The knee still doesn't feel "right"...not painful, but not "right". It probably never will
with all the scar tissue involved with the healing. But I'm as active now as I've ever
been. I guess I could describe the feeling as if you had a wad of Play-Doh stuck in
your knee. I know it sounds weird...but that what it feels like to me.

Good luck in your surgery and don't get too depressed. Just find a good theropist
that you have a good relationship with. This is crucial to your rehab. And do the
exercises they tell you to do at home.

Larry in Maryland

Unregistered

03-06-2006, 06:58 AM

I to join the band with this injury. I am due to have surgery May 8th (unsure) I cannot bend my knee @ all much discomfort. Drs visit I could not extend my any means. With searching online I found this site and I see I am not the only one. Wish me luck all that read this.
Dee:
It is a very serious injury that takes considerable time and patience to deal with. I ruptured my left patellar tendon in mid Jan 06 and actually could walk around slowly with the very swollen knee - but it was putting increasing stress on the other ligaments and the MRI confirmed the complete tear. I had surgery in late February (5.5 wks post injury)including a hamstring graft to reinforce the tendon. First 10 days I stayed off the leg entirely. Next three weeks very passive physio you do on your own moving leg to 45 degree ROM and feather weight on left leg. The following four weeks involved more passive physio with leg bend to 90 degree ROM and 25% weight bearing on. I was fortunate that I did not have any significant pain outside of the first 3-4 days after surgery. Next 6 weeks (weight bearing as tolerated) I went from 2 crutches to 1 crutch over the first couple of weeks, then 1 week with a cane before I started walking. I have gone from 90 degrees to 140 by just doing gradual 30 sec holds 3x10, 3 times per day. Started riding the stationary bike with no resistance halfway through this period to improve ROM (2X25mins per day). I'm around day 100 now and hopefully the doc will okay squat exercises (biking with resistance, etc) to rebuild my quad shortly. Once you get walking the swelling comes out of your ankle and life gets a whole lot better. I never figured out how to carry a plate while using both crutches - just didn't work. I'm still pretty fragile but seem to be moving in the right direction fairly quickly now. It will be time consuming to rebuild the quad.
All the best on your surgery and rehab.
Rob

BrianM

15-06-2006, 12:11 PM

On Friday I went to a wedding pre picnic and have never injured anything in the past. I snowboard ski mtnbike and bball. I made a hard cut to the bucket and collided with they other person, LORD I have never felt pain like that. One ambulance later and I was at the hospital on morephene, within less than 24 hours I was in surgury. So now I am sitting on the couch trying to heal and I can say the surgery went apparently good it was a BAD tear from the bottom of the bone. I can say that Vicodin SUCKS it make you feel like crap and all stuffed up. I am hopefil to go to the doc on friday so he can check the bandage. I am having all kinds of issues because I am normally active so mentally it is hard to deal with. I still have my trainer come over every other day to train my upper body. Looks like I will be on this board alot more in the comming months.
Thanks,
Brian:confused:

I know what you are going through let me knwo if you need any support!

Unregistered

17-06-2006, 01:39 PM

Brian:
You are fortunate to have surgery so quickly following the injury - which generally improves the odds of a good outcome and reduces the atrophy time for your quad. It took me a couple of weeks to mentally understand the scope and severity of the injury. I suggest that you concentrate on passive range of motion exercises- these are crucial (as per your physio), RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and not doing anything to tear the fine work of your surgeon. You will be in a very fragile state for at least the first 10 to 12 weeks and need to lie low on resistance training until your surgeon says that the tendon has fully healed (probably start low resistance cycling around week 11 - buy a stationary bike).

Life improves substantially after that point when you can crank the resistance on the bike, (should be walking without a device), head to the gym & physio and start seated squat/hamstring, straight leg pully, and other resistance exercises (as well as full body weight exercises). I have had my first week of resistance training and have already improved to about 3X the initial first day weight (e.g. 90lbs one leg seated squat). I will probably start road riding in another week.

In your current circumstance I suggest the following: keep a positive attitude - take a shower every day (change dressings daily- no infection) after the surgeon okays it - make sure you have help to get in and out of the shower, for meals, etc - keep the crutches near your bed in case you head to the washroom overnight (night light helps) - have access to the maximum TV-movie-sodoku/Xword/book selection. You will likely be off work for 3-to 4 months. Use the time to mentally recharge as recommended by Ernie Els (Golfer) who tore his ACL boating last August and was back golfing in Dec. Lay off the beer and colas (and overeating vs activity ratio) to minimize the coach potato weight gain (e.g.Diet Pepsi, water) and overnight trips to the washroom. Also use extreme care on stairways. I used the crutches to climb them with someone right behind me going up, and felt the safest sliding down on my back side step to step going down until I could weight bear 100% and go down standing up. Crutches going down narrow stairs seem really risk to me. Be careful with your uninjured leg. You will be putting a lot of pressure on it until your weight bearing improves.
Rob

asad

20-06-2006, 03:34 PM

hey guys, reading your posts has given me some outlook on how things will go. i am a medical student at msu and ruptured my patellar tendon this last week while playing kickball. i know....kickball. it was a med school student event so i was surrounded by my classmates, which was nice and not so nice. i didnt think the intial pain was that bad. i mean it hurt, but maybe i blocked it out in hopes of not looking like a punk. we have been studying the nuero-muscular-skeletal system this summer so we all had an idea of what happened. i was hoping it was just dislocated, but then one of our drs was playing with us and he ran up and was like get him to er. he explained to me what had happened and all i remember was dreading the rehab. er confirmed what i was already told. my family came and picked me up and now im near home. we have a family friend orthopod who got me in today for an office visit. the injury was friday. the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 3. im hoping things go well and scarring is minimal. i will keep you guys posted. please continue writing as well, its encouraging to see others going thru your hell. it helps make you realize, it will be ok. good luck to all of you and lets hope for a speedy recovery for all!!!!

Unregistered

24-06-2006, 01:55 PM

ASAD:
I hope your surgery went well. You guys in the states seem to get the fast surgery (things are not as quick here in Canada). Try to make the most of the rehab time in terms of spending time with family and friends, mentally recharging, etc. After four months of rehab time, I've had my second day on the road bike and enjoyed it immensely (a lot better than the stationary bike). I passed a deer on the side of the road yesterday that came to watch the spectacle of the rehab rider whizzing by.

I averaged 27 kph for a 30km ride today on moderate rolling terrain (between 32-34 kph preinjury -I'm definitely to stay away from the hills for now, but completely flat terrain is hard to find - pat tendon is holding up well so far). Since I am embedded on my seat and can't push it by standing on my pedals yet, it was a pretty good ride. It can be a bit of a task to get on the road bike. I clip in with my rehab leg and then push off with the other to get going. I had a doctor recommended biodex test last week which indicated that I had only 30% on leg extensions and 55% on ham contractions compared to my non-rehab leg. My rehab didn't think much of the test since the ACL protocols recommend staying away from this type of open chain leg extension exercise until your leg gets stronger. The test at least gives a baseline to measure improvements.

But I am pushing 110 lbs with my rehab leg alone on the seated leg press (230lbs both legs), 50-60lbs one leg seated hamstring machine and 135 on the squat rack, so my strength is improving on the closed chain exercises. 10lbs on the rehab leg seems heavy right now on the open chain leg extension machine. That will need a lot more time to come around. I can climb stairs okay, but I need big wide non-steep stairs with a good railing to practice going down stairs. I will work on that at the Y again tomorrow since they have 6 flights of good stairs to practice on. I am pleased that the intent of all is to get my leg back to full strength. I have extra work to do since I had a long layoff period and consequently substantial atrophy. Most of the rehab work (90%) is up to you to do on your own. The physio just lays out the exercises. I recommend documenting your rehab (date, activity, sets, # of reps) and make sure you don't leave physio until receiving and writing down the list of exercises, sets and # of reps per day that match the changing limits your orthopod gives you as you progress through the rehab period.

As for your circumstance now, I needed the painkillers every four hours for the first four days post surgery and then I was fine without them. They probably will have you take some sort of aspirin once a day for 3 weeks to prevent clots. Keep that knee from getting jostled around or hanging unnecessarily (the weight of the leg will bother you for a while if it hangs off the floor). The first change of the dressing can be tricky since some blood may dry to the dressing. Soaking the dressing repeatedly with a wet (warm water) face cloth and gradually peeling back the dressing as it softens worked well for me. I only had to do that once.

After your wound has completely healed, a punctured vitamin E gel capsule spread on top of the seam once per day with a bit of moisturizing cream has worked well to make the scar fade. Range of motion is key so work hard on your physio. I hope all goes well for you.
Rob

Unregistered

27-06-2006, 10:00 PM

Hello everyone!

This was a good site for me to read. I ruptured my tendon three months ago, and then i did it once again after two months when the worst part of the recovery was over. I managed to fall on a wet spot, of course it had a really big impact for my motivation to recover. The surgery I had was similar to what many of you other have described, and the rehabilitation training as well. I live in Norway by the way, make my living as a proffesional handballplayer so an injuery of this magnitude has of course a big impact on my life. My fysio tells me that if I do my training, I will probaby recover and be able to play handball again, at proffesional level.
Anyway as I wrote in the beginning it was very comforting to hear that the injury existed somewhere else and that it is possible to get back to an active lifestyle again.
Hopefully Im can write again in a few months and give some pointers to a fast and full recovery.

bum knee

28-06-2006, 05:19 AM

I ruptured my PT while playing basketball on May 25 of this year. I had surgery a week later, and had a follow up exam a week after that. At the follow up I was told to keep the leg straight, and the knee brace locked for 1 month. I read of others on this site beginning rehab much earlier. Is it normal to begin rehab a month after surgery? I'm curious to know, since I'm worried about loss of motion in this knee. Also does anyone know about bromalene, and it's ability to breakdown scar tissue. This is my first venture at any sort of rehab, so I don't know what to expect. Will a CPM be used in rehab, or will I be forced to bend the knee on my own? I have so many questions, and not many answers. Can someone help me to understand how big this battle will be?

Unregistered

29-06-2006, 04:27 AM

I would suggest that you talk to your orthopod about starting some passive physio earlier than waiting one month (no longer than 2 weeks). As I mentioned to Dee on page 1, first 10 days I stayed off the leg entirely. Next three weeks very passive physio you do on your own moving your leg with your hands while sitting to 45 degree ROM (supported underneath by a board with a slidy surface) and feather weight on left leg. I left my leg in a bent 45 degree position with a soft roll underneath the knee for 45 minute periods, 3X per day (did a few hamstring stretches). No active quad exercises.

The following four weeks involved more passive physio with leg bend to 90 degree ROM and 25% weight bearing on. My doc set my leg in surgery to give me at least 90 degrees, and then you work on getting more as healing permits.
Next 6 weeks (weight bearing as tolerated) and hopefully range of motion as tolerated.

It is quite a battle (more of patience and caution then anything else), but you can win it in time. It will be difficult for your friends to understand just how out of commission you are for the first few months, but then life brightens up considerably.

Rob

Unregistered

29-06-2006, 07:34 AM

I thought it might be useful if I lay out in detail the physio that I did after the first 10 days post-op (pretty conservative physio regime).

3 weeks max flex 45 degrees - Repeat below 3 X per day
-Leg/Ankle flex (3x20reps) - Sit on couch with leg level and straight out on bench/ottoman with slidy board underneath. Use belt or hand to pull upper leg up to 45 degree mark. Use other hand to allow release back to straight position.
-straighten leg (contract toes toward you with straight leg to tighten quad) and hold for 5 seconds. Release and repeat 3X10
-Leg Roll- Sit on couch with leg level and straight out on bench/otto and place a soft roll under your knee that lifts it to 45 degrees. Watch TV with leg in bent position for 45 mins.
Calf stretch - after a week or so, use belt to stretch toes back toward you to stretch the calf.

Next 4 weeks max flex 90 degrees. Same as above to 90 degrees.

Next 6 Weeks - Started electronic quad stimulation at physio (cycling/spinning no resistance half way through this period for range of motion improvement). Started moving to one crutch(2 weeks), cane (1 week), and then walking with brace after that.
-Leg/Ankle flex (3x20reps) - Sit on couch with leg level and straight out on bench/ottoman with slidy board underneath. Use other hand to allow release back to straight position. Going for max flexion as tolerated hopefully by this point.

-Can Lift- (3X10)- Large can with towel around it. Sitting with leg level. Put can under the knee. Lever your lower leg off the can to raise it to a straight position. Release and repeat. Your knee will be sore and weak during the first attempts at this one. Gradually add weight on foot (1 to 3lbs - hero biscuit when you reach 5 lbs). Crucial exercise.

-Straighten leg (contract toes toward you with straight leg to tighten quad) and lift leg up about 8 inches, then lower. Repeat 3X10. (Same 1 to 3lb gradual resistance lifts).
-Calf lift (stand on toes and lower to ground 3X10) -Calf press - move foot to 45 degree flexion against an object and lean forward for calf stretch.
-Patella shift - when your physio says its okay, start to gently move the patella between your thumbs (alternating gentle side pressure) to make sure it doesn't lock up. Also gently rub the surface of the healed area horizontally across to make sure the skin doesn't stick to underlying tissue.
-Late in th 6 week period. Lift leg when laying on chest in bed with partial flexion straight up for rear muscles 3X10. Then some side straight leg lifts while standing, back step & return, lift flexed leg up to waist and return gently to ground. Yes, that really is your leg moving.

After surgeon says tendon is healed- Resistance training (weights/bike), wean yourself off the brace. Walk with the locals as much as possible.

Seated squats, seated hamstring machine, straight leg pulley exercises, road bike riding, stair climbing and (uugh descending), hamstring exercises using stretchy cord, toe touch & calf stretchs, squat rack with weights, etc. Don't forget to exercise the rest of your body. Recovering from the overall atrophy is the goal now. No pivoting for a couple of months at least.
Rob

Unregistered

29-06-2006, 08:31 AM

Jonaton:

I'm really sorry to hear that you re-injured your knee after the initial surgery. Hopefully you will have a slip free rehab this time around. Just keep your chin up and work on your recovery. We don't have much choice but to stick to the recovery program and hope for the best. Your a brave guy to deal with the adversity you have encountered. It's a good thing you are athletic since that should help you recover better.

Rob (Canada)

asad

05-07-2006, 07:38 PM

hey guys, thats awesome that you guys were able to do passive motions within the first 4 weeks. my orthopod told me, prior to surgery, i had to keep the leg in extension for 6 weeks before we did anything. im a little worried about the ease of getting it functioning again. i am going to see him today, so i will probably bring up some of the ideas that were mentioned on here.
as for those who have already undergone rehab.......how long would you say it took you to get back to normal form, as far as daily activities go and as far as working out or playing sports? do you feel like it affects your daily life now, any seasonal or occasional pain? are you hesitant to do any physical activities?
im just worried that this injury will always linger in the back of my head and cause me to be less active. prior to the injury, i was very active as far as working out goes(3-5 times weekly) and played sports whenever possible. but i dont know how forth coming i will be to do something like jump roping or some odd cardio routine after this is all said and done. any thoughts out there?

thanks again for the input guys, talk to you soon.
asad

asad

05-07-2006, 08:09 PM

hey, i forgot to talk about the surgery. if youre like me, you like hearing about other's experience to help gauge how your outcome will be. my sugery went well, it was 4 days after the injury. the orthopod was actually a physician i shadowed while i was in college and he ended up writing my rec. letters for med school. it was kind of cool, but so much different actually being the patient. he did a clean job, i wasnt bruised or anything and when i went to change the dressings for the first time, there was no blood or other fluid leakage.

the day of surgery, i felt awesome.....must have been the morphine. as for the next day, i just remember waking up and it felt like someone was stretching the hell out of something inside my knee....maybe my patellar tendon?? well i took vicodenn and 2 ibuprofens that day and the pain cleared up. i have since taken about 5 vicodenns total, but used about 2 ibuoprofens a day for about a week. i am saving those suckers...vicodenns, for rehab.

i would say the worst thing about this whole injury is the lack of independence, at least for me. which brings up a question for everyone, how do you get around? getting in and out of chairs/bed, showering, even the bathroom? i have a chair set up in my shower along with a releasable head to make things easier, but taking a shower is a still a big event. how soon will this not be an issue for those of you who have gone thru this? how soon were you guys able to drive? unfortunately for me, this happened to my dominate/ right leg so i dont anticipate driving for at least 6 weeks if not more.

id say the first 2 weeks went well, about a week after surgery i started studying for a final which was last friday. my time was consumed studying which was also a pain in this state of immobilization. this week, we had the week off school and depression kind of set in. i had planned on doing all of these outdoor activities and seeing a bunch of friends who i havent seen in a while due to being away/busy for school. i was still able to see close friends, but it wasnt the same. it helped cheer me up, but overall i would say the last few days have been rough. i want to be out on a lake, playing golf,...i dont know, i just hate being blah. i started working out at home on monday. i have a bench that adjusts to different heights, mainly for abs. i just went thru some upper body exercises and it helped me feel somewhat better. this brings me to another question.........do you guys have trouble sleeping? i cant get to bed at night, i thought it may have to do with the lack of activity in my life. we are all use to doing so much more, that i was thinking maybe this much rest requires us to get less sleep? just a thought. ok, well i think i have written a novel here, so i shall stop. talk to you guys soon and any input is greatly appreciatied. good luck to all of you!!!!!!!!!!!

asad

05-07-2006, 08:18 PM

have any of you researched why this injury occurred? i was in awe as i waited in er, thinking of all the people playing in the tournament that day, i was one of the ones who was more active and in better shape, yet here i am!!! im just curious if any of you have answered this for yourselves and what you came up with. the only explanations i have come across with are that it is a freak accident:something to do with body mechanics dealing with knee flexion/quad contraction/ impact on the foot all leading to a bad outcome, or steroid injections to that area of the knee predisposing one to the injury. thanks

AdrianR

06-07-2006, 02:20 PM

Howdy Folks my name is Adrian (43 yrs 5'-8" 260) Old rugger gone soft

On June 9, 2006 playing softball in Houston, Tx I had a double blowout of both patellar tendons. Out of shape weekend warrior trying to re-live the glory days, my body knew I couldn't run like that but my mind still thought I was 25.

I had surgery on the morning of the June 11th - and then spent 4 days on morphine and 7 days on vicadin. Painkillers were great at the time but they really screwed up my system. Home on the 20th - I have 2 adjustable DONJOY braces set to full locked extension, 2 cructhes, a walker, a wheelchair and a nurse (ok she's my wife too). I have learned to get around pretty well and am fairly self sufficient and luckily my employer (a general contractor) has allowed me to work from home. Computer, fax, scanner, telephone and project plans and folders is all I need.

4 week follow-up is on 7 July - hopefully my doc OS will allow me some passive motion - being locked in extension all the time is really a bummer (but at least I am not in casts). It has only been 22 days since the surgery - and even though the doc said "do nothing" I have passive motion of about 20-25 degrees. Really tight but no pain - I am not pushing it yet.

PS - it is nice to be able to share common experiences, pain, pleasure and triumph

Keep your braces tight
Adrian

John42

08-07-2006, 06:57 PM

John42

08-07-2006, 06:58 PM

Hi Peter

You must firstly realise that you have sustained a VERY RARE injury - perhaps no more than 50 persons have sustained this injury WORLD wide in the past three years or so.

Anti inflamatory tablets is the only pain killer that I know of will relieve the pain - but grin and bear it.

If you let me have your e-mail address, I will send you three attachments outlining the rehab process -

Bear in mind - you are in for a very long haul to recovery

Best wishes
JohnK/ Manchester
Jkramrisch@aol.com

asad

15-07-2006, 11:43 PM

hey, i was just curious........how do you guys shower? my set up is kind of a pain in the ass and i was wondering if there were any better ideas out there. i currently have a shower chair and a stool set up in the shower. i have a detachable shower head and the rest is pretty clear. its often just a struggle to get in and out of the shower...any suggestions?

injuryupdate

16-07-2006, 08:53 AM

Hi Peter

You must firstly realise that you have sustained a VERY RARE injury - perhaps no more than 50 persons have sustained this injury WORLD wide in the past three years or so.

This injury isn't as rare as you make out. Not common but there would be dozens of people per year in a small country such as Australia who do it.

Agustin

17-07-2006, 01:24 AM

Hi folks,

I'm writing to seek information from people who've had the same injury as the one I've experienced about 10 months ago now, but more importantly I am interested in the recovery (as far as sport practice is concerned after the rehab) of some after it. I'm a French amateur rugby player (scrum-half) who ruptured the left patellar tendon during a friendly (I know... sic) while kicking the ball. After a successful surgery (2 days after) and a 3 months rehab (not taking into account the following weeks numerous physio sessions) I started about 4-5 months ago lifting weight in order to gain tonicity, power and volume of the quadriceps which I have considerably lost immediately after my surgery. It's getting better now, it has got more volume and I've gained muscle (thanks to exercises like biking, squat, leg press, and leg extension on which I spend a reasonable amount of time). Nevertheless despite recovering well and the fact that my quadriceps circumference difference must be of (only) 3-4 cms now, I still have difficulties running, my left leg tending to be constantly in extension and my knee still doesn't lock up very well. I would like to return to rugby after a full recovery and when I will feel ready and confident enough. Could anybody tell me if there are any risks of getting injured again if I practice rugby again? (my surgeon told me no for the operated tendon is supposed to be as as strong as before the accident). Won't it be too risky if I keep constantly (remember guys, we're talkin' rugby here...) falling down, especially on the knots I have under the knee skin? Is it worth playing again or should I be more reasonable stopping here and try some other less demanding outdoor (or indoor) activities? I'm only 27 and I feel I have a couple of interesting years of rugby ahead I'd still like to enjoy. Give me your advices...
Thank you for your patience reading that message and I hope your comments will all be extremely valuable to me and concerning (for I still have one inside of me...) my future sport career. All the best, good luck to all the injured people and cheers for Australia which I hope I could visit one day, Bye

Agustin

Dr Expert

17-07-2006, 05:40 AM

Well, if you don't have pain in your left knee then ask your doctor if you can retun. If you still have a little pain then still see a doctor because it may not mean that the patella tendon has not healed yet. You may require 2 more monhts out. I Know!!!!! Frustrating, isn't it!!!!

Rob N

22-07-2006, 01:29 PM

ASAD:
Use great care when getting in and out of the shower. I was fortunate to have a shower with only about an 8 inch lip to get over to get in. I had a chair set up outside of the shower that I used for changing and taking the brace on and off. Then I would grab my crutches and carefully move over to the shower approaching it sideways with the rehab leg behind. I would place one crutch inside the shower and have a helper hold the crutch outside of the shower securely so I could lever off the outside crutch to get my good leg over the lip and into the shower stall. Then I would carefully lift the rehab leg over the lip and into the shower. I balanced on the one leg in the shower with minimal weight on the rehab leg and my arms holding the upper edges of the shower for support. Remember to dry yourself thoroughly after the shower before leaving the shower stall to minimize water on the tile outside of the shower. Leaving the shower was tougher. I would first place one crutch outside of the shower and one inside and move closer to the lip. I would then carefully lift the rehab leg over the lip. Then I moved the outside crutch out far enough away that your body can fit between the crutch and the shower - you need to lean out a bit with the crutch under your shoulder (helper holds it steady). Then I would lever off the outer crutch to hop over the lip and bring my good leg down first outside of the shower (don't hop too high or you might hit your head on the bar above the shower door - I did that once). Carefully watch for puddles and use your crutches to move to the changing chair. Get that brace back on as soon as possible. Remember to dry the bottom of the crutches after you change so you don't slip on the way out the door. An extra large rehab sock will ease the changing process. I didn't use a bathtub for showering until I was utilizing a cane. I guess shifting from a chair outside the bathtub to a chair inside the bathtub might be a way to deal with a high bathtub rail. I know I couldn't hop the bathtub rail with crutches.
Rob (Canada)

Rob N

22-07-2006, 02:10 PM

On page 2, I outlined the physio I used to get through the first 4 months post op. I thought I would add some more recent developments. The rehab got me through the toughest period to the point that I could walk and go to work. The rehab directed me to a certified Kinesiologist for the next stage (retraining/rebuilding my rehab knee and leg). The Kinesiologist stressed the point that I had to redevelop the stabilizer muscles around the knee before moving into heavier weights (get those sleeping atrophing muscles firing again). So I have backed away from using the standing squat rack, etc.

Here is the initial one month plan (which I do on my own at the gym- do them slowly):
-seated leg press (with the seat moved in to position 5) whatever weight you can push for 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps. If you can only push 3-4 reps, the weight is too heavy.
-With a stability ball between your back end and the wall, 3 sets of 4 reps squating no further than 90 degrees keeping your back straight (every second squat you hold for 10 seconds and then release).
-With a stability ball between your back end and the wall, move one leg back behind you as far as you can with the other leg forward and do 3 sets of 8 to 10 lunges (ironically this is tougher for me with my rehab leg behind me than in front - my rehab leg doesn't like that stretch down toward the floor in the back position, although it is gradually improving).
-Bridge - sit on the ball and gradually let it roll back behind you until your upper back and head are resting on the ball with your torso straight and your legs bent 90 degrees supporting your weight. Lift one leg at a time straight out with the other bent supporting your weight and hold for 3 seconds for one set of 8 reps for each leg.
-Hamstrings. Laying on your back on a mat with your feet up on the ball, pull the ball tight to your back end with your heels and use your arms to keep your lower lower back elevated off the floor. Now push out with your heels to roll the ball away from you slowly for a count of 3 seconds. Then slowly return it tight to your back end. Repeat with 2 legs for 2 sets of 10, then try one leg for 2 sets of 6. The sweat just drips off my rehab knee when I'm finished doing these exercises.
-The last ball exercise on your back involves pulling the ball tight to your back end with your heels and then lifting your whole body up with your feet and holding the position for 8 to 10 seconds for a couple of sets.
- Next exercise is both seated and standing calf machine exercises. Apparently the seated calf exercise works a different set of muscles than the standing version so do both of them.
- I do some seated hamstring machine exercises as a bonus.
- Then I worked my way from 15 mins (upping it 2 minutes per day) to 40 mins on the elliptical trainer (manual level 6) keeping my heels down and changing direction halfway through. I hate the elliptical trainer, but it is the safe and recommended exercise so I do it.
- On my own, I road bike 60km rides each day on weekends and try to get out for 2 one hour weeknight rides of about 25-30 kms. I am doing the ball exercises every day and the weights 5 days per week which is eating up about 18 hours of time per week. So far, so good and my walking is improving quickly.
- the kinesiologist also gave me some exercises for the rest of my body, but the exercises above are my priority right now.
-I believe that I am working my way toward walking lunges without and then with light weights in a few weeks. I will report back with the next phase of exercise.
Rob (Canada)

John42

23-07-2006, 04:16 AM

Hi Folks

Suggest that you look at the webpage "Kneegeeks" a UK site where about 50 fellow sufferers post all their rehab comments. I have three good REHAB pages to send to you if required - just e-mail me at Jkramrisch@aol.com

Best wishes JohnK/ Manchester UK

Troy10

26-07-2006, 11:24 PM

I was playing basketball and ruptured my right patellar tendon while going up for a layup on December, 18th 2005. I had surgery on December 19th. I have been looking for information on how long this injury takes to heal, and what are the chances of this injury happening again to my right knee.
But, the one thing I havne't seen anybody write about with their injury was the cable in their knee. When I had my surgery they inserted a cable in my knee. It was supposed to isolate that part of the tendon to protect that part from moving. The cable was in for approximately 5 weeks before I had a second surgery to take the cable out (they just made a small incision in the side of my knee, cut the cable and putted it out through my knee.
Once this cable was out, I felt a whole lot better. But, I havne't seen/heard anyone mention anything about getting a cable themselves. Has anyone had this?? or heard of this??
My whole recovery went pretty well I think. I was able to put weight on my knee right after getting out of the hospital and seemed to be way ahead of schedule for this type of injury (according to my doctor anyhow)

I'm now at my 7 month mark and not doing too badly. My doctor told me I could jog at the 5 month mark, but not to play anything (basketball, tennis, softball) till my 9 month mark.
Well, I've played tennis twice (not very well) and about my 5 and half month mark played a little 2 on 2 basketball (nothing to aggressive, but still got out there). Then, this past Saturday I went up to the gym I play at to say HI and see the guys. Well, of course, one thing led to another and I ended up playing 5 on 5 full court basketball for about 3 hours (sitting out a few games here and there). I favored my right knee a little, and was still afraid to go down low or go up in a crowd for a rebound, but i think that will come. But, my knee really didn't hurt... and the next couple of days after that actually felt pretty good.
I've looked all over the internet for other examples and what to expect in the heeling process and how long to wait before returning to athletics, and if I should be playing yet or waiting another couple months. Any advice is appreciated.
Please don't say "ask your doctor". I've asked and asked and he just keeps giving me the same doctor answer about being safe and stuff, but he doesn't really tell me anything.

westerly34

27-07-2006, 04:38 AM

hi, my name is mickey and i have tendonitis in my left knee from jumping. now does any1 know how long this lasts for??? cuz ive had it for around two weeks. and how can i help to heal faster!!!!???? plz help me if u can!!! i m very depressed:( i can jog a little bit and jump too! but whenever i put pressure on it, it hurts!

westerly34

27-07-2006, 11:32 AM

does any1 know how long tendonitis in the knee last for??? i mean i can still run and jump but later when i rest, it bothers me. its in my left knee right on the tip. so plz help me!!!

Rob N

30-07-2006, 02:57 AM

Troy:
Unfortunately I can't really comment on the pros and cons of surgical cable usage other than to say that it appears to be commonly used in the U.K. based on some other sites I have looked at. My patellar tendon was reattached with a hamstring graft for reinforcement. Apparently we all have several hamstrings in our legs and the surgeon just extended the cut a bit below my knee to get at the hamstring section. The hamstring apparently regenerates. From what I read on the internet it can take up to 18 months to regenerate and you may lose about 10% of strength from the hamstring afterward. I suspect that you are not seeing that much info about the cable since the graft use is fairly common. I suspect that the danger of a tear may be greater using a graft versus the cable for the first 10-12 weeks post-surgery - but one less surgical procedure with the graft. You seem to be progressing very well with the cable surgery so that's all that matters.
:) Rob

Nicholas

30-07-2006, 04:44 AM

I'd say around 3-4 weeks.

stanley19

18-08-2006, 03:57 PM

Hi there. I'm actually from British Columbia, Canada, but I figure a torn patella tendon is the same wherever you are.

I'm 36, 5'9", 180#, pretty good shape. Very athletic-minded and just all-around active.

June 10th, I was playing softball in a tournament. I was trying to turn a single into a double. I tried to avoid a wide tag from the second baseman by stretching my right foot towards the base. My left foot stuck in the dirt slightly and then WHAM!. Like someone wound up and kicked me in the left knee full force. I just grabbed it and yelled "My knee! My knee! as I was trying to break my fall. I reached down to grab my knee, and my knee cap wasn't there. It was 3 inches higher than it should have been.

The ambulance came by because there was no way I was letting anyone move me. Luckily, our local orthopaedic surgeon was in town. I was able to have surgery to repair the damage 4 hours after it happened. Apparently I tore the tendon along with all the connective tissue that goes along with it. It was the first time a lot of people at our hospital had seen this injury, so for the first few hours I was waiting in the ER for the operating room to open up, I was on display for the doctors to gawk at. Kind of weird.

I had my leg in a fixed-position brace for 6 weeks after surgery. Kind of frustrating, but I managed okay with the crutches.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, I'm 10 weeks post surgery, about 3 1/2 weeks into rehab. I finally got my knee to bend past 90 degrees today. The people at the rehab clinic are talking about getting me to go to the swimming pool and walk around in the water nad do other exercises. Water porvides good resistance I guess. The doctor who performed the surgery told me to get rid of the supportive brace that I was using to walk. They figure another 6 weeks and maybe I'll be able to return to work (I do maintenance at a local hotel).

Feeling better all the time. I have a lot of home exercises to do in between rehab appointments.

I realize that my story doesn't shed any new light on this type of injury, or on the recovery process, but I noticed that others were sharing their stories, and noticing similarities. Whether it happens in Australia, or Canada, or the U.K., this injury still sucks. But with hard work and a lot of patience, it will get better.

Rob N

19-08-2006, 12:57 PM

Stanley19:
Make sure you start working to increase your range of motion past 90 degrees. You should be able to gradually work it up to between 120 to 140 degrees. Getting surgery within 4 hrs is astounding in Canada (I had to wait 5.5 weeks). Hopefully they gave you an MRI before the cutting started so they could be sure of the full extent of your injuries. When you get a bit more range of motion, they should let you onto the stationary bike with minimal resistance. Rebuilding your quads, hamstring, calf and glutes will take some time. Your through the worst of the post-surgery period now. It will gradually get better. But full recovery takes quite a while (plan for one year).
Rob N (Ont- Canada)

Rob N

20-08-2006, 02:12 AM

At this point I am 5.5 months post-op. I am continuing the ball exercises I listed on page 3 (#30- which I forgot to mention also includes 1 leg squats 3 sets of 5). I am closing in on fairly normal leg press strength (130lbs one leg Nautilus leg press seat position 5 3-4 sets of 10). If I can get to 150 I will probably be close to max. Now I am doing slow walking lunges with 25 lbs weights in each hand 2 to 3 sets of walking across the gym. I have started doing step ups holding a 25-30 lbs plate in my hands. I am starting to do side lunges with very light weights and experimenting with standing on the wobble board doing squats and side lunges with light weights. I cycle better than I walk. I did a road ride of 80km this morning over a route with some tough grades/hills and a few steep sections at 29.6kph 2hrs42min. The rides really are a lot of fun and today I started to really get a full leg extension push out of my rehab leg. I stand on my pedals cresting all hills and climbing with minimal discomfort now and minimal pedal lag. Another couple of weeks and it should really start feeling good. I cycle 2X80k on weekends and 2X34k on weeknights for about 7.5 hrs per week. I am at the gym 5 days a week for a total of around 12-13 hours a week (20 hrs total per week). At the gym I'm doing the leg press, ball exercises, calf machine standing and sitting, lunge exercises, step-ups, squat rack, glute machine, hamstring seated machine (working hard on this one), elliptical trainer level 7 for 40 minutes on days I don't bike, plus lots of full body exercises (situps, pushups, jackknife, triceps, lat pulldowns, seated rows, etc). I am walking fairly normally but I still have some tightness on the inner side of my knee and it takes a bit to get going normally after sitting on the bus for an hour. I am still avoiding lateral movement. I climb stairs reasonably well, but I still have discomfort going down stairs. It's coming along and my doc says it just needs time now to come around. I haven't started running yet. Probabaly get into more aggressive things in October. I have a century ride coming up in mid-Sept that I am getting ready for. I will stick close to the pack during that ride. I :) still don't have my normal cadence or acceleration, but its starting to come back.

Rob N

Steve in NH

28-08-2006, 03:15 AM

Hello all of you walking wounded. I also tore my Quad Tendon on Sat June 24, 2006. Doing yard work cutting down branches and trimming bushes in my yard. You know where this is going......while trying to pull half dead branch off tree I slipped back to my rear and pinned my left leg under me....and then a loud snap & pop sound...ouch! Rushed to local Portsmouth, NH hospital and waited only about 2 hrs till local Ortho Surgeon who was on call came in to emergency. He was very calm and explained the seriousness of injury. He explained I could go home with pain med's and come back in 1-2 days for surgery or he could put team together within 90 minutes and get it done that night. So I feel very fortunate to have surgery within 5 hours of accident. In hospital overnight then
a little practice walking with crutches next morning then it was home with locked brace and 3 weeks on my couch. Could not drive for 3-4 weeks after brace change that flexed.

Part Two - recovery period.........In fourth week after my first follow up visit with my Dr I was able to start PT. Very light stretching exercises with inflated ball under legs rolling knee toward me to stretch and hold. Leg off side of table with strap around ankle to also stretch. My sessions are 3 times a week for about 90 minutes and it has helped alot. It is now 9 weeks since injury and 5 weeks of PT and two weeks ago I got to 90 degree ROM then yesterday I reached 118 ROM with my P. Therapist doing manual stretch pushing my lower leg down and using his forarm as vulcrum under my knee......OUCH! But it is all
good and his stretching my leg is a 5 minute portion of each session although painful. I used crutches of course at first and now just one crutch and walking short stretch with no crutch. My knee is best first thing in morning and best time to schedule PT then as I am up and around and stretching on my own during day it is still swelling but not bad. And
is still warm to touch kneecap....but at least I have one now on my left knee. I hope to be
at 120 degree ROM without too much pain by next Dr appt on Monday 9/11.
That's my story...by the way I am 56 years old/190 pounds and zero history of any accidents or hospital visits, so it has been a set back both mentally and physically but time heals all. If any of you after reading my story can give me a little feedback and let me know if you think I am on track...ahead of schedule etc I would appreciate it much!
I am Harley rider and Dr told me back in Emerg Room, no more this year! So it is a long wait till dry roads next April in NH. PS.........have most of your Dr's told you you would recover 100% from this injury or are there contributing factors like type of tear (mine was torn right off kneecap) your weight, exercise, length and type of PT???
Glad this forum is available to share our tale of pain & recovery......
Good Luck to you all and stay motivated thru the long haul,
Steve in NH

dWood

30-08-2006, 08:11 AM

Good job Steve from NH...tore BOTH patellar tendons on 8/9...surgery 8/10..just coming up on three weeks post surgery-so no real rehab yet except walking with knee immoblizers ..am a 43 yr old Highland games athlete(was ranked 12th in North America before injury) am looking at July 2007 for my competive return...will push reahb as much as body,surgeon,and therpaist allow me...dan

Steve in NH

04-09-2006, 10:22 AM

Thanks for reply....You should be just about starting PT this week. I can assure you progress each and every week but it is slow progress and I can only imagine your
situation with both legs injured!!!! Were you competing at time of injury? I believe the
Highland Games you mentioned have been held in NH before also up in northern part of state. I hope you have help at home.....you must have it to get thru each day. I am now
10 weeks post op and have made good progress. I have always been athletic with tennis,
skiing, hiking and not over weight so hope it all contributes to 100% recovery. Try to get
minimum of 3 PT sessions every week. Some insurance co's try to cut it back after 7 weeks but you will need steady PT for 4-6 months at least. I am facing that with my ins.
company now and I have not even started upper quad weight training......so keep a good
attitude and you too will see progress real soon.
Steve in NH

dWood

05-09-2006, 02:17 AM

wasn't cdompeting at time...was at the gym doing clean and press..nithing to heavy just about 75% of max-had the weight overhead and my left patellar tendon snapped(being it was a commercial gym and was crowded)I tried shiftting to my right leg insteda of just droping the weight-when I put all the force on the right leg-this patellar tendon snapped forcing me to the ground along with the barbell which killed me by mashing my leg.chest as it landed on me....3 1/2 weeks post surgery right now...turs the 7th will be 4 weeks and i have an appt to see my surgeon...pt probably will start afterwards...fell into a unique situation my therapist wants to sponsor me(his pt buisness sonsors local athletes-training packages,pays for travel to big comp,etc)so not only will he build me up with insurance PT sessions he will do other sessions as he will use me in his latest advertising piece(kinda like look what we did for this athlete)..have competed up in LOON mTn before and in Hopkinton before..beswt friend in the highland games lives in Concord(previously he lived in Moultonborough) so I;m up that way visiting him 2-3 times a year..thanks for the words of encouragemnt-good luck to you as well...dan

heartandsole

26-09-2006, 12:39 AM

I stumbled onto this site searching for updated info regarding patella tendon surgury and rehab. I did not realize there was a site like this. I wish I had this available to me 14 years ago. I have always been athletic and active, weightlifting, karate, running, cycling, football, baseball. Other thans a sprained ankle playing baseball, I have never been ingured playing sports, this includes several bad competitive bike crashes at speeds over 25 mph, just get up and get back on the bike other than road rash that was it, never a broken bone or pulled muscle. Then it happened, my son and I were moving boxes onto a trailer on a cool damp morning. As I walked up the trailer ramp holding a heavy box, my lfeet slipped ou from under me and I landed with my left leg under my butt and I felt a tremendous amount of pain like I had never had before not to mention the loud POP. I thought I had broken my leg as I looked down a saw a large piece of bone(my patella) hanging over the side of my knee. I was lucky after a 30 min. ambulance ride I was already greeted by an old classmate from high school who was now the best Ortho surg. within a hundred miles. After x-rays he could tell my quad tendon had completely ripped away from my patella. within 3 hrs I was in surgury This is amazing to me now because on several of my follow-up visits it took up to 3 hours just to see the Doc. When I woke up after surgury I was in a cast from my ankle to my butt. There is not one good thing about this experience. At that time this injury seemed rare because the Doc who has been a surgurn for at least 14 years had only seen 2 previous cases. This was before most people had computers much less the internet so I had ziltch info regarding this kind of injury and I think my Doc had a lack of info as well. I was in a cast for three weeks and then a brace for another 3-4 weeks before starting any kind rehab. After 4 weeks of rehabbing I started my on rehab using my bike on a indoor trainer and a Schwinn airdyne which I just happened to stock and sell at my bike and fitness shop. Setting the seat as high as I could within reach of the pedal using only my toes slowly cranked out a few revolutions. I did this at home, work, and at the gym after weeks and weeks I was finally able ride at a good clip and of course I was able to lower and lower my saddle to my normal height, After about 4-5 months I was back outside on the bike getting stronger and stronger. After 10 months I was back to my pre injury fitness. My left quad never seemed to be able to get back to it original size. That was 1992 flash to 2001 I'm running on the beach having a great time when the great incident happened. I was running to catch a frisby when my left leg goes in a hole in the sand and you guessed it POP. This time it takes several days before I have surgury. Same injury same Doc same surgury but this time I even tore my patella tendon and completly tore away my quad tendon for the second time. So this time I wake up and have a brace on with a ice and water cooling system going all the time. But after 3 days the Doc put me in a cast for 3 weeks before going to the brace. Since I had more time to plan this surgury it was quite a big diference in the way I handled it. I had more time to take care of my business obligations which I had no chance to do my first ordeal. I had a computer this time and about 200 tv stations which I did not mention during the first ordeal I had only about 3 channels as well as no such thing as a computer at the time of my first surgury so I handled it better the second time around SOOOO now I have done it again this time my right leg very similar to my first complete quad rupture another moving accident. Feet got tangled up moving a treadmill at work, landed with right leg under butt-- loud POP looked downed after saying a few expletive words and knew right what it was as I saw my right patella danglin. Its been 4 weeks and even though I am almost 15 years older this has been the easiest to go thru, I am using my brace which I had from day one instead of a cast. This allows me to ice my leg which I have done every day several times a day I believe all the icing this time has made it more comfortable and healing a lot faster than the first two. I can already get around on one crutch after four weeks where it took about six weeks last time. I asked My Doc, yes the same Doc why he thought I kept having this crazy things and he may have a point. Since my first accident 15 years ago he has seen this injury many times maybe because a lot of us boomers are much more active which means more ingury, Doc thinks it has something to do with fast twitch muscles which I have and many of his more recent patients many who are African American tend to have. I am white but always had better sprint speed than most of my friends, He thinks because the muscle fibers are thicker they break easier than slower twitch muscles. Who knows? I know that I hope and pray that this is my last surgury. At least the treatment is getting easier to deal with. All my rehabs have been the same bike bike bike stretch stretch stretch. Regards, when you get well just get out there and have fun because you have been thru enough

mckinziegymnast

05-10-2006, 11:31 PM

So glad to have found this site, as i have already gathered much information and hope for a full recovery for my daughter.

My daughter, age 9 and a level 8 gymnast , suffered a patella tendon rupture and broken patella on 9/29/2006. surgery is set for tomorrow am. she will have the figure 8 design cable technique performed that will necessitate a 2nd surgery in the near future to remove the cable wire. It is, according to the OS, the strongest way to go. She may get 98% strength and flexibility of her right knee back over time, no promises though of course. We were told that an adult will need approximately one full year to recover, but since she is so young, that maybe we can shave a little of that time off. I will update in the future how her surgery and rehab is going. I was wondering if anyone has any information on how children heal from this particular injury.

Rob N

07-10-2006, 11:15 AM

(Rob N) Just updating my recovery (Oct6/06). I'm now 7 months post-op patellar tendon rupture and hamstring graft. I biked a century ride (100 mile on hilly terrain) back on September 10th with no problems riding in the middle pack 30-35kph. I am walking normally and my quad is coming back nicely - except that my (vm) vastus medialis quad muscle is very slow to recover. MY OS indicated that the vm is first to atrophy and last to recover - so it will take more time. It sounds like the OS will cut me loose for regular activities after x-mas if I'm at 85% on the biodex test. He has me cranking the elliptical to the highest vertical angle along with the usual walking lunges (25-30lb free weights in hands - my physio says that he would never know I had an injury just watching the lunges), step ups with 25lb weight, leg press, lots of cycling including standing on my pedals over hills and rises (80k Sat and Sun) etc - (biked 1400km between Aug 2 and Sept 15). Life is a hell of a lot better now than the first 4 months. I am walking normally with no hitches in my gait, I can climb stairs comfortably and descend stairs without hanging on to anything and only a bit of discomfort (not ready for running up stairs). I have a bit of tightness on the inside edge of my knee that my OS says is from the graft and will fade as the VM muscle recovers. It is so nice to be able to walk normally around the gym between equipment and work out. I only check in with the physio every couple of months and just do my leg weight workout plan every other day (bike/spin the in-between days). I am now doing one-leg resistance training as much as possible including one-leg spinning (2 mins one leg, 2 mins two leg for an hour). I am still very careful stepping off buses and my knee is definitely not ready for impact training/prime time (jumping, running) yet - but it is getting closer. I have no need to rush the recovery so I'm just carrying on with the inline activities until the New Year (but definitely pushing substantial weight). The improvement is still noticeable daily (just piling the wafer thing daily improvements up into better gradual mobility). It doesn't seem to flood back, but it continually gets noticeably better. I know fellow rehabbers have been very interested in knowing how things progress outside of the first 3-4 months (hardly any descriptions available), so I will periodically keep you updated on how it is going for me.
Rob N

Rob N

10-10-2006, 09:47 AM

Mckinzie gymnast:
I have heard stories of fast rehabs for young kids. The cable is probably a good idea since it will be hard to keep the youngster from ripping things out (I suspect they may even cast it for a bit due to the fracture) -its hard enough for adults to feather weight the leg and use only 25% weight for weeks on end. Range of motion is key so make sure she does the passive physio. Rebuilding the quad in a controlled way could be a challenge depending on the temperment of the patient. I wish you and your daughter well on this one. Hopefully it will be just a distant memory in a year.
Rob N

jlisee

11-10-2006, 04:27 AM

jellybean

11-10-2006, 08:48 AM

My husband suffered a complete patellar tendon rupture 1/29/03. He was just walking when it let go. Two surgeries, first to repair, second (only 5 months after the first one) for manipulation/tendon ruptured on the table, re-attached, 8 more months of therapy. Long story short is he has little range of motion now, less than 50 degrees bend. He can barely stand on the leg without a brace, so he wears a brace all the time except to shower - which I help him with. Underlying condition - rheumatoid arthritis. No previous injury to the knee, except a cyst removed many years ago. He was on prednisone for 2 years after initial RA diagnosis (1995). His knee is so full of scar - took 2 1/2 hours to remove scar in the second surgery. Scar is all back, plus. His knee hurts all the time. Even tried a CPM nightly for a year after second surgery to reduce scarring. Anyone have this massive scarring out there? Is there anything on the horizon to eliminate this massive scarring? His knee is so bad, at 46 he was able to get SSD.

Hi,

‘Sorry to hear about your husband’s knee problems. I know how frustrating it is to have surgery for a knee problem, think that it will be fixed and then find it is only the start of a much longer than anticipated journey. The scarring you’re referring to is called arthrofibrosis – it’s a difficult and frustrating condition to treat (for both the patient and the medical practitioner). People have posted on this site before about this – try doing a search for “arthrofibrosis”. Have a look also at the Knee Guru website (http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk), a search there might also give you some useful information.

Best wishes,

JB

Manni

11-10-2006, 11:14 PM

Hi Guys,

I was playing indoor soccer and stepped on the ball with my left foot, my foot went side ways and my knee and body weight went forwards. I fell and felt my whole leg go numb. I knew that i had problems.
I tried to get a more recognised OS and finally after 2 months I got to see him today. He was scratching his head for a while and after viewing the x rays, (mind you, xrays taken the day after the incident) he realised that the bottom part of my patella has broken away with the tendon and no longer is attached to the patella.
So the news now that I need surgery and hopefully that the public system comes to the rescue as i dont have private health cover.

I do feel sort of lucky as i read before about the poor fella with the double patella tendon rupture.

I will keep you guys posted with my operation and recovery down the track as i beleive i might need to releive some frustration.

Manni

dWood

12-10-2006, 07:42 AM

that would be me with the double patellar tendon rupture..dWood..9 weeks post surgery right leg is out of brace-130 degrees range of motion..small strength exercises being done now...left -completly different story-had complications with wound not closing had a staph infection went back in a t 7 week mark to have wound cleaned/scrubbed/scrapped...am feeling a little better after 1 week of IV antiobiotics..only 90 degrees rom on left leg & still wearing Bledsoe brace -am still positive to be able to be rehab free in another 4-5 weeks(at least the ok to do squats/deads)

Manni

12-10-2006, 10:45 PM

OS found a spot for tommorow, someone pulled out last minute, thank god work has allowed me for some leave.

ill let you guys know how it all went after i come back home

Steve in NH

13-10-2006, 10:58 AM

You will have meds to help you sleep for a few days but I recommend you do not take them very long, they will mess you up big time (OxyCodone is bad). Make sure you have help near by the first week, you will be down & out.....then things improve slowly and you will see progress. I am now 16 weeks Post Opt and have almost 100% ROM. Still walking with a little limp but leg is getting stronger every day. You will lose a lot upper leg strength after only 1-2 weeks with leg in locked brace (in 3 weeks they give you flex).
The doctor told me no Harley riding till next year but rode it 30+ miles this past weekend with good strength and balance. So......hang in there you will get it all back. And no more balancing on balls....right? PS, when you start PT simple leg lifts are about the best for leg strength and also step up exercises. Steve in NH

Manni

17-10-2006, 10:43 AM

Hey guys, ive survived the operation but still a little dazed. they drilled 3 holes in each piece of the patella and sewn it together with some wire. there was a ligament that needed to be sewn together as well. im in a brace supposibly for six weeks. the brase seems to be moving all over the place, so i have to readjust it. i have to keep the knee straight but have started walking around with crutches to the loo and stuff.

I have to admit that the midication they gave me knocked me out and was struggling for a few days but im shrugging it off with some fluids. does anyone know of any vitamins i can take to help me with my recovery (head still heavy)

Steve in NH

17-10-2006, 11:23 AM

Not sure about vitimines....I have been taking B complex with asprin daily but you should ask doctor. I really stopped taking the pain med's after 3-4 days because they messed me up as well especially trying to do any BM (like cement blocks)....very bad! You don't need that problem with everything else. I know what you mean about brace slipping around especially trying to sleep with it...I did it but was not easy. I have to admit after about a week you really get dependant on the brace. One day about 7-10 days after Opt I was trying to take a shower and I got dizzy and sick to my stomach with leg just exposed....back over to bed and strapped up the velcro brace and I felt better and secure. At about week 3-4 you should be able to start some PT exercise so you've got that to look forward to. Well....get rest and keep leg elavated all day as best you can. But do not put pillow under knee, put it down under lower leg/ankle only......my PT guy told me it will speed recovery. Good luck...we have been there and it will only get better soon BUT until then it will be very stiff and swollen. I am at week 16 and knee is still stiff and a liitle swollen every day.
Steve

Manni

21-10-2006, 12:13 PM

This knee brace thats keep my leg together is driving me nuts, it keeps on moving out of play and I have to constantly adjust the thing.

Anyone got some suggestions

Rob N

21-10-2006, 12:45 PM

Manni:

I don't know about vitamins, but I took a basic aspirin every day for a couple of weeks post-op to reduce the risk of a blood clot. I was on a pain killer pill every 4-6 hours for the first four days and then it was only an aspirin a day for a while until I was off all medication whatsoever.
Rob N

Rob

Rob N

21-10-2006, 01:03 PM

Steve and Manni:

I had two braces for my knee. One was a smaller non-adjustable soft brace that I was given right after the operation. I wore this brace to bed every night for the first 100 days and it was reasonably comfortable. The second adjustable brace (pins adjustable for various range of motion limits) was larger and extremely uncomfortable for sleeping. I had to switch to smaller non-adjustable brace to sleep. Better get used to sleeping on your back for the first few months. As others have mentioned, adding pillows to rest your lower legs on improves comfort in bed considerably. Place your crutches in an easily reachable spot near your bed and I recommend having a small night light in the light socket on your route to the bathroom. Make sure you aren't too groggy before starting the washroom trek overnight. You can't afford a slip.. You can buy extra big socks that make it a lot easier to put on (or take off) after a shower or whenever changing. I also found that really having some substantial elevation (many pillows - foot around chest level while seated) helped bring down the swelling faster (regular icing - 3-4 times per day early on in the recovery).

Rob N

Manni

26-10-2006, 10:19 PM

Took the staples out today, 4 weeks to go until the brace comes off...

dWood

27-10-2006, 07:43 AM

Good luck 11 weeks post surgery-have over 135 degrees rom in right leg-light strength stuff...left leg is at 100 degrees-infection part seems to be cleared up...did bodyweight squats 2 sets X 10 reps this morning big change from Aug 8th where I did 365 x 11 reps and 405 X 5 reps..but I'll be back there...dw

Rob N

29-10-2006, 06:05 AM

Mannie:
I had the brace on for about 12 weeks (probably since I had the hamstring graft). Make sure your tendon has fully healed before taking the brace off (follow whatever your doc says). Better to be very cautious early on while everything is healing. Don't rush it. One trip through the surgical unit is plenty.
Rob N

Rob N

29-10-2006, 06:10 AM

DWood:
Seems that your right leg is coming along very well (140+ is pretty much full ROM). Your left leg is a concern. Hopefully the ROM will start improving to catch up with your right soon. Make sure you stick religiously to your daily physio regime and it should improve.

Rob N

dWood

29-10-2006, 09:28 AM

actually the reason we had a problem was I had a staph infection..which caused problems with the wound..we were in wound care for a few weeks where they would scrape it out-then reseaal the wound(the scar had spread and it was about the size of a half-dollar) once the infection was taken care of-we started therapy(leg had been sealed in the brace at 0 degrees-to limit stress to wound) the surgeons feel like it will be ok and thats why it fell behind the right leg....am pushing the rehab but not to the point of stupidity...finally started some light strength for right leg as rom is there..another 3-4 weeks I think both legs will be even(scar tissue that built up when I was at 0 degrees was the limiting factor in rom:( ),,,will keep everyone updated..thanks dw

missmadam

04-11-2006, 05:02 AM

Hi
So glad!! to hear others have double whammy!! I hate being at home and hate the dependence it brings. Unfortunately for me I have a 'grossly abnormal' right tendon still after 5months and a cartillage tear so more surgery 4 me.

Chris
LONDON

missmadam

04-11-2006, 05:09 AM

hi
Adrian so glad to know I am not alone with double whammy!!. I have found recovery very very slow and painful and do not know prognosis as have to have repeat surgery on right knee and another arthorscopy for a cartillage tear.

Would love to know WHY? this happened but of course this will remain one of life's mysteries.

Chris
LONDON

missmadam

04-11-2006, 05:13 AM

Hi
This site is fab!! I am in good company others who have double ruptured patella tendons!! Yippee I feel relieved a group of fellow like minded individuals who have been through it and can help and support me.

Am hoping there are other women out there who will join and share their experiences also.

Chris
LONDON

Rob N

04-11-2006, 12:22 PM

missmadam:
I have found one tendon tear to be quite a handful to deal with, so I am quite impressed with the courage of those working on a double tear (+ complications). In fact, climbing stairs with crutches, etc, was putting a lot of stress on my uninjured knee and I was worried about a double blowout during the first 12 weeks post-op but everything held together. Hang in there. Hopefully it will work out. But it does unfortunately take a lot of time and effort to recover.
Rob N
Canada

dWood

05-11-2006, 07:18 AM

YES DOUBLE WHAMMIES HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER....MY INJURY HAPPENED LIFTING AND AS THE MANAGER OF A GYM-IF i HADN'T BEEN BRAINWASHED BY THE BOSS ABOUT LOUD NOISES(DROPPING OF WEIGHTS,ETC) ONLY ONE PATELLAR TENDON WOULD HAVE GONE....HAD COMPLETED A CLEAN AND JERK-FELT AND HEARDTHE LEFT TENDON POP AND TEAR..INSTEAD OF DROPPPING THE WEIGHT-i TRYED TO GRIT IT OUT AND FORCE THE WEIGHT TO THE LEFT LEG-BOTH LEGS COULD HOLD THE LOAD-ONE COULDN'T SO THE SECOND TENDON WENT AND HENCE THE START OF MY STORY...

Steve in NH

05-11-2006, 12:39 PM

missMadam....
Sorry to hear of your complications. I am now about 19 weeks post opt since this past June accident/fall while doing yard work/tree trimming. I had a good PT mgr assigned to me at local clinic. I also can't imagine a double whammy like you and Dan.....way too much stress and pain. You know how our accidents happened.....You? Got to love the
internet....I am in NH/USA....you are in the UK...and others as well all in the same Quad
Club. Manny how are you doing??? And Dan hope you are seeing progress. I would say
I am about 85% but still weak in left thigh (did stair climbs tonight) and get slight pain if knee is kept bent too long. Stretching it out is always better and calms it right down. I have been able to resume a little Harley riding this past month...which was a joy and I proved the Dr wrong from earlier prognosis.............Keep the Faith....I wish you well.
Time Heals, Steve/NH

Rob N

06-11-2006, 11:56 AM

Steve:
You are at that point in rebuilding your quad now where I suggest you get a biodex test to have as a baseline to measure your quad strength improvements. Although you may feel you are at 85%, I suspect that you may only be about 50% of your uninjured leg strength in terms of your biodex reading (which measures your seated leg extension out (isolates p tendon) and contraction in (hamstring)). In my case my hamstring came back quickly, but the normal quad strength is slow to return (especially since your vastus medialis part of your quad will be very slow to return). If your rehab leg is 85% in the biodex then you are a champ in recovery and my hats off to you. However, if you think it is 85% and it actually is much weaker, you run a higher risk of re-injury if you return too soon to normal activities. Looking back at where I was actually at by 19 weeks (from the vantage point of being at 35 weeks), I was very weak at 19 weeks. Life will get much better in the next 4 month period as your leg slowly strengthens. Please talk to your OS about getting tested so you know where you are at.
Rob N

Steve in NH

08-11-2006, 01:59 PM

Thanks for advice on testing....I was not aware of this measure to use as baseline. I think you may be correct about actual left leg thigh strength. I keep telling everyone......."Oh,
I'm doing great with little or no limp, etc" However when I do simple stair climbs I can feel big difference in both legs....so, I will check with OS. I have not joined YMCA or
any health clinic either as I thought I would.....just trying to do 2-3 exercises on regular
basis at home. To complicate matters I bought my wife an upright piano for our 25th
Wed Ann after it was delivered I decided to adjust it slightly against wall....you guessed
it, sore back for last 3 weeks. Life goes on.........thanks for advice.
Steve

Rob N

11-11-2006, 04:02 PM

Steve:
I suggest (but check with your OS or physio first) that you work on building strength in your quad over the winter by doing some spin classes, leg presses (machine), step-ups (with and without weight in your hands) and ball exercises (as per my previous posted replys to build up the stabilizer muscles in your knee) at your local gym at least 2-3 times per week (ideally do the ball exercises daily). If you are up to it, try some walking lunges without weights and then gradually build up weights in your hands to really boost the strength in your legs. My OS and kinesiologist recommend the ellipitical machine (find one of the machines where you can gradually crank the elevation up to build your vastus medialus). Keep your heels down when moving on the machine. I know, I hate the elliptical too (boring), but it does help. I know people who didn't put enough effort into the first year post-op rehab who now regret it. Hopefully we can all safely rebuild during this important period.
Rob N

dWood

12-11-2006, 12:00 PM

Sat 11/11 workout...warmed up with stationary bike....leg press machine-sled + added 75lbs...4 sets X 20 reps...standing leg curl 20lbs X 15 reps each leg...leg ext-10lbs X 2 sets of 15 reps...eliptical for 5 minutes(wil try and crank this up next)..at therpay on friday-115 deg on my left leg(the bad one-wound seems to be closed/from the staph infection )already at the max for rom on right leg...13 weeks post surgery-now we must get some of the size and strength back...dw

Rob N

13-11-2006, 03:14 PM

DWood:
That's the spirit. Good to hear that you have lots of resistance training in your plan. Make sure you take a day off in between sessions from the resistance part (go in and spin (or ellipitical) on off days if you want to burn some calories). Gradually build your elliptical up to 30 minutes (level 8-12) and gradually increase the elevation. I added about 2-4 minutes every time out. Rule of thumb on the sled press- if you can only do 4 reps, the weight is too heavy. Use a weight that you can push for 10 reps with your leg starting around 90 degrees. I am only doing 1 leg presses until I balance the leg strength. Do a couple of warm up sets at about 60% of your max, then do 2-or 3 sets at your max where you can do 10 reps each set. After about 22 weeks, on the sled (20-40lbs really light) I started open chain 1 leg push offs where I would push hard enough to have my foot leave the plate a few inches and then return (2 sets of 10 - use both feet to cushion on the return until it feels comfortable - talk to your physio before trying it to be sure that it is okay for you - it builds your quad). Then I move the seat in and do a couple of very, very light sets starting toward my maximum range of motion and then pushing out to build some strength beyond 90 degrees.

Be very careful on the leg extension machine since that places extreme stress on your reconstructed tendon (move the padded arm up as high as it can go so it is as high up on your lower leg as possible to minimize stress on your tendon) and don't straighten your leg completely. Use extreme caution and keep the weight very light for quite a while before tiny weight increases (I wasn't allowed to start the leg extension under the above conditions until week 23).
(13 week leg??) Make sure that you don't do any substantive weight training until your surgeon declares that the tendon is healed. Only light spinning for ROM and the lightest rehab training on the 13 week leg plus electronic stim until it is healed (in my case, that happened at week 14).
All the best.
Rob N

Manni

15-11-2006, 02:02 PM

back at work this week. ive got a chair next to my desk so i can keep my leg elevated. only 2 weeks to go until the brace comes off.

i actually felt comfortable having a shower standing up without no support. it felt good. looking forward to the long path of recovery.

Rob N

18-11-2006, 12:09 PM

Manni:

Your through the worst of it. It's all better from here on - but recovery is very, very gradual.
Rob N

Rob N

19-11-2006, 09:01 AM

Rob N
Just an update on my recovery 8.5 months after patellar tendon reconstruction with a hamstring graft. I had another biodex test this week. My hamstring on my rehab leg has fully recovered its strength (in fact, it is 11% stronger than my other leg) so now I can go back to two leg ham machine exercises to balance things out. The quad is a more difficult adversary and I think you have to look at more than the immediate biodex extension results to gauge how I'm doing. I was 30% stronger on extension peak torque on this test than in mid-Sept, 30.4% up in the mid-cycle peak torque and up over 50% total work and average power, and up 41.3% in the easy cycle with 63-66% increase in average power and total work. What does it mean? - Well, on extension I am still 43% down on my rehab leg (when compared to the uninjured leg) on the hard cycle peak torque, 25% down on the mid-cycle, and 6% down on the easy cycle.
What I found more interesting was a comparison I did between my initial baseline results back in mid-June when I was cleared to start resistance training. I am chasing a moving goal post because my non-injured leg has increased 50% in strength since June (so I have to make gains on my rehab leg that stretch beyond the continued gains in my uninjured leg.) For example, the 30% gain I had in the hard cycle on the most recent test of my rehab leg was really 50% minus the 20% gain in my uninjured leg. I suspect that my uninjured leg is about 20% stronger than normal since it has compensated for the weakness in my rehab leg (trying to obtain complete balance may not be realistic since the "popeye" strength of my good leg may eventually drop as the other leg rises). When I compare my current rehab leg with the uninjured leg June results, my rehab leg is stronger on the easy cycle, about 10% down on the mid cycle and about 25% down on the hard cycle.
Since the biodex only measures your seated leg extension (and ham flex), there is more to consider. My calves seem very strong, my leg press (150lbs one leg 3X10) is probably about 90% back, I am doing walking lunges 4X20 with 35 pound weights in each hand, etc. I have only used very light weights on the leg extension machine, and now I am gradually cranking it up (both one and two leg) to hopefully re-capture the additional power I need to balance things out. We'll see what the biodex says around the New Year.
Rob N

dWood

20-11-2006, 03:15 AM

Hey guys injury 8/9/06....surgery 8/10/06(double patellar tendon AND quad tendon rupture)have been going to therpy since week 5...rom on right leg is 135(probably as good as I was pre-injury)left leg had some problems with a staph infection and wound problems-so that slowed me down a bit-but have kicked it up a bit and am know at 120 degrees...biking on stationary bike everyday and this is what they say will bring everything back...on the leg press I'm told by my surgeon and therpiast that if I can do 3 sets of 20 with no fatigue or pain to increase weight today we did 3 sets x 20 reps with 140lbs added no problema...did smith machine squats just bar to parallel for 15 reps and will SLOWLY add weight...hammies are slammed with standing leg curls-physio ball pull ins(these burn)and a standing hip machine..hopefully keep up the progress-gain size and strength back and be able to compete next August!

Rob N

20-11-2006, 12:21 PM

Dwood:
That's great progress for this early stage. Congrats. Those ball pullins definitely do burn (and they will get much easier after a few months - keep doing them every day). I was told to keep them slow (3 slow seconds out, 3 slow seconds in) - then do single leg pullins for the same count. Squats with ball on back against the wall are key too (10 second hold at 90 degrees on every second squat). Your quads may recover faster than mine since I had a 5.5 week wait before surgery which compounded the atrophy - but your quad rupture is a complicating factor that I didn't have. You will need some elliptical to help bring back your vmo part of the quad (eventually standing on your bike pedals will help too). The quad is stubborn - just stay positive, use caution and you will be in good shape. Every other day on the weight resistance is plenty. You need the off days for your body to build muscle. I know the feeling of just wanting to workout like mad after several months of doing nothing - but you have to keep your inner tiger under control and stick to your program. Once you have your plan laid out, you can probably gradually start doing it on your own with reduced physio (since it will start to move from physio more toward training that needs to be done at a formal gym with the heavier equipment). Your physio may gradually become more of an occasional advisor (I see mine every 2-3 months now) and I rely more on a kinesiologist with e-mails back and forth every 2-3 weeks to make adjustments to the training plan. The equipment in the physio shop will become increasingly inadequate for you as you pull out of the physio stage of recovery and progress toward full body workouts (the gym is also a lot cheaper).
Rob N.

drunk_again

21-11-2006, 08:54 AM

Thank God for this site.

And thank you turtured souls for posting your trials and tribulations for all of us suffering to relate to. It feels good to find out that you're not alone. Misery loves company, eh?
So, on to my story:

I am 34 yrs old, healthy and in shape, and all-in-all, pretty active. And then the incident. On sunday, July 23rd, I was playing soccer and jumped up in the air to challenge a header. When I came down, my body was twisting and I landed awkardly. My leg snapped and collapsed and I fell down to the field with some earth-shattering pain. My patella was not where it was supposed to be, ha-ha, it was riding up on my thigh, and my leg was immobilized. I waited in the middle of the soccer field, while people huddled around looking at the freakish injury, for an hour before the ambulance came.

A man definitely knows his limitations when he encounters prolonged pain, and I assuredly know my limitations now. So you know the outcome, torn patella tendon. I had never heard of this injury before I discovered it first hand, and it seems that after all those years and years of playing sports, the wear and tear has finally caught up with me.
The Doc said that I was lucky that there was a cancellation and I could have surgery on friday the 28th, where he would reattach the tendon by drilling some holes in my patella and threading it through. So, I went home to patiently wait 5 days til the big day, with some oxycodone in my pocket and my leg secured in a brace.

I don't know how those of you who've had this multiple times or both knees at the same time have coped with this. I must say that you have a lot of strength inside and its impressive. This, for me, is one of the hardest and toughest times that I've been through, and I can't even think about repeating the experiece. I'm just thankful that my fiance was here to help me through the storm.

Oxycodone is the devil, and me and the devil were coming to an arrangement that week. I popped them into my mouth like they were delicious candy, and they did mess me up considerably, but not enough to really help. The pain was alive and kicking. I was layed out paralyzed on the sofa and pretty much became a fixture there for 3 weeks, only leaving it by absolute necessity. The pills not only made me constipated, but they made me sweat excessively. My girl would put towels underneathe me, and they would be soaked in under an hour. A nice little side effect they don't like to talk about. So I sucked down water, my pills, sweated my balls off, and pissed into a plastic container so I wouldn't have to get off the sofa and move my leg.

The surgery went well. The doctor told me my tendon was really ripped up, like swiss cheese, and that it would probably take some extra time and therapy to heal. They put a cast on that covered me from hip to toe, and sent me home for a week. I had a small (superfiscial) blood clot develop in my calf that week (the doc failed to tell me that since my leg wasn't moving to take aspirin for blood thinner) that boosted the already uncomfortable and painful experience.

After the week had passed, they took me out of the cast and put me in a bledsoe brace, which was a welcome addition to air out my leg from being concealed in that stuffy cast. I had to wait 6 weeks for the knee to heal until I could start PT. An eternity. 6 weeks take a long, long, long time when your injured and dependent. I think that is the hard part at first, giving up your independence and learning how to cope with your limited abilities. Bathing is interesting. The first 2 weeks, my girl would just give me sponge baths on the sofa. I gradually was able to climb the stairs and get in bed. My girl put a chair in the shower and I would sit in it with my leg propped up and wrapped with a garbage bag. That first shower felt amazing.

After 6 weeks, the doc gave the ok for PT and all that painful fun to start. I had a lot of scar tissue that had settled in my knee and my range of motion was really limited. Just be patient and diligent with your stretching and excercises, the scar tissue will eventually break down. Just be patient. I thought that it was never going to bend, but 2 months of PT and I have a 90 degree bend now and its unbelievable. Every day it gets better and stronger. Therapy is a bitch though, but it's a good pain. Just remember to take your pain pills before you go. Absolute necessity.

Just this past week, I was finally able to pedal all the way around on the bike, granted the seat is very high, but its a big accomplisment. So I'm happy. I'm getting there.

I did have one accident about a month ago. I was drinking and watching football and had to get up and leave, we were leaving to go out to eat, and I fell down the steps. The pain was excruciating. Terrible. The x-rays showed everything to be ok, but my knee was freaking killing me. I felt like I had lossed all the progress I had made, and my knee felt different. Worse. A piece of bone is now protruding out from my knee, rubbing against the skin. It could be part of the knee cap? I don't know. The therapists don't know what it is and I don't see the doc until Dec. Its not limiting my motion, nor does it seem to be harming me, but it bothers me mentally. I'll find out eventually.

Keep Drinking

Rob N

25-11-2006, 02:14 PM

Drunk again:
The first 12 weeks are definitely a real challenge. I was advised to keep moving around (via crutches) every hour or so while awake to prevent a blood clot (and 1 coated aspirin a day for the first two weeks). It is frustrating to hear that you were not advised about the aspirin and ended up with a clot. I suspect the chances of a clot are higher with a cast than a soft brace - but I don't know that for sure. At least it sounds like you didn't have an infection. Taking one real shower a day really does help (but it is a high risk venture and you must be careful not to slip). As I advised previously, go downstairs sitting down (no crutches) with your good leg under propping up the rehab leg hooking the ankle and control the descent with your hands and behind moving from step to step. I know it isn't cool and looks pathetic, but it is safe and that is all that matters. I climbed the stairs with crutches (but I had someone on the step right behind me to ensure that I didn't fall backwards).

Although unpopular advice, I suggest that you stay off the beer as much as possible and replace it with diet pop until you can get back to burning substantial calories again (it also reduces the risky overnight trips to the washroom and minimizes weight gains that puts further stress on your fragile knee). Excellent that you are on the bike to work on your range of motion (minimal resistance for now until your surgeon declares your tendon fully healed). Reward your girl for her stellar assistance in helping you back to health. It can be a difficult and frustrating time for your caregiver since the total dependence is no fun for all parties. I hope that piece of bone matter is nothing serious - it doesn't sound right though and I suggest you at least call the doc's office ASAP and notify the doc about that matter.
Rob N.

Manni

27-11-2006, 11:31 AM

in my 7th week and surgeon has allowed me to take off the brace. yeepee! its been a relief to walk around with some knee bend. i have felt some discomfort in my knee but, i think it might be some scar tissue or something. seeing the surgeon tonight.

Rob N

02-12-2006, 03:18 PM

Manni:
Congrats on escaping the brace. I didn't get mine off until about week 13 after the surgeon declared the tendon healed. Some discomfort in your knee is normal and will likely stay with you for many months as your leg strengthens and the discomfort gradually fades. Be very careful since I doubt your tendon has fully healed yet. Use lots of caution at this stage and utilize whatever crutch, cane, etc you may need to stay safe (don't be afraid to use the brace if you end up, for example, walking outside until you are sure everything is solid). I still feel tightness after 9 months in the area where the hamstring graft was taken, even though the strength is fully back in my hams.
Rob N.

Rob N

03-12-2006, 03:24 AM

I have pasted my current training plan below after 9 months post pat recon surgery. Obviously I am a bit of gym rat and the plan is not for everyone - but it may be interesting for some people. The upper body stuff is for maintenance until I have leg symmetry (top priority right now) and then things will get more aggressive hopefully by about February (leg exercises will hopefully become less time consuming then).
Rob N

Nov/Dec 06
Monday and Wednesday
Spin Class at fitness club (intense pace) – 90 minutes (2 back-to-back classes)
Ball exercises (20 minutes)
Or
Home Spin (moderate pace) – 70 minutes alternating left leg and 2 leg (2 minute intervals)
Ball exercises (noted below)

Tuesday and Thursday (Fitness Club) 3 Hrs total per day
Warm up
Stretch
100 sit-up crunches
40 cross sit-ups
2X 25 jack knives
40-45 pushups

Ball exercises
Wall squat - 3X4reps – 10 second hold on every second rep
Single leg squat 3X10
Wall lunges – 3X10reps both legs
Alternating one leg balance with shoulders on ball – Hold each leg 3 seconds for set of 10
2 X10 leg hamstring – on back pull ball in and out with feet
2 leg on back push down on ball with feet and lift torso - hold for 2X 10 seconds

Technogym Sled Leg press (sled setting 3)
-100lbs 2X10 left leg warmup
140 lbs – 3X 10 reps left leg –
40 lbs – push off – 3X 10 reps left leg – open chain push off
20lbs - push off – 3X 10 reps left leg – open chain push off
60lbs - 2X10 left leg at maximum range of motion

Standing and seated calf machines – 3X20 standing (80lb machine setting is quite heavy) – 3X20 seated (70lbs loaded free weights)

Leg Extension machine (slow release) – 1 leg 1x10 10lbs – 2X10 30lbs – two leg 2X10 90lbs – one leg 2X10 35 lbs

Side lunges – 1X20 left side only with 45 lb bar on shoulder.

Seated hamstring machine
2 X 10 two leg 100lbs

Hamstring Machine (Lay down)
2X10 two legs 130 to 140 lbs

Walking lunges – 4 X 24 lunges – 35lb weight per hand.

Step-ups
2x20 25 lb free weight held by both hands - left leg only

Free weight leg press – 180 pounds 2X10

Ball squats with weight
2 leg – 35 pound weight held by both hands 2X10

Other
Lat machine and wide/narrow pull downs– 2X10 110lbs
Seated rows – 120 lbs
20 tricep dips + 10 dips
Tricep rope pull down 2X10 at 50lbs.
Curls – 2X10 80lbs
Bar pull ups 2X10 80 lbs

Aerobic
30 minutes elliptical Level 12 Manual at highest vertical (15 minutes forward, 10 minutes backward, then 5 minutes forward)

Friday
Day off

Saturday
80km cycling road ride – 28-30kph average
Or
1.5 hour indoor spin (moderate offseason training pace)
Ball exercises

Sunday
Gym YMCA
Stretch
100 sit-up crunches
40 cross sit-ups
2X25 jack knives
40-45 pushups

Seated Cybex leg press machine -seat setting 5 (one leg only) - 2X10 reps 130lbs warmup
3X10 150lbs - 2X 10 80lbs pushing from maximum range of motion (all closed chain)

Standing calf machine – 150-170 lbs loaded free weights - 3X20

Ball exercises (same as Tuesday-Thursday)

Seated ham machine – 2X10 100 lbs both legs.

Walking lunges – 4X24 lunges – 35lbs weight per hand

Step ups - 2x20 (rehab leg only) with 25 lb free weight held by both hands

Wobble board squats with 25 lbs weights 2X10

Other (as time permits)
Tri dips 1X20
Fly machine - 2X10 155 lbs
Lat wide/narrow pull downs 2X10 – 125lbs
Tricep rope pull downs 50 to 60 lbs
Curls 2X10 35 lbs free weights in each hand

Optional elliptical 10 to 15 minutes (replace with spinning most of the time)
Aerobic - Winter – 1 to 1.5 hours offseason moderate spinning

Steve in NH

09-12-2006, 06:23 AM

Rob......With that workout schedule when do you have time to work? Or do you work at
the gym???? I checked into our Planet Fitness franchised gym nearby today and looks like
a good set up with available fitness training available for between $10-20 a month.
Steve

Rob N

09-12-2006, 02:56 PM

Steve:
Work, workout, eat, sleep . . . . work, spin, eat sleep. I'm determined to try to get back full function. The quad is more stubborn than I ever imagined to bring back into form -but I seem to be making good headway. There is no easy way back. I'm glad to hear that you have found a good place to workout. It sure beats being glued to the couch for months watching reruns on WTBS Atlanta. I can't bear to watch any more Pauly Shore, Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts movies that they run over and over and over again.
Rob N

bigtiny

15-12-2006, 05:05 AM

Hello, I just found this forum and thought I would write about my experience...

When I was younger, I was a right handed basketball player who jumped off my left leg... Then, when I was 16, I had a nasty compound fracture of my left tib/fib! This injury caused me to start to favor and overwork my right leg/knee (jumping and landing mostly on this leg)... I develouped tendenitis on my right knee thru college and it got so bad I could not drive more than 15 minutes without severe pain in my right knee (from being bent)...

In 2001 (at age 25), I was playing a pickup game of basketball and went for a two foot layup and felt my right knee pop... I landed on the floor and knew something was wrong but felt very little pain... Then I tried to bend my right knee only to discover the knee cap was 2-3 inches too high and a "hole" would appear where the kneecap was supposed to be if I bent it too far (manually with my arms)... I had a friend drive me to the ER and they x-rayed and confirmed that I had ruptured my patellar tendon... I went to see a specialist the next day and was in surgury the following morning (two days from the injury)... I woke up from the surury in incredible pain, and had to keep my leg strait for a few weeks. I then started my bending exercises up to the point where I was supposed to begin PT and had to stop because of my work schedule... I was given instructions on how to do my own PT at the gym but was not very diligent and did not do a very good job at it!

I was given a donjoy brace to use when I began to play basketball again... I used this brace but my knee never improved much and finally I decided that the brace was not allowing my knee to strengthen so I stopped using it (two years ago)... Then I took a year off playing basketball and simply used the elliptical three times a week (moved and could not find a place to play)... As of three weeks ago, I joined a mens league basketball team and am playing again... My knee feels better now but gets very sore after the games...

My impression is that the years of tendenitis wore away the tendon to the point that it finally snapped... My advice if you have tendonitis, don't keep playing on it until it has cleared up!!!

Manni

15-12-2006, 11:03 AM

its been 8 weeks since the operation. have got good bend and walking with a slight limp at the moment. doctor is very happy with progress and dosnt want me to seem me again..'

will start looking to do gym work and start to play golf after the new year.

wish me luck

Steve in NH

16-12-2006, 02:07 PM

Rob.....Can you advise the single best exercise you have found that is best for quad
strength build up???? I agree that the quad is very stubborn and I have not increased
strength very much after much home exercises. Do think resistant machines are the
way to build up or better to do weight training on weak leg only???? Steve

Rob N

17-12-2006, 03:44 AM

Steve:
There are a number of key exercises to focus on:
-Ball exercises that I outlined earlier are key to get your stabilizers strengthened (also to maintain flexibility) in your knee and should be done every day. Takes about 15 minutes.

-One leg - leg press is key to helping build strength. Forget your good leg on that one.
-Rebuild your calves with calf machine - standing and seated. Should come back really fast if you have access to both standing and seated machines.
-#1 exercise is the walking lunge (obviously use both legs) - start with no weight and build with dumbells in your hand. It builds the quad, challenges you on lateral stability.
-my surgeon highly recommends the elliptical with the highest vertical for rebuilding your vmo.
-#2 exercise - spin class. Standing and seated spinning against resistance 3 times per week.
-#3 - one leg stepups working up to 25 pound weight in your hands.
We are having a freak warm spell right now. I'm headed outside to get in a road bike ride.
Have a great holiday and I'll respond to any questions you have.
Rob

Rob N

17-12-2006, 11:12 AM

Steve:
You should also think about the leg extension machine. I would not recommend using this machine until you have some professional advice about when you are physically strong/healed enough to start using it (always adjust the resistance pad as high up on your leg as possible to minimize strain). The leg extension machine certainly isolates your quad and helps build your stubborn vastus medialas (vmo), however, it is a high risk machine since it places a lot of stress on your knee and patellar tendon. I didn't get the green light to start using the machine more aggressively until about 8.5 months post-op. I started very gently (one leg) with about 10-12 pounds (single plate) and stayed there for quite a while. I have been told to use the weight that I can move for sets of 10 while being able to release the weight down very, very slowly for every rep. After a month, I still start with a set of 10 at 10 lbs, and then a set of 10 at 30 lbs, a third set of 10 at 40-45lbs - followed by one set of 2 leg at 90lbs. I then head off and do a pile of other weights and return at the end of the workout to do another three sets of 10 (one leg), one at 10 lbs, 1 at 30 lbs and 1 set at 45 lbs.
The type of machine, seat position, resistance angles are all key in the level of weight I can move. It's different on every machine. Use extreme caution. I am always relieved when I successfully get the sets in, and then I scamper away for 30 minutes on the ellipitical to finish off the workout.
Rob N

FINFAN3DP

17-12-2006, 03:22 PM

This past Thursday, 12/14, I fell down 4 steps and landed on my knee. Was taken to hospital by ambulance. They did xrays and say that i Ruptured my Patellar, but each time they came in to look at it they said it was strange that it didn't look that much different from my other leg. They sent me home that night and scheduled a MRI for the next day. I went and did the MRI but they didn't tell me anything, they said they were going to send it to the Ortho guy that afternoon. I have an appointment in the morning on Monday at 8:15 then they say surgery at 12 noon. I am in extreme pain when either putting weight at all on that leg or taking weight off. I've found the best position is to have my leg straight out and up on the couch along side of me. I cannot bend the leg at all and the doc sent me home with one of those foam/velcro braces, but told me I didn't have to wear it unless i was up with my crutches.

I guess my questions are 1) What did everyone's knee look like?? I mean did you have bruising or swelling or blood under the skin? I have some swelling, but I'm a 350lb guy so that's not abnormal. I have no bruising or anyother indication, other then extreme pain that says something is wrong.

2) I work as a police clerk and sit at a desk all day. How soon can I get back to work?

3) Can I drive considering it's my left leg not my gas pedal leg?

I'm sure I will have more questions but that's enough for now. This was in one way a great site to find, but in the other way it sucks that we all have to endure this pain.

Rob N

17-12-2006, 04:18 PM

FinFan:
Best to assume that you have torn your patellar tendon (the MRI may or may not confirm it - sometimes the radiologist report may come back as a possible partial or full tear). Typically from my experience, I had considerable swelling, a flatish look to the front of the knee (and initial immediate post injury I had the tell tale horizontal crease across the middle of the knee and an immediate spasm of the knee that I was able to fortunately put in a straightened position). Your patella will likely be high riding (up possibly several inches above where it sits on your non-injured leg). You likely will have considerable swelling that does not fade quickly. My leg was most comfortable in a straight position. You are fortunate to have had an MRI and the option of surgery quickly (the studies suggest that immediate repair gives the best outcome). I could not straighten my leg the last 15 to 20 degrees slowly when seated and hold it (which confirmed for my surgeon that the tendon was completely done in). I could swing it up there straight, but that was due to other muscles compensating. I could not lift my leg straight up while laying on my back in bed for 4.5 weeks post-injury. Then I started to be able to do it, but with a partially bent leg. Pain killers, regular icing and elevation of your leg to chest level should help at this stage. You will likely have a very swollen left ankle.

I was off work for 4 months post surgery(3 months to get the tendon healed, learn to walk again- and I took another 3 weeks to get some strength back into the leg resistance training. While the tendon/graft are healing, it is not worth a re-rupture working unless you have no other choice. Your future mobility is on the line. They will likely opt for a hamstring graft (or possibly use the wire which requires a second surgery to remove). The hamstring graft worked for me (must be careful that you don't tear it). An allograft (cadeaver) may be a possibility, but there is the risk that your body rejects the foreign tissue. I injured the same leg as you did. I drove my car pre-op - but post-op I didn't start driving until I was at the cane stage of recovery (9-11 weeks post-op). Please read my other threads at this site. They will help you. Be confident that you can recover. I recommend that you put the cause of the injury behind you and focus your attention on a gradual recovery.
Rob N.

Steve in NH

18-12-2006, 12:50 AM

FINFAN......I also injured the same leg if you read back my first entry back in June.
So it is now been 6 months and I can only advise if you can flex your left lower leg
toward you but not back out away from you and if your knee cap is depressed like a
golf divit.....you need the surgery ASAP. Regular X-rays will not show this patella tendon.
That is the first thing my Ortho told me in the operating room. I was lucky and had good Dr. and surgery same day of injury. The surgery should go well with very little scaring.......
However it is so important to get good PT after initial healing at around 3-4 weeks or
as your Dr gives you OK. Like Rob and others said......it does get better and for now
keep leg elavated up on couch or coffee table. After surgery you will have brace on for
about 6-7 weeks......I was able to get behind wheel of mini van and drive at 4-5 weeks.
You will need help every day but should be able to get around on crouthes...very careful
with stairs. You will have lots of questions and hope we can help. This website was a lot
of help to me over the first 2-3 months post opt.............Good Luck, Steve C/NH

Norbert

18-12-2006, 03:26 AM

I only found this site today, and what a great read it has been for me - it's somehow comforting to know that others have been there before you.

Here's my story ...

I am a 38 year old guy and was very active. I played 5 a side soccer once a week and 11 a side soccer on Sundays with training once a week.

I also ran - I completed the 10 mile Great South Run this year for charity and considered my self quite fit.

I have Crohn's disease (which I have had for 20 odd years) and take a multitude of pills for on a daily basis - including steroids and AZT, an immunosuppressant. One flip of this is that it denudes your vitamin B12 absorption and for which I receive quarterly injections. The reason I mention this is that one of the symptoms of B12 deficiency is aching muscles.

Playing as much sport as I did, my knees always seemed to ache, and I put to down to my advancing age and the B12 issue.

Anyway, on to the injury.

On 22nd October I ran the Great South Run in 1hr 42mins and felt fine afterwards. I played my 5 a side and 11 a side and trained for soccer as usual for the next four weeks. The training took place on hard astro turf and my knees always ached after training - I put it down to the surface.

In early November I played a full 90 minutes of soccer on astro turf and had my left knee strapped as it hurt more than normal.

On 21st November I was playing 5 a side soccer on a good artificial surface.

After about 23 minutes of play, I was sprinting to get the ball shoulder to shoulder with another player and when I felt my left knee give.

I looked down and saw my left kneecap about two-three inches above where it ought to be.

I collapsed screaming and holding my knee, but after about a minute, I realised it didn't hurt at all, provided I kept still.

An ambulance was called and arrived eight minutes later.

I was taken to A&E, the initial thoughts being that I had dislocated my kneecap.

I had two X rays and then the A&E Consultant told me that I had ruptured my Patellar tendon.

This was deemed unusual enough for seven (yes, seven) junior doctors to have a go at guessing the injury - only two were right, so top marks to the Consultant!

I was kept in overnight and had surgery at 3pm the next day.

I had no pain at all until I left hospital and walked on the leg. I now walk without crutches and find no difficulty with stairs. The biggest bummer is that I can't drive the car! It may be a different case once the cast comes off!

I am now told that i had an "avulsion of the distal pole patella", in short, I yanked the tendon off the kneecap.

The surgery re-attached the tendon and four screws now help it stay where it should be.

I was allowed home the next day and had a back-cast on for the first week.

A full cast replaced that for week two and now I have another full cast (hip to ankle) with no flexion until 17th January.

I am told that this will then come off and a knee brace will go on for at least 4 weeks, with increasing knee flexion and Physio.

I'll keep this updated with how things go.

Two things to say.

The cause.

The surgeon thought initially that the steroids had a major part to play. Having done some research, I am convinced that I had Patellar Tendonitis, and that the aching, hurting knees were the warning signs that the patellar tendon was starting to rupture/detach. The previous four weeks to the injury, I had the classic signs of PT, and had I known ...

The result.

I know that I am in for the long haul here. I am not the youngest patient and I want to get to a stage where I can resume sports.

At the moment, I have days where I am quite positive, and days where I feel very down.

Having read other posts on here, I realise that things could have been so much worse - both legs at the same time? That does my head in and the guys on here with that injury have the utmost respect from me.

So, I must try and look on the positive side here and set myself realistic goals which I can achieve to get me back to some sort of activity level.

For my own part, I feel that the fact that I had little pain may be a good sign and the consultant says that the repair he did is excellent.

One last thing - there are lots of people who criticise the NHS in the UK. I had surgery on my knee within 20 hours of the injury, free of charge.

I read with horror the accounts from guys in the US waiting upwards of 5 days for surgery.

One thing I have noted, is that early surgery significantly increases the chances of a full repair, so I'm hopeful of a positive outsome.

Anyway - thought I'd share my experiences with you all.

Nick

Rob N

18-12-2006, 09:46 AM

Nick:
5 days is a fast repair. I had to wait 5.5 weeks. Anyways, you certainly did well getting an immediate repair. Your age shouldn't be a problem for the recovery. Your willingness to do the rehab and recovery is the bigger factor. I would be a bit concerned about being in a cast for an extended period since you can't do any passive rehab to gradually build your range of motion (ROM) until the cast is off. Definitely focus on building your ROM when you get the chance. I didn't have a lot of pain either beyond the initial incident (that is likely because the tendon was completely severed - likely more painful if only a partial tear). It sounds like things are going well for you and hopefully you will have an easier time rebuilding your quad than I have experience since you received your surgery so quickly. Be especially careful when you come out of the cast. That tendon is fragile. Did you have a hamstring graft or are you using the wire (I'm guessing that you are using the wire)?
Rob N.

Norbert

18-12-2006, 07:55 PM

Rob

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say 5 days is a fast repair. I had the surgery within 24 hours!

I too am a little concerned about the cast being on for 8 weeks in total, however, I am reassured by the fact that my Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon is one of the best around and comes highly recommended. I know quite a few in the local medical profession, and they all say he's a top bloke and the best guy to tinker with knees! I'm working on the basis that he knows what he's doing.

As to grafts and wires - neither. My surgeon was going to wire the repair, but said that as it was a detachment rather than a tear the wire wouldn't be required. Also, he said that having another op. to remove the wire in a few weeks would have been an unnecessary bout of further surgery. The repair has been strengthened with four screws into the patella.

I am hopeful on a number of fronts:-

1. I got surgery lightning quick and from a top bloke who says that I should be fine;

2. I have no pain and I am up and about without crutches at just 4 weeks;

3. My leg is actually feeling quite good - I know when the cast comes off, that that's when the real hard work starts, but hey,no pain, no gain, eh?

Nick

Steve in NH

19-12-2006, 02:48 PM

Rob...The one exercise you reccomend with leg extention machine is the one machine my
PT has told me to avoid due to possible re-injure. How about your #2 best exercise or
health club machine to best build up quad???? I've got to get leg muscels in left leg stronger but with work schedule cannot really get to gym everyday. If I get there 2-3
times a week what 2-3 workouts do think is best???
Steve in NH

FINFAN3DP

21-12-2006, 12:07 AM

Just got back from the hospital. They had me stay over night. I cannot believe the amount of pain I was in and how it is still very painfull. Can anyone tell me how long the burning pain lasts? Thanks.

silerlock

22-12-2006, 05:12 AM

I'm a 30 year old that tore my Petella tendon mid structure. I was playing basketball and one of the players fell on me. When I tried to get back up I noticed that my leg didn't work. I didn't feel any pain, but my knee cap was three inches higher than it should have been. After a ride in an ambulance, I was in surgery a couple of hours after the injury. The ortho said it was the worse one he has ever seen. The tendon completely ruptured in the middle and it shredded like spaghetti at the ends. He put it back together the best he could and held everything together with a circulage of wire around the knee cap and through the tibia tubular. It's been seven months and i'm walking normal and riding a bike. I can single leg press over 80 pounds and can do walking lunges. My trouble is with leg extensions. It is really sore trying to extend leg with any weight on my ankle. Has anybody else experience this? I try to talk to the doc about it but he just shrugs his shoulders and won't give me a answer.
Thanks,
Chris

I just wish I could wake up and this nightmare would be over :)

FINFAN3DP

22-12-2006, 11:17 AM

Chris,

The spaghetti reference is the same thing I was told. And yes, this nightmare can never end to soon.

Rob N

23-12-2006, 09:24 AM

Steve:
I didn't recommend the leg extension machine without confirmation from a professional that it is appropriate for your current or future situation. As I indicated previously, it is a high risk machine and your physio apparently concurs with that assessment. Maybe you missed my message to you on page 9 where I rank some exercises including the walking lunge, spinning and stepups (no mention of leg extension - see page 9). 2 to 3 workouts per week with at least a days rest in between is very good. I had to start doing leg extension machine exercises in order to improve my biodex results. I am extremely cautious doing them and only started very light exercises after about 8.5 months post-op (my physio and kinesiolgist reluctantly gave me the green light as long as I kept the pad high up on my leg and didn't straighten the leg completely. I have been pleasantly surprised that I have worked my way up to as much as 45 lbs single leg. This came after a long period of time gradually increasing from a single plate of about 10 lbs. I still start with a set of 10 pounds and then go up from there.
Rob N.

Rob N

23-12-2006, 09:32 AM

FinFan:
You should hopefully be able to get off the pain killers after about 4 days. The painkiller I was put on was called Edocet. 1 tablet every 4 hours when needed for pain. NO alcohol while on painkillers. It does get better so hang in there.
Rob N

Rob N

23-12-2006, 09:39 AM

Silverlock:
It doesn't sound like you are ready to start using the leg extension machine yet. You need to consult with a professional to be sure of the right time. It was about 8.5 months before I started and I was pushing 135 pounds single leg on the leg press (3X10) at the time. Then I stayed at the lowest weight (say 10 pounds) for 3 sets of 10 for several weeks before creeping up. From my view, there is nothing abnormal at all about the current limited strength in your leg. The strength comes back in a very slow and steady manner. Don't put the pad on your ankle. Raise the pad as high on your leg as you can to reduce the strain on your knee (seek professional advice. Don't straighten your leg completely.
Rob N

FINFAN3DP

24-12-2006, 02:48 AM

Rob,

4 Days wow! I had surgery on Monday and I have been on 10mg of hydrocodone every 4 hours since leaving the hospital. 10mg cyclobenzaprine every 3 hours. 500mg naproxin 1 every 12 hours. Is all the meds I'm on, and even that aint killin all the pain. I start hurting arround the 3hrs and 45min mark. I did sleep all last night though for the first time. But getting to the bathroom to pee and wash my hair takes everything I have. I haven't had a bm since Dec. 14th, but don't have to go and i'm not feeling ill because of it. They have me on collace to hopefully fix that, but who knows.

Fin

FinFan:
You should hopefully be able to get off the pain killers after about 4 days. The painkiller I was put on was called Edocet. 1 tablet every 4 hours when needed for pain. NO alcohol while on painkillers. It does get better so hang in there.
Rob N

FINFAN3DP

24-12-2006, 10:12 AM

I have my injured knee/leg placed up on the couch and my noninjured one on the floor. After a few hours the one on the floor seems to tighten up. Does anyone else have this? I mean it feels like all my toes have tightened.

Rob N

24-12-2006, 10:33 AM

FINFAN:
Be careful with Naproxin. I was put on that during the immediate post injury period (pre-surgery) and they had to take me off it because I was getting too much pooling of blood around my ankle. My lower leg was getting really red. The second I stopped using it, it started to clear up. I'm sorry to hear that you are taking such a beating in the pain department. Put a glass of water beside your bed at night with the pill so you can lean over and gulp it down when needed overnight. Yes, when you are at the featherweight on leg stage it is challenging to go to the washroom. Make sure you have a counter or something to lean on beside the toilet to help you get off the seat. The pain killers are probably constipating you. Maybe eating some prunes/salad or something might help since you have to clean out your system regularly or you will have other problems. I was advised during the immediate post-op period to get up on my crutches every hour and move around the room (helps prevent cramping, blood clots, etc). I was also told to take a coated aspirin everyday for the first couple of weeks to reduce the chance of a blood clot. It wouldn't hurt on your good leg to do some calf stretches, ankle rotations, etc. You may have been advised to keep icing your knee 3-4 times per day, keep it elevated at chest level when seated, etc. Feel free to ask more questions. I will look at the site each day until returning to work after Boxing Day.
Rob N.

FINFAN3DP

24-12-2006, 01:27 PM

Rob,

We must have the most opposite doctors on the face of the planet. My doc wants me sitting on the couch never getting up except to go to the bathroom, or his office. He also told me when i am up going to the bathroom or to his office I SHOULD put ALL my wieght on my bad leg, as long as it is straight and in the double knee immobilizer brace. He also advised me to NEVER take the brace off. Only to readjust and make tighter. He said I could put ice on the brace, but could not open the brace to put ice on. I tried this and cannot feel any cold from the ice, so I abandoned the ice. GOOD NEWS first BM since 12/14 today!!!! My wife was so happy, that was until I informed her she had to clean me up! :) I am lucky to have a wife and kids that are awesome. My father-in-law came to the house today and built a 16 foot ramp (over the stairs that i fell down initially today) and shocked the hell out of me. The ramp is awesome and is going to make trips to the docs and to work (hopefully sometime soon) more easy. My mother stayed with us from the day after the surgery until yesterday and it was great to have someone to talk to, laugh with and cry with.

For a guy that has had to go through this pain, I still feel very lucky to have loved ones as good as these.

Of course the vultures are circling over my almost dead carcus at work. I'm the union president where I work, so all of the Common Council, Mayor and most bosses hate me and are just loving that this happened to me. Luckily, my boss the chief of police, likes me, so i'm kinda safe.

FINFAN:
Be careful with Naproxin. I was put on that during the immediate post injury period (pre-surgery) and they had to take me off it because I was getting too much pooling of blood around my ankle. My lower leg was getting really red. The second I stopped using it, it started to clear up. I'm sorry to hear that you are taking such a beating in the pain department. Put a glass of water beside your bed at night with the pill so you can lean over and gulp it down when needed overnight. Yes, when you are at the featherweight on leg stage it is challenging to go to the washroom. Make sure you have a counter or something to lean on beside the toilet to help you get off the seat. The pain killers are probably constipating you. Maybe eating some prunes/salad or something might help since you have to clean out your system regularly or you will have other problems. I was advised during the immediate post-op period to get up on my crutches every hour and move around the room (helps prevent cramping, blood clots, etc). I was also told to take a coated aspirin everyday for the first couple of weeks to reduce the chance of a blood clot. It wouldn't hurt on your good leg to do some calf stretches, ankle rotations, etc. You may have been advised to keep icing your knee 3-4 times per day, keep it elevated at chest level when seated, etc. Feel free to ask more questions. I will look at the site each day until returning to work after Boxing Day.
Rob N.

Rob N

25-12-2006, 05:43 AM

FINFAN:
Interesting. The goal of all of this effort is to ensure that your patellar tendon has time to heal and is not subject to undue stresses since it is very vulnerable to a re-rupture in the immediate post-op period until your surgeon says the magic words (the tendon has healed)." It's all an effort to regain your range of motion and heal up until that point, then you generally can start resistance training. Do as your doc says (that has worked for me even if the advice is different than what you are receiving). I still think that your constipation issue and cramps relate to how little you are moving around.
I (as well as others) have stressed in previous responses the importance of being careful on stairs. I swallowed my pride and went downstairs seated with my rehab leg propped up under my good leg and using my behind and arms to carefully control the descent. Climbing stairs with crutches is very risky as well and I always had someone on the step right behind me to make sure I didn't fall backwards.
I also didn't take my brace off for the first 13 weeks other than to shower or to switch braces at night when I went to bed (used the smaller non-adjustable post op brace since it was more comfortable for sleeping). My brace had an open section at the knee which allowed me to ice it easily. I worked for a union in the past doing labour relations stuff so I understand the complication that your injury poses for you job. They will have to make do with less assistance from you for a while. You can at least participate in teleconferences if necessary. My suggestion would be to let your vice president carry the can for a while until you are in better shape. You need to focus on your recovery rather than the workplace for now. It's nice to hear that your family is helping out.
Have a great holiday.
Rob N

drunk_again

28-12-2006, 03:31 AM

Much Misery in the holidays,

Seems like there's a lot of pain and suffering going on. Don't worry, the year is almost over and hopefully 2007 will bring some good tidings.

Good to hear from you Nick, finfan, and silverlock. Sorry to hear about your situation, but your among friends here, eh. Rob has some damn good advice, and it's a blessing he's so adamant about posting here. Thanks for your time and effort, Rob. I hope these guys are listening. I know when I found this site, it helped me to know others were there with me.

Just try to stay postivive and focused, men. The next year, and it's going to take a year or so, is going to be one that is gruelling, painful, and one that won't easily be forgotten. It's been 5 months for me now. What a strange trip it has been.

Fin, hang in there buddy, the pain is a bitch. I know. I was popping those hydroxzine and oxycodone pills every 2 1/2 - 3 hours it seemed at first (I couldn't wait til the prescribed 4 hrs came) and it did nothing but make me groggy, but I still felt the damn pain. Don't worry it will fade. Just keep moving that good leg of yours, like Rob says, and STAY OFF the bad one. Give it some time to heal, my friend. I know that sleep can be hard to come by, when you can't get comfortable and the discomfort of your leg is always tearing at you. It's a rough time, but you'll get through it. Also, to minimize my trips to the toilet, I had an old sports water bottle that I would I piss in while I was lying on the sofa, so I wouldn't have to get up every 20 mins and struggle with a simple piss. It worked for me. I had to have my fiance help with my BM (God bless her), she was a trooper and something to laugh about later that night. The pills do make you a little constipated, which to me at first was fine, because I really didn't want to get up and try to have one. But every day gets better. Just be thankful you have your family there.

Nick, good to hear that you're recovering well, but after 8 weeks you're going to have some major scar tissue built up. Prepare for some gruelling therapy ahead and don't forget to take your pain pills before you go. You're going to need it.

5 Months post-op and I feel great. I'm far from 100%, but I'm up and about, riding the bike and jumping on the elliptical every chance I can get (got to lose the weight I put on sitting on my ass). I'm doing a lot of leg strength excercises at the gym and trying to stay active. All those months of sitting on my ass and watching tv was unbearable, and I'm glad I have my independence again. My knee has about 110 ROM, but it still aches and is sore. It still kind of bothers me going down steps. But everyday it gets stronger. Everyday.

Keep drinking,

Drunk-Again

FINFAN3DP

28-12-2006, 08:11 AM

Drunk & Rob,

Thanks for the words guys. It really does help knowing other people are going through this. Well the pain isn't as bad now and I have stopped taking the hydrocodone. I have my first appointment with the surgeon that did this crap to me tomorrow. I'm just wondering if any of you guys have gone through depression? I am a pretty upbeat kinda guy, but I have found myself breaking down the last couple of days. I just can't seem to get this rotten feeling out of my head. I'm wondering if it's because I'm coming off the meds or something? We were in the process of buying a new house before this happened and the closing is next week. I won't be able to move my own family and that has me really bummed. It's like i'm useless sitting here with this brace on and can't do anything. I mean i'm lucky because everyone has said they will help, friends, co-workers, but still, I wanted it to be me. The stress of the closing, new payments, no good leg, and not being able to move my own family has got me really down and all the while worrying that some management member is trying to screw me out of my job because they don't like me because I'm union president. I have never been this way before in my life. I have never had a surgery or a broken bone or even spent a night in the hospital before this.
I'm a large guy at 350, and I haven't had a decent appetite since the injury.
Am I losing my marbles or are these things usual?

drunk_again

29-12-2006, 05:10 AM

Fin:

This is a life changing experience. The first couple weeks are a shock to the system and it takes a heavy toll. You have to adjust and learn to accept the current situation as best as you can, my friend, even though it has come at a dire time. Losing your independence is hard to do, especially when bills need to be paid and people are depending on you, but you need to understand there is only one thing you can do now: patiently heal and recover.

My stress level when this first happened to me was through the roof, and I was exactly like you, completely depressed and full of doubt and fears. Then I was decided to go with the current and stop fighting the flow of life, if you get my drift, and I came to terms with what I could realistically do and what I had to set my goals to do.

It's now five months after my surgery, to the very day, and my life has returned to normal. I'm far from completely healed and recovered, but I'm able to do whatever I need to do in a normal day. I won't lie to you, this has been the hardest five months of my life, but if it doesn't kill you, eh. Just stay positive and focused. Try to do some reading that you never had time to do, or pick up a new hobby, besides masterbating and binge drinking, now that you have plenty of time to do it. Watch what you eat!!! I put on 20 lbs while I couldn't move, and now I'm trying to work it off, and it's a bitch.

Like the doctor told me, no one injury is alike, so yours might heal more quickly than mine, hopefully, or it might need some more time. Just be careful, don't do anything stupid, and get closer to your family. You're going to need them now.

Keep drinking,

Drunk_Again

FINFAN3DP

29-12-2006, 09:07 AM

Ok, I work at a desk. How long before the doc lets me go back to work? How long before i can walk again without the use of the walker. The doc won't tell me anything except it takes time. That has me steamed. I mean if I could get a time frame I would be able to deal with it better.

Good news was that at todays visit he said the wound is healing nicely with no infection and no drainage. I have 26 staples that he says will come out on 1/4/07. Does this hurt? He was impressed with my walking with the walker. He just won't tell me much and it's driving me nuts. He said he'll tell me when it's time, just to be patient. Well, one thing i'm not is patient.

Steve in NH

30-12-2006, 01:54 AM

To FinFan,
Well, I have been reviewing your recent posts to this site and can relate to your comments. I am soon to be 57 years old, 190 pounds and like you I had never been in hospital or any surgery of any kind. It has been 6 months now for me since my June 24th injury. I had very quick surgery on same day and then 4 weeks later PT began (3 times a week). My PT consisted of about 28 sessions until my insurance ran out which gives you a time frame. I was on couch like you every day with brace on and laptop on pillow in front of me. I started driving about 4-5 weeks after and went back to work in minivan (1 hour commute to office) at about week 5 with slight bend in brace to get under dashboard. I was able to handle braces pretty well including up stairs and down with railings. This info is mostly for Fin to get a handle on time frame, etc. I will say I have heard about wires, staples and screws being put in knee to repair tendon, however I had none of these. My doctor drilled 3-4 holes in patella and secured tendon directly which has healed nicely. Only issue is upper thigh strength....which is another subject. SO......I am glad to hear you have gone OFF the pain killer, that I think is major part of your depression.....along with not being in control of your day to day life right now and also major BM issue (which for me was more painful than knee). I was perscribed Oxycodone and as someone has said here....it is the devil! I also felt pretty useless just sitting on couch day after day, and bored. My wife was huge help to me every waking moment of each day, she was next to me every time I moved and helped me into rear of SUV to travel out...so I owe her big time! And I came through with a piano in Oct for our 25th Wed Ann. I can only hope over the next few weeks you get settled into new house and try not to dwell on the move or how little you can carry things, etc. Your healing is way more important and will result in strong recovery. Get off all med's ASAP and just take some extra strength asprin. I think reason your doctor is not real specific......... truth is it is a little different for all folks who recover from this injury and you can see that from reading these posts alone. All due to your age, how active you were to begin with, your weight, the method of surgery your Dr used, etc. But as everyone has said here.....It does get better. And once you can drive and see progress from PT things will move along in positive direction for you!!! When this happened to me over the summer all we could do was drive by the shore and sit in back of my jeep watching everyone enjoy the beach. Some visits I would get out of back of Jeep and sit on sidewalk with my wife in chair next to me along with our cooler, snacks and book to read. I even rented a wheelchair for a 30 day period to get a little freedom. I felt like the world was passing me by.....but I kept telling myself....this too will pass and I have what I have to deal with, I can't change things. I looked at people who had lifelong problems and who would never get out of a wheelchair and I would tell my friends...."My problem is only temporary...thank God". I hope my note to you has helped somewhat.
We are all wishing you the best....let us know your progress-OK?
Steve in NH
PS....Even with this setback we have a lot to be thankful for. My nephew is currently in Baghdad till April and lost a good friend in his unit on Christmas Day from IED going off while on patrol.

FINFAN3DP

30-12-2006, 02:42 AM

Steve,

Thanks for the post dude. I really need to hear stuff like that. I just really want to go back to work, i think that would help so much. The surgery I had sounds like the same as you, with just the drilled holes and sutchers. If i could go back to work in two weeks, and knew I would be going back, i think that would help greatly. I like having a light at the end of the tunnel. One question though, when did he start letting you lift your own leg instead of having someone help you? I know I couldn't do it now, but I think that will be a major help.
Like you, my wife has been awesome... Of course she always has been, that's kinda why I married her. We have been married 16 years, 17 in July 07. We lived together for 3 years prior to being married so I tell her all the time we will have been together almost half my life. She has been great! I only hope there is something I can get her like you got yours (piano), to help repay her. My mother has also been awesome. I think she is sitting with me next week when my wife (kindergarten teacher) has to go back to work now that the x-mas break is over.
You are right, this is only temporary. I think about the pain when I came out of surgery and I was telling people that i wished they had just taken the leg off or that worse I had died, and looking back at that I feel so stupid. It's so much better now. I have two kids, an 8 year old daughter and a 3 year old son and it has been great spending this time with them this week. My daughter is so concerned about me and my son just wants to hang out with me. That is one positive. The negative is they go back to school and daycare next week. My son was born with a rare form of leukemia, AML, which he went through chemo just after being born. He just had his 4 month blood check yesterday and I'm happy to say he's doing great. Helps me realize how trivial my knee really is. My mother took him for his check up, I usually do, and he got up in the chair by himself, stuck his finger out, and told the nurse, let's do this. His strength and pain tollerance is awesome, I wish I had one eighth of it.
Please tell your nephew thank you from the Pucci family in Oneonta,NY.... What he is doing is awesome, and we all owe our freedom to him. My brother is in the Air Force currently stationed in Alaska, and my brother in law is in the 82nd Airborne and did a tour in Iraq. My cousin Peggy is in the National Guard and she also did a tour in Iraq. She stayed in one of Sadam's palaces, and Sadam's mother's room was her office. Again, these people are all heroes in my book, and we all should be thankful for having such brave men and women in the armed forces.

drunk_again

30-12-2006, 03:34 AM

Alright, does anyone know anything about the supplement Glucosamine / Chondroitin, and more importantly, does it help the knee recover? I've heard some things, but I want to see if anyone has had any personal benefits from using it. Thanks guys.

Stay positive and keep drinking,

Drunk_again

Rob N

30-12-2006, 03:23 PM

Fin Fan:
Yes, the injury and surgical intervention are quite severe - but with patience, perserverance and a bit of good fortune you will get through it and life will be good again - in fact, after your surgeon declares your tendon healed you will be able to strengthen your leg and walk around doing relatively normal things within a few weeks. I'm not saying that it will be comfortable at first, but it will keep improving. Your primary focus now should be on avoiding any falls, eating normal meals (avoid high fat and alcohol until you can burn calories) and your upcoming physio regime to build your range of motion in your leg. The physio regime is crucial and generally you can do the passive exercises at home. Log the exercises, the reps per day that you do, etc. You will later only be able to strengthen your leg to the extent that you have developed range of motion in the post-op period. The staples shouldn't be very uncomfortable coming out (make sure they pull ALL of the stitches - check it twice). Do your best to enjoy the time off. As I mentioned in an earlier reply, Ernie Els (golfer) trashed his knee (ACL) in a boating accident last year and used the time to rejuvenate mentally before returning to the PGA tour. When you get down, try to fast forward in your mind a few months to a point where you will be much improved and mobile. You have to let the world spin by for several months under the control of others and concentrate on your immediate health needs.
I had a very conservative recovery plan since my doc wanted to minimize the chances of a re-rupture. Here are a few of my milestones. It was approx 8 weeks post-op before I walked with 1 crutch and a brace. I started low resistance indoor cycling at about 10 weeks. First walk with a brace and no cane at about 11 weeks. First outdoor road bike ride on flats at about 15 weeks. Returned to work (16 weeks). Started cycling hills at 19 weeks - completed 100mile hilly bike ride at about 26 weeks. etc. I know it sounds hard to believe, but the months will fly by and you will be okay (but you must be careful, diligently do your physio and then work hard training to recover your leg strength). You are the most important part of your recovery.
Rob N (Canada)

Norbert

30-12-2006, 08:23 PM

Nick, good to hear that you're recovering well, but after 8 weeks you're going to have some major scar tissue built up. Prepare for some gruelling therapy ahead and don't forget to take your pain pills before you go. You're going to need it.

5 Months post-op and I feel great. I'm far from 100%, but I'm up and about, riding the bike and jumping on the elliptical every chance I can get (got to lose the weight I put on sitting on my ass). I'm doing a lot of leg strength exercises at the gym and trying to stay active. All those months of sitting on my ass and watching tv was unbearable, and I'm glad I have my independence again. My knee has about 110 ROM, but it still aches and is sore. It still kind of bothers me going down steps. But everyday it gets stronger. Everyday.

Hi Guys - hope you all had a good Christmas break!

Drunk - thanks for the advice. I am now in a really positive phase. The fact that you are up and about to the extent you are after 5 months is a great encouragement to me.

My leg feels good with no pain (lucky to have never had much really) but I do know that the really challenging bit is yet to come.

I am a believer that good pain can be borne out with determination, and that is how I will approach the physio. If it hurts, then so what, that shows it must be doing something! You don't know what you can do until you try.

I am now 6 weeks post-op and walking with no crutches (have been since 2 weeks) and the thought of getting the cast off in two weeks and getting started on the rehab. is actually quite exciting.

Having read the comments of you other guys, I seem to have had it better than most of you - I can only hope that it continues to be so.

Cheers and take care

Nick

dWood

31-12-2006, 05:16 AM

haven't posted in a while but my progress hasn't stalled yet...started using a sled to pull forwards and backwards-as well as side shuffles with bands(@therapy)..weight room is ok..up to 6 plates(3 45's each side) on leg press for 3 sets of 15 reps...squatted 160lbs X 15 reps the other day(had 405 max x 5reps in july 06)...go on stationary bike everyday for 15-30 minutes...am still having a bit problem with taller stairs going up with left leg(tore both patellar tendons in August & left had some wound issues as well as staph infection)My orthpedic surgeon told me last week he's finished seeing me(unless I run into a problem-but wouldn't mind seeing me at 8 month period to give me my final ok to return to strongman & highland games training)this board was a godsend and if anyone wants to see another fella who will be joining us-go to www.nasgaweb.com..go to messageboard..under general messageboard go to subject" gruesome video" fella is squatting 685lbs and his legs go(my buddy is the gym owner and notified me right away-I fell the same way when I ruptured mine)prettty hairy to see it but the sound was worse brought back that horrible day of Aug 9th...hope everyone has agreat new years!!

FINFAN3DP

31-12-2006, 06:49 AM

Rob: 16 weeks? Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living? That's the one thing that is really driving me nuts. I work as a computer guy at a police department and I just don't understand why if i can sit here on the computer why I can't sit there. The depression has been much better today. I'm starting to look forward to rehab. Back in 1994 I weighed 311 and dropped to 225 using just exercise and watching what I ate. Well now I'm at 350 and maybe rehab will get me to start getting into working out again. The only thing that sucks is I really like to run when I work out and I know I probably won't be doing that for a long time, if ever. 100 mile bike ride??? Wow Rob, you must be in some great shape! I've done bunch of 100 milers over the years but that was always on my Yamaha, not my huffy! :) The Doc has me doing the toe push and pull 10 times an hour and the quad flex 30 times, twice a day. Does this sound familiar? I had the Sutchers/Holes in the kneecap surgery. No hamstring stuff or any screw or plates that I have heard of. When I came out of surgery I don't think the doc was so sure of his work, but he was very, very, very happy about my progress so far. He was impressed when he saw the incision and stated that it was clear of infection and looked great. He also was impressed with how I could already do the quad flex and how I really have been keeping up on the toe push pull stuff.
I'm definetly feeling better. But the new house has me worried as if I lose my job I won't be able to make the payments. My wife and I are actually thinking about losing the $1000 deposit and just staying put and resuming our house search at a later date. We just don't know if the stress of moving and all it entails would be good.
Thank god for this board and great people like you guys to be able to chat with and share experiences.

Fin Fan:
Yes, the injury and surgical intervention are quite severe - but with patience, perserverance and a bit of good fortune you will get through it and life will be good again - in fact, after your surgeon declares your tendon healed you will be able to strengthen your leg and walk around doing relatively normal things within a few weeks. I'm not saying that it will be comfortable at first, but it will keep improving. Your primary focus now should be on avoiding any falls, eating normal meals (avoid high fat and alcohol until you can burn calories) and your upcoming physio regime to build your range of motion in your leg. The physio regime is crucial and generally you can do the passive exercises at home. Log the exercises, the reps per day that you do, etc. You will later only be able to strengthen your leg to the extent that you have developed range of motion in the post-op period. The staples shouldn't be very uncomfortable coming out (make sure they pull ALL of the stitches - check it twice). Do your best to enjoy the time off. As I mentioned in an earlier reply, Ernie Els (golfer) trashed his knee (ACL) in a boating accident last year and used the time to rejuvenate mentally before returning to the PGA tour. When you get down, try to fast forward in your mind a few months to a point where you will be much improved and mobile. You have to let the world spin by for several months under the control of others and concentrate on your immediate health needs.
I had a very conservative recovery plan since my doc wanted to minimize the chances of a re-rupture. Here are a few of my milestones. It was approx 8 weeks post-op before I walked with 1 crutch and a brace. I started low resistance indoor cycling at about 10 weeks. First walk with a brace and no cane at about 11 weeks. First outdoor road bike ride on flats at about 15 weeks. Returned to work (16 weeks). Started cycling hills at 19 weeks - completed 100mile hilly bike ride at about 26 weeks. etc. I know it sounds hard to believe, but the months will fly by and you will be okay (but you must be careful, diligently do your physio and then work hard training to recover your leg strength). You are the most important part of your recovery.
Rob N (Canada)

Rob N

31-12-2006, 08:21 AM

Fin Fan:
Full-time civil servant is my occupation. Your employer should treat you like anyone else in the office who has a serious illness or injury and let you drain your sick leave (which I had never used before the injury). If you are a private contractor without any kind of health insurance (or mortgage insurance) the injury definitely becomes problematic. You (and your employer) will have to weigh the implications of risking re-injury related to work (especially getting to and from work), or waiting for you to come back to work when you are strong enough to safely return. 4 months or longer actually seems quite common when you look across the websites for more serious knee injuries (and it passes by quickly). Your physician will stick up for you to stay off work until you can safely return since they don't want their fine surgery to go sour. Caution is your friend right now, even if it seems unreasonable.
Rob N

Rob N

31-12-2006, 08:36 AM

Dwood:
Congrats on your progress so far. I have tended to do minimal free weight leg press stuff since I am avoiding doing resistance training on my uninjured leg (and it is an ackward machine for one leg stuff - I have had more luck isolating my leg using other machines). Hey, you don't have that concern in your situation. Using both legs is all good for you. Be careful not to rush it back to competition. I would recommend you get some biodex testing to see how strong your legs actually are. My guess would be that your leg extension will be very weak. For example, I am back to pre-injury weight on the leg press, walking lunges, etc - but my biodex leg extension on the toughest cycle is still only 65% of my good leg. I am back to normal on the easy and middle cycles along with my hams being completely back. More work to do for me in regard to cranking up the weight and doing fewer reps -but it seems to be just a matter of time to get it all back and hopefully its the same for you.
Rob N.

FINFAN3DP

02-01-2007, 10:55 AM

Rob: Can you help me out with an answer for my wife. She is trying to tell me that the doctor doesn't have to give me a release to go back to work if I demanded it due to not having time left. This is hypothetical of course. I work at a desk in an office and don't have to get up. My knee is what's bad, not my hands, and I'm sitting here working on the computer so I don't think legally he can stop me from going back to work, she, the wife, disagrees. Please settle this for us.
Fin

Fin Fan:
Full-time civil servant is my occupation. Your employer should treat you like anyone else in the office who has a serious illness or injury and let you drain your sick leave (which I had never used before the injury). If you are a private contractor without any kind of health insurance (or mortgage insurance) the injury definitely becomes problematic. You (and your employer) will have to weigh the implications of risking re-injury related to work (especially getting to and from work), or waiting for you to come back to work when you are strong enough to safely return. 4 months or longer actually seems quite common when you look across the websites for more serious knee injuries (and it passes by quickly). Your physician will stick up for you to stay off work until you can safely return since they don't want their fine surgery to go sour. Caution is your friend right now, even if it seems unreasonable.
Rob N

Rob N

02-01-2007, 12:13 PM

Fin Fan:
The doc does not have to give you a release upon demand. Remember the doc has significant liabilities regarding your care - and even based on what I know about your situation, I would not give you an okay to return to work at this stage. The risk is too large. Your just a few weeks post-op and need time to have the tendon heal (and to do proper rehab) after serious surgery. I'm not sure if you are even out of the woods yet on infection and clotting (though you should be getting there soon). If you return to work, it will likely be against the doctor's advice and at your own peril. Don't expect the doc to run to your rescue if you blowout the repair under those circumstances.

I think you need a teleconference with the human resources personnel from your workplace to discuss the situation. Generally there are laws against firing people based on disabilities (and yours is only short-term) and the HR staff should be trying to accommodate you. Your doctor is your ally in this discussion and will be willing to provide you with all documents you need to demonstrate to your employer the legitimacy of your current situation and the need for time off.

With my employer, we have short-term and long-term sick leave arrangements. Anything under 100 (work days) is short-term. Long-term involves an insurance company and gets you off the payroll for a while until you can start work hardening (1/2 days). In my case, although I was off 4 months, when I returned to work I was strong enough for full-time from that point on. A short-term arrangement is all you will need (but I think based on what I know about your situation that 3-4 month leave would be prudent). Don't rush the return.

Daily living activities and the rehab you will need for the next few months are more than enough to fully occupy your attention. Passive range of motion activities are key to getting the essential flexibility back into your leg and then you will have to learn to walk again and begin regaining your mobility.

I think your employer will accommodate you if you push the matter with the backing of your physician if necessary. Remember, your employer likely will need to be educated by you (with some help from your doc) about the nature of your injury and possible timeframes for your return. You will eventually return and be fine - if you give it sufficient time. I will check in on this site again Friday to see how you are doing. Sorry to be a bit grumpy with your approach to returning to work so soon.
Rob N.

FINFAN3DP

02-01-2007, 03:08 PM

Don't be concerned about being grumpy, I'm hard headed but I understand what you are saying. Here is my situation though: I have vacation/personal time to cover me off until 1/11/07, then I will have about 60 hours of sick time. However they are going to try to get me into the sick leave bank on 1/22. If this happens, I'm set and will have plenty of time. If this for some reason, which I don't forsee, doesn't happen I will not be paid. My family cannot survive without me receiving some form of payment, so I think if that happens, I HAVE to go back to work whether I'm recovered or not. That was the scenario my wife and I were going through earlier.

What we were talking about was whether or not a doctor can stop you from earning a living. Like I say, I probably will get into the bank, but I just want to have some form of path if I don't.
I 100% understand what you are saying about getting better. Trust me, without this site and you guys advice, I would have already been pulling my hair out. Thank you so much for putting up with hard headed me.
We have decided that, for now, we are putting off buying the new house. We will lose our $1000 deposit, but with this knee, and the uncertainty at work, I just don't want to get us into a payment like that, that we definetly would not be able to make without my paycheck. It's too big of a chance to take, and the wife and I agreed on it over the weekend. It's gonna upset alot of family members, and especially the real estate agent, but at the end of the day I gotta do what's best for my wife and kids.

Rob N

06-01-2007, 01:30 PM

FinFan:
Unfortunate about the house, but your current plan seems good under the circumstances and will take the pressure off you. Hopefully the sick leave bank will come through for you. It's important to keep everything positive and upbeat. I think it helps you recover better. Do what you can to make your hours as interesting as possible (good time to read some favourite books/crosswords, surf the net, watch lots of movies, play cards, spend time with your family). Buying a cheap dvd player may be worthwhile if you get sick of TV. A shower every day once its permissable is key (but be careful not to slip). I had some bad acne on my back from sitting around so much and the shower kept it within reason. Once I was able to get more active (cane stage) and take a couple of showers a day, it all cleared up. Get up on your crutches regularly and move around the room to get the circulation going. I made sure that I did laps of the room several times per day. Soon you should be able to start some passive physio to gradually get that crucial range of motion back.
Rob N.

GoVols

07-01-2007, 06:41 AM

Hey All,

Very excited to have found this forum. I appreciate the time you all take in being so descriptive and open. I tore my patellar tendon on 12/19 playing flag football. Just jumped up, caught the pass, landed and bang... there it went. Got surgery 12/21 and spent the holidays on my back. I got the "suture and tie through the kneecap" procedure and things seem to have gone well (HUGE thanks to my beautiful bride for all her help and support). It's been a little over 2 weeks and I'm going through all the same sad / angry / happy feelings as everyone else but overall, it could be much worse so for that I am thankful.
The doc told me "don't bend it for 6 weeks then we'll take your brace off and it's time to bend it as much as possible". That sounds like a long time without bending based on conversations I have read here, but he is the lead Ortho Surgeon for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats among other Pro teams (besides that fact that he's just a good man) so I feel I should trust his judgment.
I CANNOT WAIT until I can start therapy as I am an active person (30 yrs old / male) and sitting around is driving me crazy. I had a couple questions I was wondering if you might give your opinion on...

1. How long / often do you ice your knee? I iced heavily the first 7-10 days but have iced very little since. Should I be more diligent?

2. Did you get any advice on putting any weight on your leg? I put some when standing at the sink but not much more. I always feel more comfortable when putting no weight on it but I think I need to get over that.

Thanks to all of you for your courage and help. Your insights are MUCH appreciated.

Rob N

07-01-2007, 09:03 AM

Go Vols:
It is crucial that your get your doc's advise ASAP about putting weight on your rehab leg (get on the phone and call his office now). You don't want to be doing the wrong thing. That tendon needs time to heal and your surgeon will definitely tell you what to do on that one.
Since I had the p tendon tear with a hamstring graft (5.5 weeks after injury), I was instructed to use feather weight on the injured leg during the first phase of the recovery and then 25% weight for a while after that (if you look back at my other threads you find the actual timeframes). I have heard of more aggressive approaches for individuals who receive quick surgery post-injury.

I would ask your surgeon if you can do the passive physio I described in an earlier section (things like placing a soft roll under your knee for 40 to 50 minutes three times a day). You have to stick to whatever your doc will permit.

I iced the leg three times a day (20 to 30 minutes) for at least a month post-op. You will know by the look of your leg and the swelling that's there to see what is worthwhile doing.
Rob N

dWood

07-01-2007, 09:33 AM

they had me on my feet-walking(with braces)12hrs post-op...each day was a longer distance-follow your doc's advice(and therapist)but you have to push it-BUT REALISTIC PUSHES!!I also had the same style of surgery as you VOLS-good luck and stay focused

Norbert

08-01-2007, 02:54 AM

Hi Go Vols

I ruptured my patellar tendon almost one month before you and I have been through what you are going through very recently.

As the others say - take the advice of your Dr. - he is the only one who knows exactly what has been going on in your knee! It sounds like you are in good hands, so you should be fine.

I have had a straight leg cast for 7 weeks now (only 10 days until it comes off - not that I'm counting :rolleyes: ). I was told that I could bear weight from day one, and I have been as active as possible, to keep me mobile, help circulation and perhaps prevent a little of the muscle atrophy. I think it also helps you feel less helpless if you know what I mean. I try and walk to the shops every day and go and cheer my soccer team on from the touchline each week and at training - it's important to do things both physically (if possible) and mentally to keep yourself positive.

As someone else has already said, keeping upbeat will help you recover more quickly - it sounds easier than it is but it is worth the effort.

"Keep your chin up" as we Brit's say, and good luck with a quick recovery.

Nick

FINFAN3DP

08-01-2007, 05:54 AM

Rob: Yeah, I feel much better since we made the decision not to buy. Had the staples removed on Thursday and more x-rays. Doctor says he's very happy with my progress and to keep doing what i'm doing (nothing). He said to come back in two weeks on 1/18 and then we will "talk" about rehab. Notice he said talk?? One bad thing that happened was my wife was able to watch in the booth while they did the x-ray and she asked what the white thing was and the x-ray tech said it was an anchor. No one told us about and anchor, although i have read about some on here. So I asked the doc what it was and his response was "we're not going to talk about that just yet". So I told him ok, but just answer me one question, does it have to come out or does he have to do any other surgery and he said no. So I was happy with that, but my wife and mother said I should have pushed him to find out what it was. I don't care as long as they don't have to go in again! :) Been building some websites and revamping some of my old ones, watching tv, shooting the crap with whoever feels bad enough to stop by. Doc still doesn't want me to get up unless i'm going to the bathroom or his office, and I've been doing just that. Knee feels really good today. There was a little, about 1/8 inch, separation after having the staples removed, but we put a bandaid on it and now it is fine. My grandmother lended me her vibrating seat cushion by homedics, and I suggest anyone that has to have this done get one! It has made my back feel so much better! I really am looking forward to physical therapy but also scared at the same time, I don't want them to reinjure me.
Fin

FinFan:
Unfortunate about the house, but your current plan seems good under the circumstances and will take the pressure off you. Hopefully the sick leave bank will come through for you. It's important to keep everything positive and upbeat. I think it helps you recover better. Do what you can to make your hours as interesting as possible (good time to read some favourite books/crosswords, surf the net, watch lots of movies, play cards, spend time with your family). Buying a cheap dvd player may be worthwhile if you get sick of TV. A shower every day once its permissable is key (but be careful not to slip). I had some bad acne on my back from sitting around so much and the shower kept it within reason. Once I was able to get more active (cane stage) and take a couple of showers a day, it all cleared up. Get up on your crutches regularly and move around the room to get the circulation going. I made sure that I did laps of the room several times per day. Soon you should be able to start some passive physio to gradually get that crucial range of motion back.
Rob N.

FINFAN3DP

08-01-2007, 05:57 AM

Drunk: I asked the doc about this at my staple removing, he said it will do nothing for what we have so not to bother with it.
Fin

Alright, does anyone know anything about the supplement Glucosamine / Chondroitin, and more importantly, does it help the knee recover? I've heard some things, but I want to see if anyone has had any personal benefits from using it. Thanks guys.

Stay positive and keep drinking,

Drunk_again

FINFAN3DP

08-01-2007, 06:09 AM

Wow, you did yours only 5 days after mine, and I had my surgery on the 18th. As one who knows what you are feeling, it does get better, the guys in here are right on target when they tell you that. You had the same surgery as I did and I'm on week 3 and just had my staples removed on tuesday. Sounds like you have a great doc, and that should be a huge relief to you. Before I answer your questions I should tell you to write them down and bring them to your doctor visits. I did this week and got a bunch of answers and then the doc made me throw them out on the way out the door.

I'm afraid that everyone's answer is going to be slightly different due to their size and regimen. But here is what I have done and am doing:

1) Doctor told me no Ice after the surger, and I haven't iced it once. I did after the initial injury as much as possible over that first weekend before the surgery. Just make sure you put a towel between the ice bag and your skin.

2) My doctor told me i can put all my weight on it, I just CAN'T bend it. I have a double knee immobilizer on and he only wants me walking from the couch to the bathroom and from the couch to his office. No place else. But he wants me to put weight on it when I am up and to take small diliberate steps. I also have to have someone pick up my foot and set it down on the floor because the weight of my leg might tear the sutchers. Again, this probably varies dependent on factors.

Hey All,

Very excited to have found this forum. I appreciate the time you all take in being so descriptive and open. I tore my patellar tendon on 12/19 playing flag football. Just jumped up, caught the pass, landed and bang... there it went. Got surgery 12/21 and spent the holidays on my back. I got the "suture and tie through the kneecap" procedure and things seem to have gone well (HUGE thanks to my beautiful bride for all her help and support). It's been a little over 2 weeks and I'm going through all the same sad / angry / happy feelings as everyone else but overall, it could be much worse so for that I am thankful.
The doc told me "don't bend it for 6 weeks then we'll take your brace off and it's time to bend it as much as possible". That sounds like a long time without bending based on conversations I have read here, but he is the lead Ortho Surgeon for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats among other Pro teams (besides that fact that he's just a good man) so I feel I should trust his judgment.
I CANNOT WAIT until I can start therapy as I am an active person (30 yrs old / male) and sitting around is driving me crazy. I had a couple questions I was wondering if you might give your opinion on...

1. How long / often do you ice your knee? I iced heavily the first 7-10 days but have iced very little since. Should I be more diligent?

2. Did you get any advice on putting any weight on your leg? I put some when standing at the sink but not much more. I always feel more comfortable when putting no weight on it but I think I need to get over that.

Thanks to all of you for your courage and help. Your insights are MUCH appreciated.

dWood

08-01-2007, 10:10 AM

my surgeon had me walking(in immoblizer braces) as much as possible 2 weeks post surgery(don't forget I tore both patellar tendons-so walking was like frankenstein)..wanted weight bearing on the joint.....at 4 weeks he set the braces for a slight 30 degreee bend and wanted me to start walking with slight bend(he's a pretty aggressive sports orthopedic-who has worked with Wash Redskins)knew I was an active athlete and basically told me if I was comfortable and leg was getting stronger I could go up 15 degrees(one setting) every 10 days-I was leary but followed his advice.and I guess thats the best advice follow the mD's advice..good luck

EAL

09-01-2007, 08:08 AM

Hello all, I ruptured my patella tendon on December 16 and I had surgery on December 21, 2006. The surgery was a success and I had my first post op follow up on January 2, 2007. Orthodoc said that it is healing nicely, but I have to remain in a full leg cast for three more weeks. I have been reading all of your posts and I have noticed that most were using crutches at least one up to six weeks after surgery. Well my doctor said that I can do total weight bearing as tolerated until my next visit which is scheduled for January 23, 2007. I am not in too much pain and I have called the doctor's office a few times with questions. Is it common to feel like your knee is being stretched under the cast? How long will your knee feel irritation? Is there others out there who were told that they could do full weight bearing only 12 days after surgery? The cast does not allow any knee extension, but my concern is that I am putting too much weight on my leg too soon? Please help, I have a great support system and the good Lord is healing me. Its been almost a week since I have been home and going up and down stairs with out crutches and of course walking throughout the house without them too. Again I want to make sure that I am not putting too much weight on my surgically repaired knee.

Thanks all and I look forward to your replies.

EAL

GoVols

09-01-2007, 12:41 PM

I do have that "stretching" feeling in my knee too. I think it is exactly that. If you were repaired like me (suture through the kneecap) then I think you probably should feel some stretch as they essentially put your tendon back together with the sutures. The key is just not to stretch it until it snaps apart (a.k.a. breaks the sutures). I found it odd myself but it has to be natural I would think.

As for the weight bearing. My doc told me I could bear some after only 7 days. Just don't bend it.

January 25 is my next checkup. Doc told be "Don't bend it until January 25. After that we'll have you bend it all the time".

Good luck and stay positive.

Steve in NH

09-01-2007, 12:50 PM

EAL....How on earth can you possibly be walking around without cruthes???? I can only
imagine it has to do with the fact that you have complete leg cast...but still, weight on the
knee I would think this soon will cause it to swell more. Most of us had the fabric and velcro strap style brace on for about 6 weeks after that first visit to OS. And.....as far as knee swelling, it will continue off and on for many months. I am over 6 months now post opt and if I am on my feet for 30 minutes or more my knee swells a little still, or if I walk a good clip on treadmill. I have talked to people with various knee injuries who report that knees are so tricky it may be 1-2 years before it feels like 100%. Sounds like it is healing...go slow with any passive PT once you get OK from doctor. It gets better every week that goes by......but it is just a very slow process, but progress indeed. Keep a good attitude and keep reminding yourself this too will pass........It is only temporary setback. Be careful of stairs and moving lateral too quickly. Regards, Steve in NH

Norbert

09-01-2007, 07:45 PM

EAL

My story is the mirror of yours.

I ruptured my Patellar Tendon on 21 November, surgery on 22 Nov. and a full leg cast since with the leg in full extension.

The cast comes off a week tomorrow. I have been full weight bearing since leaving hospital, first week with crutches but since then with no crutches at all and quite mobile - all this on Doctors instructions.

I have had no pain (thankful for that) but I am sure the fun will start with the Physio. in a week's time.

Take care

Nick

EAL

10-01-2007, 01:30 AM

I spoke with an orthodoc last night and he said that the stretching is a common feeling. Its all part of the healing process. For the first 12 days of post op I too was in a brace with the straps locked in extension. At my first post op follow up appt., my orthodoc said that the tendon would heal much better in a full leg cast. Furthermore, with a full leg cast there is no way I can bend the knee. I am a certified personal trainer who is extremely active, and I feel my doctor took this into consideration and decided to put me in a full leg cast so that I would not be tempted to take the brace on and off and risk re-injuring my knee. Thank you all for answering my questions and for the great support. I am so glad that I found this website.

Take care, good luck and God bless you all.

EAL

Norbert

11-01-2007, 04:17 AM

EAL

The fact that you are a personal trainer and therefore pretty fit should work in your favour.

Everything I have found out about RPT suggests that the more active and fit you were before the injury, the better and quicker that the reapir heals.

Steve in NH questions how you can be getting about without cructhes, but I am the same as you - no crutches and walking a lot.

I think it all depends on the factors of each idividual injury - your age, height/weight, activity levels, precise nature of the injury, time bfeore surgical repair, type of repair etc. etc.

It seems there is no standard case and again, no doc. seems to approach the repair in quite the same way as another.

Take care

Nick

EAL

12-01-2007, 01:11 AM

Thank you Norbert,

Only 12 more days before the cast comes off. I have been busy with updating programs, designing some new ones. Studying for certification CEUs, trying to do a little writing and of course upper body weight training.

This goes out to anyone in MD, USA, Have you worked with or know any really good physical therapy clinics? I am thinking about staying with the PT's that I am familiar with, but I have also seen a couple of sports performance clinics that I am going to check out. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your references with me.

Take care and God bless,

EAL

Sandram

12-01-2007, 11:54 AM

Just found this forum and thought I'd join in. I live just outside Nashville, TN and ruptured by patellar tendon on Dec. 1 - had surgery on the 2nd and Vanderbilt Univ. hospital. Went to the surgeon today for a check-up. Luckily the surgery must have been a success - of course my knee feel very tight and is swollen more than my other knee. My tendon severed at the bottom of the patella (clean break) and was stitched to my patella through 3 holes they drilled.
I have been in the portable cast with velcro straps since the surgery. After about a week I was able to put full weight on the leg and did not need crutches (actually I used a walker)- just walked stiff legged. Now it's time to start PT. At this point I am able to bend my knee about 45 deg with little discomfort. I'm sure when PT starts, the pain will come. I hope to get to 90 degrees within a month or since I am scheduled to go on a trip involving air travel.
I have found everyone's story very interesting. Can't tell you how much I feel for those of you who have ruptured both tendons!
I am 56 years old so my athletic days are over, but I am a runner and would like to get to the point as soon as possible when I can at least jog around the neighborhood.
Good luck to all - sounds like we're all in this together!

drunk_again

13-01-2007, 07:47 AM

Hey Eal,

I live in Baltimore, had my surgery at Union Memorial hospital and since I live down the street from them, figured that I would just do my PT there as well. They came well regarded, and everyone told me that it was one of the top places to go. Although this is my first time in PT, and I have no other references to judge them by, only my own personel experience with them, but I guess it worked out ok.

My therapist, Suzanne, was amazing and I am thankful that she was there for me. When I first went to PT, she told me that I was the third Patella tendon tear she had recently, and it was relieving to know that she had some experience and was ready to put me on my paces. The facilities itself were pretty standard, I guess, with everything that you need, and up to date with anything your nearest gym has. It sometimes was crowded, but they took care of me. I'm not trying to sell you on this place, just giving you my own accounts of what I did. There were other establishments that I could've went to, but like I said, this one was convenient.

I'm glad that everyone is recovering so quickly. My ordeal seemed to slowly drawl on a lot much more than most of you, and I'm a bit jealous (ha-ha). I do hope you guys recover a lot faster than me and it seems like you're off to a great start. Norbert is definitely right, this injury effects everyone different and no two cases are usually similiar. I'm coming up to my 6 month post-op date, and I'm freaking running on a treadmill!!! Amazing!!! Granted, it's not for long ( 2 mins run, 2 mins walk, 2 mins run, and so on...), but I almost feel normal. My knee buckles from time to time, but it's getting stronger.

Anyway, the football playoffs are this weekend, and it's time to break out the whiskey and the beer, put the children to bed, and to destroy some much needed (but soon to be departed) brain cells.

Keep drinking,

Drunk_again

tmalilay77

13-01-2007, 10:33 AM

hey guys.. i've been reading on this forum for a couple days now. and im glad that im not the only one thats going through this kind of struggle. reading everyone's stories and updates takes alot of weight off my shoulders w/ all my doubts going into this. i just want to wish everyone a speedy recover, even though its going to be a long twisted road ahead of us.

my story started on dec 2nd of this year. I was at a promotion test for my student who just opened up his own martial art school. i went to do a flying side kick over some kids, which i've done many of times before. so here i am, running down the school, i plant my left leg, and next thing i know i looking at the ceiling then the floor then the ceiling then im on top of kids. first thing i did was grab my knee and it was pain i've never experienced before. and i've experience pain alot through out my competition days in Olympic style taekwondo. my dad was luckly there to help me out, and he gets me to get my leg straight. looking at the left knee, it was crazy big, started swelling instantly.. and the first thing i thought was i blew out the knee.. there goes my ligaments. i get up and try to walk over to a table on my own, i was able to step w/ my right leg, but once i tried stepping w/ my left im back on the floor, and i knew from there that it had to be something else since i can't move my leg from my knee down. went to the er, and all they did was take an xray of my knee said i could of dislocated it.. so im not as worried yet. so sunday i stay home w/ ice and my leg elevated, and monday i go to work just to get all my things w/ me just in case i end up working from home. i see the ortho on tuesday and upon looking at my knee and him trying to make me hold my leg up while on my back, he instantly said ' surgery today if we have an opening.. if not thursday it is.
i have been 6 week post up and im in a full leg cast. i read alot of the entries here, and everyone is in braces and a handfull of people w/ casts. i have 5 more days left before i take off my cast, what he did to my knee, i have no clue, but what i do know is there is a metal wire in my knee which will need a secondary surgery to take it out. i started walking w/ crutches two days post-op, up and down the stairs. and i must admit, trying to figure out how to go up and down the stairs was a challenge, more on the can or taking a shower. i've lost alot of mass in my left leg, and i can only imagine how it looks under all this they wrapped my leg with. so i have no clue if the wound is infected or what not, i guess i'll have to wait a few more days. i can bend it slightly inside the cast as the cast permits, and i can walk w/out crutches, but after standing on it for a while, i start to get aches and pains around the knee.. good thing is. i can lift the leg forward on my own , but not too high and not too long, im just glad to see some improvement with out any rehab. and just like everyone else, i did get depressed, not knowing what my fate would be, or if i would be able to do all the things i was able to do before the injury. so i guess time will tell. and from reading all your post, we are all alike. im not a very patient person, i want things done right away or as soon as possible, thats just how i was made. but with an injury like this, i need to take my time, but i can't help but try to prove people wrong who say it takes about a year.. but like i said, only time will tell.

thanks for those who read this.. i know it was kinda like a novel, and this was the cliff note version of this, but having a forum like this actually gave me some insight on how long and what i will be going through in the next couple months.. plus its good reading material while sitting at work.. oh btw.. my orth told me after my 1st post op check up that i can go to work within a week.. so surgery on the 7th, and i was back to work on the 18th. did i go to work too fast? i mean, its a sit down job where i talk on the phone most of the time, so hopefully i didnt' come back too early.

Norbert

14-01-2007, 04:30 AM

Hi tmalilay77

Welcome to what, it seems, is a quite exclusive club!

Patellar Tendon Ruptures seem to be quite a rarity, so at least you've done something worth talking about!

Looking at your story, it appears that we are on a very similar timeline - I did my RPT on 21st November and the cast I have on comes off this Wednesday 17th January.

Keep me posted how you go along and we'll swap notes.

Take care and here's hoping for a swift and full recovery mate.

Nick

Rob N

14-01-2007, 01:42 PM

Just an update on my (Rob N) current situation 10 months post-op. I am starting light mobility training consisting of the following items that I am doing on my own: BOSU training video (a lot of balancing, stepping, squatting and bouncing up and down with light jumps on the BOSU, progressing to skier jumps), two foot skipping that I have worked up to 4 sets of 60 skips so far, light mini tramp jumping/jogging, 4 corner drill (light jog forward, basketball slides sideways and backsteps between around square), a few sportmetrics drills on a very thick gymnastics mat such as 180 jumps, forward/back and side to side jumps without the small pylon to jump over yet, volleyball blocking type jump, etc. It will be interesting to see how quickly I can progress over the next few months (I have no idea - but I suspect it will take quite a while yet). I am definitely still avoiding high impact and one leg jumping activities. I intend to stick to my 3 day per week weight schedule and spinning, but I am working in the skipping and mobility stuff on spin class nights 3 times per week as best I can.
Hopefully I will get an hour in with my kinesiologist in the next couple of weeks and formalize the mobility program (for now it's just the BOSU and skipping I discussed with my physio, and the sportmetrics stuff noted above that I found on the net and my kines didn't object to via e-mail. There's lots of more aggressive stuff that I know I am not ready for yet.
Rob N

Asad13

16-01-2007, 04:02 PM

hey guys, i feel all of your pain. i am 7 months post surgery. injury happened mid june and surgery happened about 4 days later. my injury also happened very randomly. im pretty active, use to work out about 5 times a week with cardio and weights. use to play sports quite regularly: soccer, basketball, tennis. my injury occurred during a kickball tournament, i know, pathetic. lol, but it sucked ass. i was playing with some docs and they made the diagnosis right on the spot. like many of you, i was in a brace for 6 weeks and told not to bend the knee for duration of that time. by about week 4.5, i started putting some weight on it, often walking around with just one crutch. i began therapy exactly 6 weeks post surgery and it went really well. the first week went well, and then i pushed it a little too hard myself. set me back a few days, but helped me learn my limits. i was driving right away and basically back to normal life. i am a medical school student and i had do an internship about 2 weeks later. it involved my being on my feet nearly 50 hours in a week. there was pain in the knee, but nothing unbearable. therapy was painful, but for me, it wasnt too bad. i got complete range of motion back within about 6 weeks. currently, i work out 4 times a week with cardio and weights. i sometimes sneak in the gym another day or two for some extra cardio. i try to do legs one day...like presses, extensions, curls....and then follow it up with some calf work and innner/outer thigh stuff. for cardio i usually do the elipitical which i began about 5 months post op. i have run on the treadmill about 5 times in the last month, but at a very slow pace.
today was my first day running. it was on an indoor track. i was able to go about half a mile, alternating between running and walking, before i could feel some tenderness in my knee. i decided to stop at that point.
how long did it take the rest of you, for those of you who are this far, to start running again? im hoping within a few months i can start playing basketball and soccer again. ive heard it takes about a full year to get back to 100%. what have you guys heard? i still notice some atrophy of my quadracep muscle on the same leg, im hoping that builds up fast. any insight on the time frame i could be looking at??

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AND REALIZE YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Norbert

17-01-2007, 10:47 PM

Hi Guys

Here's my eight week (post op. update).

I had surgery for an Avulsed Patellar Tendon (detachment form the patella rather than a classic rupture) on 22nd November 2006.

I had the full leg cast taken off today and I am now fitted with a knee brace which is set, at the moment, to 30 degrees flexion. My brain has yet to work out that there's some bend there (and it feels really tight across the knee) but other than that, it feels good.

I have massaged some vitamin E gel into the scar and also lots of moisturiser into the whole knee to help soften it and it feels better for that.

Better still, I have had a long shower and scraped all the crud off my leg. Very much a scab-pickers paradise, once all those little bits of dried blood were gone, the wound and scar look so much better.

I was very reluctant to move my leg (either straight leg raise or flexion) when asked by the OS today, but now, with some confidence, I can perform a good straight leg lift.

I reckon I am getting about 30 degrees flex on the knee with some tightness, but that will go with some PT, for which I am awaiting my first appointment. I go back to see the OS in three weeks' time.

I can walk much better now, and once I condition the brain that the leg WILL bend and I can avoid the "leg-swing" gait, that will help too.

I plan on passively flexing the knee whilst sitting, just to get things moving again as there is some scar tissue on the left side of the joint and I need to get that moving.

My quad muscle has not atrophied as much as I though it would, probably because I have been very active, walking and such like, so that is a definite bonus.

If anyone wants to see any pics. of how it was and is now then click here (http://www.tdc-dive.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1332) to go to my dive centre's website forum and you can see what it looked like - it's still a bit swollen, but that will subside over time.

It feels weird having the leg open to fresh air again, but boy, it feels good.

I now feel that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that contrary to popular rumour, it has not been turned off!!!

Nick

EAL

18-01-2007, 04:46 AM

Hello all, Norbert great to hear that the cast came off and you are able to move around a lot better. I too am looking forward to getting my cast off in 6 days. I have a question for you and all that were put in a cast for weeks. Is there anything you did or tried or had your OS tell you to do for the constant flow of sweat dripping down your leg? My leg feels like it is sweating all day long and even as I lay in bed at night it just keeps flowing. I know that my knee is healing quite nicely and I have been very active. Walking laps around my house and occasionally going up and down the stairs, but the sweat goes on and on.

I also wanted to know do you need another username and password to look at the pics.

Thanks, and I pray and wish everyone and speedy and 100% recovery.

EAL

Norbert

18-01-2007, 07:53 PM

Hi EAL

I had the feeling when I had the cast on the there was something running down the inside, I even felt as if the wound had gaped a few times and was it blood?

As it turned out, I think your leg just gets sweaty and the mind plays tricks! Don't panic- you'll be fine.

I have had the cast off for 48 hours now and I can get 30 degrees (the limit of the brace) easily and with no pain. The knee feels tight, but the massage with vitamin E and moisturiser twice a day helps a great deal - thoroughly recommend that.

You may have to register to look at the pics. on our forum - I tried to upload them here, but it wouldn't let me!

Take care and good luck when your cast comes off.

Nick

tmalilay77

19-01-2007, 03:43 AM

just like you, i just got my cast taken off.. 8 inch cut, w/ 45 staples.. it was pretty painfull taking out the staples, but getting that metal out of your leg feels good.. unlike you, i can't lift my leg at all.. its really tight, and im practicing on flexing my thigh muscle cuz thats what the Ortho told me to do... im also feeling some numbness on the outter side of my knee.. but i hope it will come back.. im still walking around like i used too.. so hopefully we'll see.. i have to take an xray in two weeks and see the dr the same day to see where im at.. hopefully in 2 weeks.. i can lift my leg

FINFAN3DP

19-01-2007, 10:42 AM

Hi All!
Had my doc's appointment today. My injury occurred 12/14/06, my surgery was 12/18/06 and they discharged me from the hospital on 12/19/06. Two weeks ago at the docs he said to do quad flex's 30 times twice a day and 10 heel toe points every hour. Now this appointment I get the x-ray like usual then go into the exam room. He comes in, takes off my brace, throws it on the counter and then tells me to lay down. (i truly think he told me to lay down so I couldn't punch him when he did what he did next.) Next he grabs my knee cap and starts yanking it side to side and massaging my knee very roughly. He tells my wife she has to do this twice a day, ten to fifteen times and then pick up my knee so it bends a little 3 to 5 times. He then told me I couldn't have my brace back and sent us home with a script for Physical Therapy. I guess my question is, it has only been 4.5 weeks since my surgery and now i can't have the brace? And now he wants me to go to pt? Isn't this too soon???? Remember, I'm a 350lb guy, and I don't ever plan on getting an operation again. I would rather have this leg locked for the rest of my life then to go through that surgery or any other surgery again. I am not going to let some pt guy or gal re-rupture this thing. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

Norbert

20-01-2007, 01:46 AM

Finfan

That sounds bad to me!

I'm certainly no expert, but I would think that a brace of some sort is essential for the first few weeks until you have regained some strength in your muscles. I take my brace off to go between the bed and the shower, and I am so careful to avoid a wrong move which causes the knee to buckle as it's so vulnerable at the moment.

If I were you, I'd ask the Doc. EXACTLY what he's doing and voice your concerns. Ask lots of questions and get him to give you answers - it's your leg and future mobility at stake here after all.

As for me, having got my cast off 2 days ago and having almost no flexion in my knee, I can now bend it to 35 degrees with no problem.

I try and keep it working all day, constantly flexing and straightening it. I also massage the knee and wound site with moisturiser three times a day and this seems to really help.

tmalilay77 - keep working on lifting the leg and tensing those muscles - you will see changes if you work at them.

Keep working and take care

Nick

EAL

20-01-2007, 03:37 AM

Hello everyone, hey only 4 more days until my cast comes off.
Norbert, thanks for sharing about the sweaty leg and yes the mind does play tricks. My OS sent me home with a full leg cast almost three weeks ago and told me to discard of the crutches and go full weight bearing as much as I can tolerate. He also said to do straight leg lifts and side lateral raises everyday. He did not give me a specific number, but #4 is my favorite number so I have been doing sets of 16 reps or 4 sets of 4. Some days it is sore, but tolerable. I have also been doing ankle dorsi-flexion while laying on my back in bed. This also fires your quad muscle which helps stretch out the knee or at least the scar tissue around the knee.

I agree with Norbert write down questions and talk to your doctor about your concerns.

It will be almost 5 weeks post op (33 days next Tuesday, January 23) when I get my cast off and I feel that I am ready to start PT.

Well good luck with everyone, have a great weekend and I will keep you posted on my progress.

EAL

Rob N

20-01-2007, 02:09 PM

FinFan:
In my view I think you need the brace for a while, even if it is set to 90 degrees (although I would start at 30 to 45 at first). You paid for the brace, so you should have the option to use it for a bit. It might be second opinion time (or see if your rehab agrees with the doc's decision).
I suspect your doc was trying to make sure that the patella was loosened up a bit and not stuck to surface skin, etc when aggressively massaging your knee. My physio had me shift the patella "gently" back and forth between my thumbs a few times a day to likely accomplish the same thing as your doc with less drama.
Using your hands to start bending the knee for range of motion is standard stuff (see my earlier description of passive physio). 10 weeks in a brace is not unreasonable (I used it for at least 12 weeks- but I had major atrophy since my surgery was 5.5 weeks post-injury as well as having a hamstring graft).
Rob N

EAL

21-01-2007, 05:15 AM

FinFan:

My wife was doing some research on this type of injury the day before my scheduled surgery. She found an article from 2001 or so? Any who, I remember that the standard protocol for post-op was wearing a brace/full leg cast for 4-6 weeks. Then start PT. The article also talked about some OS' being very aggressive and having some patients only wearing the brace for 4 weeks. As I mentioned in my previous reply, I am scheduled to get my cast off next Tuesday, which would be 33 days post-op or 2 days before 5 weeks. Furthermore, I do expect to be in a brace for at least 2 weeks after, probably set to 30 or 45 degrees. Everyone's body responds to this procedure differently. I agree that you should be wearing a brace for at least a couple more weeks, but again this article stated any where from 4-6 weeks.

Just an additional 2 cents,
EAL

Sandram

21-01-2007, 10:06 AM

Rob N

21-01-2007, 11:49 AM

Just another update (Rob N). I met with my kinesiologist today and we started formalizing some light mobility drills into a program I am only to do 1 to 2 times per week to let my body build up between sessions (10.5 months postop).
Consists of: -Skipping: 2 mins double legs, 1 minute single legs, 2 minutes double leg (I need to make sure I am landing mid (ball of) foot as softly as possible absorbing landings fully with body straight up).
-4 corners drill - jog forward, low basketball slides sideways, back pedal, low slides to start pt.
-Fast walking lunges (6 to 10 sets). Picking up the pace in 6 long lunges driving forward with my rear foot into the next lunge and then breaking into a light jog after the last lunge for four or five steps (gradually building up the running speed and staying tall for the running steps).
-quick switch - in plank (pushup) position with head down a bit and shoulders rounded up (either holding the Bosu in both hands or hands on ground) - one leg forward and one back - then pushing up on floor to switch forward leg back and rear leg forward (repeat multiple times).
-split leg scissors - starting standing with legs slightly uneven separating legs forward and back on mat, hop up (that's key) doing scissors alternating forward and back leg (10 times on mat). Small gap between legs to start and then gradually expand.
-5 hops deep double leg hops up/down on bosu/mat ending with 10 second balance on 1 leg.
-Jumping on mat or bosu with 2 legs (hop scotch feet together and then slightly apart) ending with one leg on last hop (alternating single leg) 1 set of 10 -part 2 is ending with single leg and doing a single leg squat 1 set of 10.
-deep lunges with forward foot landing on bosu and powerfully pushing back off the front foot.
-I was advise to concentrate on mid-foot (ball of foot) striking (rather than heel or full foot landings- also fully absorb landing shock with legs before pushing off again)- use leg power to control movements (generally I have to keep it methodical slow). Trying to gradually get back the quick release power in my leg (that fast snap in muscle reaction when pushing off).
Rob N.

Norbert

22-01-2007, 12:37 AM

I am 7 weeks post op today. My tendon separated from the patella and was reattched with stitches through three holes drilled into the knee cap. My knee was kept straight for 6weeks using a portable cast. Started PT this week and it has not been bad at all. No pain. They have started me off doing mild exercises to stretch the tendon and build up my quads. Already have 110 deg ROM. I hope everyone's PT goes as well as mine has so far. I write this as encouragement to those with casts still on.

Sandram

We have almost the same story, I am 8 weeks post op. for the exact same injury as you.

My cast came off last week and I can get about 50 degress passive ROM now with no pain. The knee feels very tight after that. It sounds like you are doing really well - keep me posted how you go.

Cheers

Nick

Rob N

22-01-2007, 02:15 AM

Rob N

22-01-2007, 02:32 AM

I (Rob N) am attaching info from a very interesting website that gives sportmetric exercises with visual demonstrations, plus training checklists which should be of interest to those in the training phase of their recovery (ideas to discuss with your physio about what might be useful to work on based on your particular condition).
http://www.drwaltlowe.com/en/cms/?165
Sportmetrics training and log items are at the bottom of that page.
-Protocols for various types of knee rehab including ACL, lateral release, knee arthoscopy, medial collateral ligament, patello femoral, etc are listed at the following website:
http://www.drwaltlowe.com/en/cms/?174
Interesting reading and viewing.
Rob N.

Norbert

22-01-2007, 02:48 AM

Rob

Cheers for the information - very interesting reading.

The tip about regaining ROM is useful too. In the last week from getting the cast off, I have gone from virtually no ROM to at least 45 degrees.

I have yet to get my first PT appointment, and so I will discuss that and the tips you suggest with them then.

It sounds like a sensible way to increase ROM, but I just want to be sure that there are no peculiarities with my injury before embarking on a similar programme.

I'll keep you updated as to how I get on.

Nick

Sandram

22-01-2007, 11:55 AM

Sandram and Nick:
What really seemed to work in regaining my range of motion was to use my hands to pull my lower leg (heel toward buttock while sitting on a flat smooth surface -e.g., bed, floor) in until I reached significant resistance, and then to hold it for 20-30 seconds in that position, before returning the leg with my hands back to straight (3 sets of 10, three times per day). The resistance point gradually moved closer to my buttocks until I regained close to full range of motion (within a few inches - I have been able to retain that range of motion). I also still (10.5 months post-op) do this exercise in the morning when I wake up in bed for a couple of repetitions and when I go to bed at night - just to make sure things don't stiffen up.
Rob N.

Thanks for the tip, Rob. I have an exercise that my therapist has me on like this but without pulling my leg with my hands. Another thing I have noticed since my cast has come off is to be VERY careful going down even gently sloped surfaces. I have had a couple of instances of my bad knee wanting to "go out" on me. I guess once the muscles around the knee are built back up this will get better.
Sandram

FINFAN3DP

22-01-2007, 11:30 PM

Sandram

23-01-2007, 11:36 AM

Ok, here is a stupid question for you guys. When you say degrees, what exactly do you mean? Rob you say I should have it locked at 90 degrees? Right now me or my wife can pick up my knee from laying flat on the couch about 3-4 inches. I don't know how many degrees that is, but it sure doesn't sound like 90. I'm having a real hard time walking without the brace. It feels like it is hyper-extending big time. Thank god for the walker.

Finfan -

The way I understand it is zero degrees would be your leg being straight - like it was in the cast. 90 degrees would be like sitting in a chair with your foot flat on the floor. Anything over 90 degrees would be your lower leg bent underneath you upper leg. I hope this helps.

My opinion is that you should VERY careful when walking if your knee feels like it's hyper extending. Are you going to be taking physical therapy? If so they will give you exercises that will build your muscles around you knee and should keep your knee from feeling this way. Hope all goes well for you. Keep us posted.

Sandram

Norbert

23-01-2007, 09:41 PM

Guys

I've read on here (and elsewhere) about just how rare an injury RPT is.

I wasn't sure it was, so last week I asked my OS and he sees one of these "once in a blue moon" quantified as about 1 every 18 month to 2 years.

Bearing in mind that he is the knee specialist and consultant orthopaedic surgeon in a major |UK south coast trauma hospital, that indicates just how unusual this injury is!

Puts things into context, eh?

Nick

Petersen

24-01-2007, 07:46 AM

I'm currently 11 weeks post op from a complete patellar tendon repair (Surgery was 11-3-2006). I must say that this rehab is going much better than the one I experienced 5 years ago when I completely ruptured the tendon on my other knee. The tear 5 years ago was in the middle of the tendon. This most recent tear was from the bottom of the knee cap.

Following the surgery 5 years ago, I was braced in the straight position for 8 weeks. It wasn't until I was out of the brace that I started any sort of rehab. Needless to say, rehab was slow (stiffness in the knee, complete quad muscle loss, etc)

With my most recent surgery, I was put on PT after just one week post op. I was given the OK by my surgon to begin flexing with a goal of 45 degrees by week 3 post op and 15 degrees more each week after that. I was pleased that I was able to get to 53 degrees after just one week. I'm currently walking with a just a slight limp and my ROM is almost what it was before the tendon tear (well over 100 degrees)

Per the instructions of my surgeon, I was biking (with resistance), working the eliptical trainer, and squating (with little or no weight) and was doing so with no pain what so ever. All of this rehab was going well with noticable gains up until 1 week ago when I experienced as sharp pain on the side of my knee cap. My therapist checked me over told me not to worry in that I didn't re-tear it, but that I should take it easy for a while. At this point I'm back to just biking until the pain subsides.

EAL

24-01-2007, 11:40 AM

WOW!, Petersen

This is awesome, great to hear such quick progress. I had my cast taken off today and, man is my quad tiny, but I am happy to report that I am now in a brace locked at 30 degrees and with each week increasing it to getting it to 90 degees or better within 3 weeks. I am very excited because its only been 33 days post-op and I am going to start PT in 3 weeks time. I have to say those first couple of steps leaving the OS was a real shocker to me, I almost fell over because my knee got use to being straight.

Like Norbert, my knee is still swollen, but its great to have it out in the open air.

Take care all and I pray for a full and speedy recovery for everyone.

EAL

Norbert

24-01-2007, 07:48 PM

EAL

That's great that you're now out of your cast.

I felt exactly the same as you - those first few steps are crazy, but now a week later and I feel much more confident moving around at home, with the brace off for short periods (to leg my leg get some air).

I can get in and out of the shower with no problem and I have had two baths (luxury!)

The knee is flexing so much more than last week and the swelling is about half as much.

Keep us posted how you are getting on and good luck!

Petersen.

Good to hear your story.

You seem to be doing much better this time around. I have the same injury as you - detachment of the tendon from the lower patella rather than a mid-tendon rupture.

The more aggressive rehab. seems to get people back on their feet quicker.

Where are you based - that seems to have an impact on how aggressive the OS wants to be with the rehab. Here in the UK, it seems to be more conservative.

Take care

Nick

Petersen

25-01-2007, 12:25 AM

I live in Wisconsin, USA. My orthopedic surgeon is specializes in sports - she is the team surgeon for the local professional sports (hockey, soccer, ice skating, etc). After the surgery I was shocked to hear that I would be starting therapy after just one week. As I mentioned, the surgeon who performed my previous surgery 5 years ago didn't start me on therapy for 8 weeks. I was not only dealing with more stiffness (from keeping it straight longer) but also had more muscle atrophy. From what I've heard from my therapist, surgeons around here are starting patients on therapy sooner - to increase blood supply to the area which helps the recovery process. Although everyone is pleased with my progress so far, they have been telling me to not go too fast as I am still at risk of re-injury with a fall or sudden contraction of my quad.

I wish all of you a speedy recovery. After having gone through this twice, I know it is a long and often depressing road to getting back to where you once were. I'm a very active and healthy person, so not being able to do everything I used to is a real drag.

Norbert

25-01-2007, 01:49 AM

Hi Petersen

Did you get full recovery the last time you did this or was there some reduction in the activity level you could manage?

Like you, I was very active and I want to get back to doing the things I was doing before (running, soccer etc.)

As I said before, it seems that the current thinking is early return to rehab. rather than the long (in my case 8 week) wait before commencing PT.

As an aside, I have my fist PT session now booked for 2nd Feb., so in a lot of ways I am looking forward to getting started on that.

You are right though, it can and has been very depressing, but I think you just have to try and keep a positive slant on it and look forward not back.

Nick

FINFAN3DP

25-01-2007, 02:26 AM

My injury occurred 12/14/06, my surgery was 12/18/06 and they discharged me from the hospital on 12/19/06. Doc has given me a prescription to go to physical therapy. However I am holding off a little bit because after my last appt the doc took my brace. I just don't feel confident enough on the walker to go to pt. Am I nuts? My wife is really getting on me about it. He just gave me the script on Thursday 1/18/07. But my knee hurts so bad when I move that I don't dare go to pt. Can you guys tell me what I have to expect when I go to my first appointment? I'm very concerned they are going to re-rupture it. (read concerned: scared) I can only bend my knee very slightly, i can pick it up with my hands about 3 inches off the couch. And my doc will not let me pick up my own foot or put it on the floor. Everytime I have to move it someone has to do it for me. I'm a large, 350lb guy, and I just don't want to rerupture.

FIN

Petersen

26-01-2007, 12:18 AM

I would say that it doesn't quite feel the same as it did before the surgery. It took at least 8-10 months to get to the point where I felt confident enough to resume the sports activities (basketball, baseball) that I was doing before the accident. At times it still aches and I notice that if I go a few days without exercising (biking, running, weight lifting) it seems to ache more. So from that standpoint, I don't think it will ever be the way it was.

FINFAN3DP - I can't believe that your Dr. took away your brace. My Dr. insisted that I wear it for at least 8 weeks whenever I was walking around. Any fall at this point in your recovery could result in a re-tear. With that said, I would highly recommend that you start therapy now. Its going to be painful at first, but in the long run I promise you that you will be better off. I've gone through it twice - the first time my Dr. waited 8 weeks to start therapy and the second time my other Dr. started after just one week. I'm easily 2 months ahead of where I was the last time I went through this. There is patient that goes to the same rehab place as me who suffered the same injury 18 months ago. He is also a large man. He's still struggling with his rehab because he waited longer to start rehab. I would say that I'm further along after 12 weeks than he is after 18 months.

EAL

26-01-2007, 02:04 AM

FINFAN3DP,

I too think that its best to start PT right away. As Petersen and Norbert mentioned before some doctors are more conservative than your doctor. I am sure we all questioned our doctors and second guessed their knowledge & expertise with this type of procedure. Bottom line: This is what they do and even though this is a rare type of injury, they are highly trained professionals. I have been extremely pleased with my doctor's approach. He sent me out of his office confident that I was ready for this next step in this long process. I asked him about PT and he said you are not ready yet. I truly believe him and now its up to me to believe in myself. Your doctor and Petersen's doctor are taking a much more aggressive approach, and recommending PT right away. It all boils down to each injury is different and each doctor is different too.

I am healing quite nicely. I had my straight leg cast taken off this past Tuesday and I am now in a knee brace set at 30 degrees. I have some home exercises that I need to do over the next couple of weeks in order to get my knee from 30 to 90 degrees +. I start physical therapy in three weeks.

Its amazing how the body responds to trauma and I know and believe that the good Lord is the ultimate healer my knee is feeling better every day, Praise the Lord! Tuesday evening after we got home from my OS office we started on the isometric contraction exercises for 1 set of 12 reps at 10 seconds each. (My left quad looks like my calf, so much atrophy) I tell you this was a very painful 2 minutes, but this morning I did my first set of 15 reps for 15 seconds with less pain and much more range of motion.

Take care and God bless you all,

Efrain

PS, I hope my comments do not offend anyone, this forum has been an awesome site for me, I look forward to logging in each morning and reading all your posts. Its encouraging and uplifting to read about everyone's trials, tribulations and progress. This is also a great reference tool as I like to compare my injury and progess with others.

GoVols

26-01-2007, 02:59 AM

Hey All,
I went in to see my OS today (exactly 5 weeks post surgery). The first thing my doctor said to me after "hello" was "pick your leg up straight". With much reservation and a little pain, I flexed my quad for the first time in 5 weeks and lifted my leg straight off the table. His response was "your knee didn't buckle so I see our fix worked". He then told me to bend my knee. I bent it about 10-15 degrees or so before I felt tightness and stopped. After that, he told me to start PT ASAP (I start Monday 1/29) but stay in my brace outside of PT for one more week (making it a full 6 weeks post surgery) just in case I took a spill. At the end of 6 weeks, he said to take the brace off for good.
Finally, he told me to come back in 6 weeks and if I have full (or near full) ROM when I return, he will release me for good to do the strength work on my own. His philosophy is "Once you understand the strength exercises required, there is no reason to pay for someone else to watch you do it". He's obviously assuming I will be diligent, but considering the alternative, I have no doubt I'll make it happen on my own.

FinFan - Besides that fact that you are out of your brace a little earlier then me (I was told to keep it on for the full 6 weeks), your doctor sounds like he has the same philosophy as mine. I feel very confident in my doctor as he is the Chief OS for several Charlotte, NC professional sports teams (including the Charlotte Bobcats NBA Team) as well as Chief OS for a past Olympic Basketball Team (don't remember the year). He also has performed this surgery many times including at least 2 others besides me in the last 60 days. Only you can determine what's appropriate for you but if my experience is any indication, I'd say you're on the right track.

Thanks to all who contribute here and Keep working hard!

FINFAN3DP

26-01-2007, 04:35 AM

So what will they do to me on my first visit to PT?

Petersen

26-01-2007, 08:12 AM

My first trip to therapy was not painful at all. For the first 10 minutes, my therapist did nothing more than massage the incision. This was something she did to start every session as a way of warming up my knee and also of breaking up any scar tissue that was forming. For me, this was the best part of therapy. At first I was concerned that my incision would be too sensitive for anybody to touch - but that wasn't the case. In fact, in later therapy sessions, she really got to massaging it very hard - which to many may sound painful (and strange at the same time), but it really felt good. The other thing she had me do was to lay flat on my back on the therapy table with both legs extended. I would then slowly slide the heal of my bad leg towards me - to see how far I could bend my leg. I would bend it as far as I could (yes it was not comfortable) and hold it in that position for as long as I could and then slowly straighten it back. While it was bent, she would use some sort of slide rule to see what angle I was at.

For a while (because my leg was so weak) I actually had to sit up and place both hands under my knee and lift it in order to get it to bend. Even though I only went to therapy twice per week, I still did this from home at least 3 times per day. But when I would do this exercise at home, I would lay on the floor with my feet flat against a wall and a yard stick parallel to my bad leg and perpendicular to the wall. That way, when I would bend my leg and slide my heel back, I could see how many inches away from the wall I was able to slide my heel. For example for the first day or so, I could only get my heel 9'' away from the wall. However the next day, I was able to slide my heel 10'' away from the wall, etc. I continued to do this at least 3 times per day, making it my goal to increase 1'' per day. Some days I was able to increase it by 1 inch, other days it was 2-3 inches. Doing this everyday (3X per day) eventually got me to the point (after at least 2 weeks) where I could sit on the edge of the bed and let my leg hang off the bed - letting the force of gravity bend my knee for me.

Another exercise was to lay on the floor with my leg straight and to flex my quad as tight as I could and hold it as long as I could - doing this for 10-20 reps at time - 3-4 times per day.

FINFAN3DP

26-01-2007, 09:50 AM

OK, thanks. But I don't know what they are going to do with me because I am still under orders not to lift my own leg. Someone has to lift it up and down for me, whether i'm getting up from the chair or sitting down, someone always has to be holding my leg.

I guess I'm not understanding how you can go from 1" to 2". I mean I can lift my with my hands about 3" and have been able to do that for a week or two. But that's it! I can't go any further or the pain in my knee is unbearable.

Petersen

26-01-2007, 02:44 PM

What I'm referring to is an exercise where I would sit on the floor, facing the wall with my legs straight and my feel flat against the wall. I would then slide my heel away from the wall (bending my knee) and see how many inches from the wall I could get my heel. My personal goal was to get my heel at least 1-2 inches further away from the wall each day.

Norbert

27-01-2007, 12:10 AM

Petersen

That's a good measure of how far/well you are progressing.

I tried it today, and from the wall, the good leg can get to 45cm away and the bad leg 89cm, so still a way to go, but I'll update you all how I go.

Nick

Rob N

27-01-2007, 02:21 PM

Fin Fan:
Based on the string of postings I have just read and what you are saying about your current state, I agree with the others that it is advisable for you to keep your brace on with I suggest no more than a 30 degree flex while your knee is in such a fragile state. Best to start gradual and you can then work your way toward 90 and beyond based on the advice of your physio or doc. Get yourself into physio as soon as permitted. You will likely only start passive range of motion exercises to start building a bit of flex in your knee. Don't wait, because your knee needs the exercises so it doesn't just lock up straight.
Unfortunately in some cases physio does equal some pain, but if you make sure you write down the exercises from your physio and perform the sets multiple times per day (as per the physio's instructions) you should start to make gains. Remember to log each set in a book to chart your progress. Your physio will measure your range of motion.
You may wish to look in the early parts of the website for the passive exercises that I laid out in detail to give you a sense of the types of things you may be asked to do. Don't be dismayed that your doc doesn't want you lifting your leg off the ground. As indicated by others, I also had the experience that the doc post-op asked me to lift a straight leg off the table just to check and see that the tendon was holding (I was not allowed to do this at any other time for the first 7 weeks). All of the passive exercises to build ROM were generally done with my heel on a slidy board while I sat on a couch or with my heel on the ground while sitting on the floor.
Stay positive. Get yourself into physio. Most of the exercises you should be able to do at home on your own. You just need the physio to lay out the routine, show you the technique, and to periodically update the routine.
Keep believing. It will take a long time, but it is worth the effort.
Rob N

Rob N

29-01-2007, 04:32 AM

Water Training:
My kinesiologist recommended that I start doing some mobility work in the pool. I try to get in their once or twice per week. The technique for water running involves following:
-Standing straight up with room for a fist between your chest and chin.
-Shoulders back and down.
-elbows at 90 degrees.
-Cup hands.
-buttocks squeezed together and slightly tucked under (pelvic tilt). Pull abs tight.
-Keep torso tall and upright position.
-Hips below torso and bum in.
-slightly point toes.
Movement
-leg movement pushes your body up on top of the water.
-pumping of the upper body brings you forward.
-wear water belt that is snug to your waist.
Warm up with shallow running, side steps, switch directions 5 mins
10X4 sets with 30 second rest, working down to 10 sec rest.
-Do some deep water running and shallow.
Rob N

FINFAN3DP

30-01-2007, 07:41 AM

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Well, I had my first visit with the PT today. Wasn't bad at all. The guy is pretty kewl and he says he won't do anything to hurt me... We'll see. (of course I told him ahead of time that he had pretty nice teeth and it would be a shame should something happen to them!) He says they are a very laid back place and like to be easy going. He doesn't understand quite why my doc won't let me lift my own leg yet. He also said he is going to call him to find out what he did in my surgery and how he should proceed. He had me bend my knee as far as I could and took a measurement. He said I am currently able to bend it 29 degrees. He wants me to come back three times a week, which I think is a little much. He was concerned that I wasn't wearing a brace, and I told him that the doctor confiscated it so he said he would ask him about it and see if they should get me one. The biggest suprise was my weight. I think that when I went in for surgery they weighed me in at 169 on their metric scale. I'm told that this is 370lbs. My wife thought they said 159 which would be 350lbs. I got on the scale at pt today and i weighed 341. I feel as though i have lost a lot of weight since I've been sitting here. My wife doesn't. So when I go to the docs this week I will ask them what they had me down at. We will see who is right. Again, thanks to all you guys for the great advice.

EAL

30-01-2007, 10:02 PM

Hi everyone,

Fin Fan: Happy to hear that therapy was not too painful. The weight loss is pretty common. I too lost about 6lbs. Our legs are the largest muscle group and the atrophy alone can cause a dip in your body weight. Furthermore, for the first few weeks of my post-op I was not eating a lot and I did not do any upper body weight training. Once I started weight training approx 3 weeks post op I got my appetite back and gained back about 4lbs.

Although last night was one of those depressing night's, overall I am extremely pleased with my progress. I spoke with my OS yesterday and he asked how I was doing with my isometric leg extensions. I told him that its at about 50 degrees which sounds pretty good after only being in a brace for one week.

That being said, Please pray for me and wish me luck, tonight my wife and I are going to take my brace from 30 degrees and lock it into 50 degrees.

Only two more weeks for me before I start PT.

Have a great day everyone and I want to lift you all up and keep you encouraged. I was down last night, but with the power of prayer and my wife's support I got through it. Some days can be quite depressing, but we all have to work through it.

Take care,

EAL

EAL

31-01-2007, 01:34 AM

FINFAN3DP

31-01-2007, 02:36 AM

EAL: The depression sucks, I know. The thing that I found that helped me was to just let go. I figure, ok I'm stuck here not being able to do anything, so why not enjoy myself. I've been watching alot of tv, playing games on the computer, joking with my mom (she comes and hangs out with me). Then I try and think about GOLF!!! My main objective is to be ready for GOLF! I started playing in a league last year and I'm hooked. I want to be ready for league the end of April. Doc says I will be able to play, PT says it will be close. I also try to think of the people that are less fortunate then me. People that can never go out of the house at all and then I realize that I don't have it that bad. Someone on this board told me when I was all depressed "this to will pass" and I think that's a good motto to live by. Before you know it this nightmare of an injury will be behind us all and we will only have good things to look forward to.

One question for you, has your doc told you to adjust that thing on your own? As I've stated before, my doc took away my brace, so I don't have one. I'm a huge believer in not doing anything unless the doc says so. I would hate to see you rerupture and have to start all over again.

EAL

31-01-2007, 04:47 AM

Thanks Fin Fan for your encouragement and putting it all in prospective. My faith in God as well as my wife keep me motivated and staying optimistic about this injury. However, I am human; therefore what I struggle with is that I am a professional personal trainer/sports performance trainer and not being able to do what I love and to provide for my family financially does take its toll.

I also believe in, "this too shall pass" I keep myself busy and workout my upper body 3-4 times a week, of course with lots of modifications, but something is better than nothing.

My OS told me to adjust the brace every week. I am in my 6th week of post-op and he is in between conservative & agressive. He had me last week at 30 degees and move up to 50 degees this week and God willing 90 degees next week, which is a week before I start PT. My OS is a fantastic doctor and he knows exactly what to recommend for my situation, he always ends our conversations, with "I would not tell you to do something that I do not believe you are ready for" This assures me that I am progressing everyday. Well I too have been watching more TV than I typically do, I just finished watching pretty much all of the Superbowl media day.

Take care and thanks again for your encouraging words.

EAL

Norbert

31-01-2007, 05:09 AM

Hello again all,

Norbert: Just checking in with you. You are about a week ahead of me so I wanted to know if you are comfortably and confidently walking around at 90 degrees yet? You mentioned last week that you have started to walk around without the brace for short periods of time. I feel that after doing my isometric knee flexions that I could try it, but of course not that confident yet. My leg still kinda buckles when the quad fires and it kinda still shocks me a bit. Furthermore, I cannot believe the difference in the range of motion when I first walk around putting the brace back on after these exercises. Its a huge difference.

Thanks,

EAL

Hi EAL

Hope you are getting on OK.

I am now 10 weeks post-op and my brace is set at 30 degrees. I have my first PT session this Friday (2nd Feb.) and I am really looking forward to getting started.

In the meantime, I take the brace off at home - firstly wearing it all day and night except for showers was making my leg very sore, and secondly, I got easily to 30 degress within the first week (I have now had the brace for two weeks).

When at home, I take it off and sit on the couch with my leg at a comfortable angle to the floor.

Then I bring it back about 5mm and let the tendon stretch just a little bit - hold this for a minute or two and then relax it out. I do this for a few goes and then let it relax out.

I have measured the progress, and last Friday I could get my good leg to 45cm from the wall against which I sit (on the floor, back to the wall with a tape measure out between your legs - slide the heel of your foot torwards the wall and see how it measures on the tape), and the bad leg 89cm. Now the bad leg is up to 79cm, so that's a 10cm improvement over 5 days.

I am taking it very slowly, but I feel that I am making progress and am being careful not to go too far too fast.

I massage the knee and the scar tissue twice every day for 10 to 15 minutes and this is really helping break down the scar tissue. I also apply something called "Bio-oil" to the scar twice a day. You can get it from pharmacies and it really helps reduce the scar line. I have had it recommended by lots of people who say it is great.

I reckon I can now get 90 degrees bend - but I will have to wait until this Friday to get the "official" line from the Physio.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Take care mate

Nick

FINFAN3DP

31-01-2007, 11:19 AM

2nd Day of PT today. 29 degrees yesterday, 48 today! PT was very happy that he was able to see it go that far in just one day. I'm concerned that we are going too fast.

EAL

01-02-2007, 12:47 AM

Fin Fan:

You doubled your range of motion, awesome! I too was a bit scared yesterday after we increased the range of motion on my brace, but I was very happy when I walked around after doing a set of exercises. It was very flexible and I felt more comfortable walking. The swelling has gone down some too as I am able to flex the knee more.

The PT's I have worked with in the past approached the injury very conservative. They will continue to work on your range of motion before throwing you into strengthening exercises.

Take care and good luck with your continued progress.

EAL

FINFAN3DP

01-02-2007, 06:02 AM

Saw my doc today. Man did he hurt me! He had me put my legs off the side of the table and he held on to my leg and let it drop slowly a ways then picked it up. He continued to do this until I started crying because the pain hurt so much. Then he told me to let my leg weight into his hand, sit up and breath and he would pick my leg back up. Once i did this he lifted my leg back up. My 60 year old mother took me today, and when she saw her 39 year old son cry she started crying. Had she not been there, i'm not sure he would have let my leg up. I understand he's only doing this for my own good, but man it really hurt today. Even the PT isn't this bad. He also now has me bending my knee when walking with the walker. I've got the ice on it now big time. Hopefully whatever he did will start to feel better soon and I will be able to bend it almost as far on my own. I'm just not very good with the pain. But he knows that I admit it, so you would think he would be a little gentler, but i guess not. I did find out that he used to work for the NY Jets, and I happen to have a big Miami Dolphins Tattoo on my other leg that he has seen so I'm guessing that maybe he likes seeing a Finfan in pain. :)
EAL: Nothing conservative about my doc. Be thankful that you have a brace. He is not giving me another one. I was so afraid he was going to take away my walker today. He would have had to fight me for it though. He did say I could go back to work on 2/19 though! I'm happy about that cuz everyone is gunning for me and I really need to get back.

dWood

01-02-2007, 08:54 AM

keep up the positive attitude...haven't posted in awhile but been good progress..dual patellar tendon rupture on Aug 9th 2006-so feb 9th wil be 6 months..haven't gone to physical therpay in about 3 weeks but my therapist has acually worked out at the gym with me a few times...squatiing 235 X 13 reps ,riding the bike like I am trying to win the Tour de France(5 mins before workout and 10 after) walking up stairs prety solid-going down still tough..started lateral work and some sled pulling-feeling ok am back up in bodyweight for highland games competition and hope to be back on thefiled in Aug(1 year post op)..peace out fellow friends

EAL

02-02-2007, 01:07 AM

Dwood:

great post. I am so happy to hear about your tremendous progress. This is very encouraging. You have bounced back from both tendons being ruptured and the majority of us are only dealing with one. I feel very inspired by reading your update. Its 6 weeks today post-op and I am able to get about 60 degrees on my iso leg flex exercises. I will be starting PT in 2 weeks. After reading everyones previous posts I know the process is going to be long, painful and very challenging. However, its important to set goals as you mentioned returning to highland games competition and finfan also wants to be able to play in his golf league. I too have set a short term goal to be able to return to work by March 1 and looking down the road to getting back on the football field by next September, which would put me at 9 months post op. I would love to hear about more goals as this will keep us all motivated.

Take care and God bless you all!

EAL

Norbert

02-02-2007, 04:13 AM

That's good news about your progress dwood!

EAL - only 6 weeks post-op and you can get 60 degrees! That's great - you must be pleased with your progress too!

I have my first PT tomorrow, so I'll update you with my "official" flexion range tomorrow after the appointment.

As for goals, my goal is to run the Great South Run this year - in late October.

I did it last year (one month before my injury) and raised over £500 for the lifeboats here in the UK.

It's a 10 mile run and I want to do it again this year - by the time it comes around I will be 11 months post-op, so I think it's do-able.

I also want to get back to playing 5 a side soccer - 6 months post-op may be a good place to start as a goal, we'll see ...

Take care all.

Nick

Norbert

03-02-2007, 12:45 AM

Guys

Here's my update.

I had my first PT session today.

With the physiotherapist, we went through the injury in detail and what I hoped to achieve during recovery and thereafter.

The OS had told them to "give gentle ROM within the brace".

This is where the fun started, as although the brace is set at 30 degrees, without it, I can get 90 degrees ROM (or thereabouts).

The PT didn't want to push outside of what the OS instructed and so we concentrated on exercise to build the quad and stretch the calf and hamstring.

I have a note for the OS who I see next Wednesday (7th Feb.) asking for instructions as to what he wants bearing in mind I can already get 90 degree passive ROM.

I'm not sure whether this is good or bad!!!

Good that I can already get 90 degrees, but bad in that we didn't get far today.

My next PT session is now next Wednesday 7th Feb. as well.

I'll update then.

Nick

FredO

03-02-2007, 02:48 AM

I have read almost ALL of the threads about RPT, and I am very incouraged to have information about how all of the experiences seem to be simular. Vicoden ramifications, frustration with crutches, lack of independence, frustration with velcro brace, difficulty with stairs, sleeping in a brace, and the potential pain from the physical therepy.

I see my doctor today, six (6) week after the surgery. I have a few questions that maybe some of you can provide a comment, for me. Is a Jacuzzi/hot tub a good therepy, since everyone is talking about "icing" the knee? At what point can you again drive a car? I am an avid golfer, does anyone know how long it might be before I can get back to hitting balls. That will require balance (no cane), bending the knee and a few other variables, but in general can I get some guesses, suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks for you support ...

FINFAN3DP

03-02-2007, 07:54 AM

4th PT session today and i'm at 60 degrees. Much better then I could have ever thought. Also, I sat in the front seat of the car today!!! Wow, couldn't believe it.

FredO: I've been told by my PT that moist heat is good for before you stretch it and then icing is good when you are done. I'm also told that I should be ready for my golf league when I start in mid to end of April. The driving would depend on which Pattellar Tendon you did in. Mine is the left so now that I can get in the front seat, I think i'll be driving again in no time.

Rob N

03-02-2007, 03:24 PM

FINFAN:
I'm glad to hear that you and the others are making good progress recovering. Be patient. Whenever you think you are at a new threshold in progress, take a deep breath and give yourself several more weeks to strengthen up some more so you can be sure you are actually there (before pushing for more progress). Even the most aggressive studies I have looked at don't suggest returning to normal activities within the first 6 months. As I mentioned to FredO, my surgeon indicated that I needed 75% on the biodex before I can golf. Don't be disappointed if you end up golfing late summer, fall or even next season. What matters is that you end up golfing when it is safe for you to do so. What is disappointing is returning too soon to activity, screwing things up and never being able to golf again. Be careful and safe. Go with the doc and physio's advice. That's the best we can do.
Rob N.

Norbert

03-02-2007, 08:00 PM

Rob

You are much further along the patch than the rest of us and are a voice of sense and reason.

It is easy to get carried away and think that you can beat all the time estimates (me included) but I think we all need a reality check now and again just to keep us on the straight and narrow.

I didn't realise just how rare and serious an injury this is. My surgeon sees about one every two years and neither of the physios I saw yesterday had ever seen an RPT before.

My view now is to set lots of small sensible goals and achieve lots of small things rather than one large goal you either don't get to or try too hard and put yourself back.

I felt a bit disappointed yesterday in that my first PT session didn't achieve that much (apart from three strengthening exercises to do at home), but then I realised that my OS expected me to moving to 30 degrees by this stage, when in fact 90 degrees is nearer the mark.

One thing I am concerned about and which I will check this week, is that neither the OS or the PT has checked my ROM against the good leg yet - I only have an estimate of where I started and where I am now.

As for a Biodex test, I'll ask about that too.

Take care all

Nick

Rob N

04-02-2007, 02:16 AM

Nick:
Once your surgeon declares that your tendon is fully, then it is an excellent idea to get a biodex test. The biodex test will set the baseline for your leg strength that you can measure your strengthening progress against (both in terms of measuring uninjured vs injured leg strength at each test, and comparing your injured leg against the original baseline).
Don't get discouraged if you test well below 50% for quite a while. There are a number of factors that may affect your result - especially the level of atrophy in the vastus medialas section of your quad (and for me, the huge jump in strength in my uninjured leg when I started training largely likely due to it compensating for my injured leg during my road bike rides). The biodex gave me the knowledge that I needed to start starving the good leg of resistance exercises (doing all single leg exercises wherever possible) to start to balance things out. For example, I did single leg hamstring exercises until the 8.5 month post-op point where my injured leg surpassed the ham strength of my other leg, then I switched back to 2 leg ham exercises and it tested within 2% at the last test (I had a hamstring graft). Now I am still concentrating in bringing back the quad strength to a similar point so I can switch back to 2 leg. Gradually you add in the mobility training and pool stuff. A couple of sessions with a kinesiologist is worth the money to keep your training planning in gear and to get pointers on proper technique (using exercise ball, weights, in the pool, etc). I meet up with the Kines about every 4-5 months for an hour and just exchange e-mails as I modify the training plan based on the progress made. During the early phase of recovery that you are in, focus on range of motion and not having any set backs. The strength stuff will come down the road. Range of motion is crucial. I can't emphasize it enough. Do all your exercises multiple times per day as per your physio, log it in a book so you don't skip any sessions and you can see your progress. Be patient, you have to do the passive stuff first before you get to the more aggressive training later.
Rob N.

Penn Q

04-02-2007, 02:20 PM

Hello all,

I ruptured my patella tendon on Jan. 13 in a pickup game of bball in the neighborhood with my son. Someone jumped and kicked my knee in just the "right" spot and popped the patella tendon. I did not hear the pop, but others did, and i knew then that something was wrong when I looked down at my knee at it would not straighten and the PAIN that i felt. I thought I hade felt pain before, but NOTHING like this. :eek: I had the surgery on Jan 26th and it has been an ordeal (physically and mentally) Sitting on the recliner in the Zimmer brace popping pain meds and having everyone doing for me the things that I can't do. It really sucks. I am usually a fairly active guy and it really wears on me. I did not even have the will to attend my son's wrestling match today and it really tore me up inside. 9 more days and I get the staples removed. That would be great!! Before tonight, I really did not realize how rare, painful, and serious this injury is and thanks to this forum, I see that I am not alone. It is difficult to talk with friends and family, even my wife about how demoralizing and depressing it feels to be so immobile. As painful as the rehab sounds, I am looking forward to it. It will be hard to be patient, but I am definitely motivated to begin therapy when the green light goes off. I look forward to reading these posts when I am feeling down about this leg.

Rob N

04-02-2007, 02:44 PM

PennQ:
It is good to see that you received your surgery reasonably fast and are now on the recovery side of the curve. Yes, you will have to depend on your care givers for a while and put your normal life on hold. However, try to make the most of the situation to spend some time with family and friends and do some reading, watch some movies, etc to keep your mind sharp and recharge/relax mentally. Use great care to ensure that you don't tear any of your surgeons fine work, especially in the period leading up to the shiny, but swollen new tendon being fully healed. I didn't find the staples to be painful when they were taken out. Make sure they pull all of the stitches if you have a few. Hopefully you are on a coated aspirin per day for the first couple of weeks to minimize chances of a blood clot and always keep everything clean to prevent infection. Be especially careful going to the bathroom at night. A small night light in the hall helps and keep your crutches handy near your bed. Try to make sure you are awake enough to safely make the trip. Hook the foot of your uninjured leg under your injured leg's ankle to help you lift/support your leg back into bed. A couple of pillows at the foot of the bed may help with comfort. Sorry, but you will probably end up sleeping on your back for a while. Stay positive. Be kind to your caregivers and work hard at your physio when it starts. With a little luck, great care and patience, it will all work out okay. The members of this site are happy to answer whatever questions you may have. This is the toughest phase you are going through right now, but be assured that it gradually gets much better.
Rob N

Norbert

04-02-2007, 08:40 PM

Hi Penn

Welcome to this rather exclusive club!

It's the sort of place where you didn't know it existed, having found it, rather wished that you didn't have to be here, but seeing as you have to be here, find that it's a great comfort to you in the early days and will provide lots of help and encouragement along the way.

I know exactly where you are coming from. I ruptured my patellar tendon on 21st Nov playing soccer (or football as we old-fashioned Brits like to call it :D ).

To me, it was a devastating injury. I was very active and ran every week, played football twice a week and went to the gym.

I felt like all the walls had collapsed around my ears, but believe me, it WILL get better.

The early days are hard, but things do get better. I am now 11 weeks post-op, my leg is out of the cast and although I have a brace which is set to 30 degrees, the leg will bend quite happily to 90 degrees.

Rob is right, try and make the most of your "down-time". For me, I designed a website for my football team - I couldn't play, but I could do something for the team (have a look at www.tdc-fc.co.uk (http://www.tdc-fc.co.uk)).

I have resigned myself to the fact that I may not play 11 a side football again, so I have signed up for the official FA Referee course, so that I can still have some involvement in the game. If I can play too, well that's a bonus!

When the time comes to get moving again, do all you can to help your recovery.

For me, I massage the knee twice or three times a day.

If you can get it, buy some "Bio-oil" from the pharmacy - it reduces the scar considerably. Massage some vitamin E gel into the scar (buy the capsules from the supermarket and cut them open to squeeze the gel out). Get some moisturiser cream, and work that into the knee - it really helps soften the skin up and break down the scar tissue.

Once you start physiotherapy, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep positive and you will come through this.

Take care of yourself and keep us posted on how you are getting along.

Nick

Norbert

04-02-2007, 08:45 PM

Rob

Thanks for the information.

I will take that on board when I see the OS on Wednesday and ask for the Biodex. It seems essential to me to know where we are starting from and where we have to get to - this seems the way to do it.

You're right too about getting the ROM back first and then the strength (although some of my mates will say that I didn't have any of the latter to start with ...)

My PT has got me working on the Vastus Medialas at the moment and even after a few days, the exercises are becoming easier and I can see a small improvement - so that's a definite plus!

As you so rightly say, I am religious about doing everything I have been told, the right number of reps. and the proper number of sessions a day. It's the only way things will get better.

Take care and I'll let you know how I go on Wednesday with the OS and PT.

Cheers

Nick

dazza

05-02-2007, 01:15 PM

hi all

well i feel like ive known some of you for months now having just read all these posts, it certainly has helped me to understand and come to terms with what ive done to myself.
I joined this exclusive clup on australia day this year (26/01/07) while playing cricket, simply running to intercept the ball i felt a snapping sensation in my knee, like a rubber band breaking, and fell to the ground like a sack of you know what. a short ambulance ride later the doctors at the local hospital confirmed that i had ruptured my patellar tendon and was booked in for surgery at the nearest 'proper' hostpital on 30/01/07.
coming out of surgery, i was told that it all went well, and that they had used some sort of wire to help support the tendon which will have to be removed later. i have a brace which is locked at 20 degrees, was told that they usually do a cast but as i have a large leg that the brace was a better option, which im glad of cause i can massage my leg. am due to go back to the docs on 07/02 for assesment and am anxious as to the outcome of that.
can anyone tell me, did you suffer from 'leg twitches' in the time after surgery??
On the friday after the op, every time i started to fall asleep my bad leg would twitch violently causing extreeme pain in that knee, resulting in no sleep at all.
Also one other question (for now), im due to be flying down south (3 hrs) in 4 weeks time for my brothers wedding, anyone know if im likely to be able to??

Anyway, thanks for reading my story and i look forward to hearing from you soon

cheers
dazza

EAL

06-02-2007, 12:21 AM

Dazza:

It seems like you are having some muscle spasms. Furthermore as Nick (Norbert) mentioned a couple of weeks ago your mind plays tricks on you. I was in a cast and for weeks it felt like my suture sight was bleeding. Just stay positive and continue to the pain meds when it is necessary.

Thanks for Rob for your great posts, there is so much work ahead for all of us, but I am staying positive and looking forward to PT and rehab. I am almost at 7 weeks post-op and I feel very fortunate to be where I am. My brace is set at 50 degrees and this morning after my first set of iso quad flex exercises I estimate it to be at about 75 degrees. I have not tried to sit in a regular chair.

However, I do have a question for all ahead of me. When does the tightness begin to go away? I believe that this is what is keeping me from even attempting to sit as Finfan is doing now and at 60 degrees, YEAH! I feel great for about 15 minutes after doing my exercises, but then the leg tightens up and gets really stiff and although the brace is set at 50 degrees, when its stiff I can barely get it to 30-40 degrees. I too massage it for 10-15 minutes a day 3 times a day, but it still gets stiff.

Thanks all, have a great and blessed day.

EAL

Petersen

06-02-2007, 06:46 AM

Hello all -

Regarding the stiffness......I'm currently 13 weeks post-op and still experience some of the stiffness you have all been describing. Its not nearly to the degree that it was 4 weeks ago, but I still have it. For example, yesterday I did my daily exercises - rode the bike, squats, and lunges. Before all of this, I had basically no stiffness. However, after I was done, I was really sore and stiff. I took some ibuprofen and iced my my knee and by the next day, I was feeling good again. Once thing I've noticed after going through this ordeal twice is that for every 2 steps forward, you need to take one step back. But in the end, you get to where you need to go - it just takes time.

EAL

06-02-2007, 08:31 AM

Thanks Petersen for your always encouraging words. 13 weeks, bike, squats and lunges. As a professional sports performance trainer I am anxious to get back to doing what you are doing. I know everyone is different, but 13 weeks post op, God willing I will be there too in the next 6-7 weeks. I try to walk around for about 5-10 minutes after doing my iso exercises and its amazing how flexible the knee gets. I ice it down and then massage it with vitamin E and moisturizer, great tip I got from Nick. This helps limit the stiffness, but after a while it hits me hard and I find myself having to pay attention to walking and not dragging leg as if I still had the cast on. I know its going to be very hard not to push myself as I like to really get after it, but now more than ever I will have to truly listen to my body and ease back into it.

Well thats all for now, take care and God bless all of you.

E

EAL

07-02-2007, 11:10 AM

Hello all, just wanted to share with you something that got me really motivated today. Of course it will be a long time before any of us can even think about attempting anything half as spectacular as this, but hey its always good to dream.

Keep on working hard and setting goals and we will all get back to doing the things we love to do.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7vL19q8yL54

EAL

FredO

07-02-2007, 11:25 AM

Hello, from California

I spent the required 6 weeks with my leg straight. My quads are gone and my knee is stiff. At PT I was measured at about 45 degrees at the start and NO strength in the quads.

My PT said that when a muscle anywhere in the body is disconnected, due to injury or surgery (which is the first result of the RPT), the muscle looses 40-60% of its strength, and then when the quads sits idle in a cast or brace for the required 6 weeks the quads effectiviness can drop to 10-25%. Now I understand why I need the flexible brace. This brace supports the quads that are unable to support my bodyweight.

By the end of my first session and reaching my stretching and pain limits a couple of times, my PT had my ROM upto 103 degrees and I am now able to concentrate on the recovery of my quads.

The mornings after sleeping without the brace are the WORST. Each morning I seem to have to restart my recovery.

All of your comments and information have been very helpful.
Good luck to all of you and I look forward to your comments ...

Fred O.

Penn Q

07-02-2007, 02:46 PM

Hello All,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am taking any and all progress as positives in my recovery. I am no longer on any pain meds and I am able to stand and actually walk, with partial weight on the injured leg, without the crutches. However, I am afraid to do so. Is this normal? Also, I am forcing myself to remain as positive as I can, given the fact that days seem longer when I sulk in the recliner and flip channels. Today, I actually sat at my desk for about 4 hours and got a little work done and the day moved a lot faster, exactly what I need for the next several weeks.

Again, Thanks everyone.

Penn

FINFAN3DP

08-02-2007, 04:13 AM

Rob; I think i found out what you meant about threshold. At pt yesterday could only go to 65% up just 5%. It seems as if I have hit a wall. The knee just gets to that point and can't go any further. I stand with my walker and lift my knee towards the sky like the doc said and it falls to the one spot and won't go any further. The PT guy put me on a bike yesterday. I can't do a full revolution, can only go half way back and quarter way forward. I am now able to do leg lifts from laying on the table now though. He had me do 30 of them and by the last five I was in pain. He says that it should get easier to do it each day, but you wouldn't know it this morning. It seems as if the one pt guy is trying to push me too fast and the other isn't.
They want me to bring my cain as well as my walker on Thursday, but my knee is awfully wobbley with the cain. I mean I can get around with it, but very gingerly compared to the walker. With the walker it seems as if I can walk more naturally then with the cain. I know my doc is big time against any form of limping and with the cain i'm definetly limping. With the walker, not so much, although my mother would disagree. She is worried that the doc is going to hurt me again when I go back on the 13th, but I'm gonna tell him ahead of time he is not going to do to me what he did last time. If he does, I won't go back to him again and will start shopping for a new doc.

My surgery was on 12/18 and it is now 7.5 weeks from surgery. I would like to see everyones guide on weeks and range of motion. Maybe we could keep track by everyone putting the weeks and ROM at the end of their posts. I'm just wondering where I stack up vs. everyone else.

6 weeks 29%
6 weeks +2 days 45%
6 weeks +4 days 60%
7 weeks +1 day 65%

FINFAN:
I'm glad to hear that you and the others are making good progress recovering. Be patient. Whenever you think you are at a new threshold in progress, take a deep breath and give yourself several more weeks to strengthen up some more so you can be sure you are actually there (before pushing for more progress). Even the most aggressive studies I have looked at don't suggest returning to normal activities within the first 6 months. As I mentioned to FredO, my surgeon indicated that I needed 75% on the biodex before I can golf. Don't be disappointed if you end up golfing late summer, fall or even next season. What matters is that you end up golfing when it is safe for you to do so. What is disappointing is returning too soon to activity, screwing things up and never being able to golf again. Be careful and safe. Go with the doc and physio's advice. That's the best we can do.
Rob N.

Norbert

08-02-2007, 04:16 AM

Here's my update at 11 weeks post-op.

OS is very happy with progress and has opened brace from 30 degrees to 90 degrees.

I can get 90 degrees ROM quite easily now, so now I need to work on getting beyond that and building the strength very slowly up to the 90 mark.

I have to go back to see the OS in 4 weeks, at which time he says that we can ditch the brace (probably).

Not allowed to swim yet, but I can drive again, so that's a result!

PT session this afternoon. I have lots of ROM exercises designed to get the knee joint moving and to strengthen the quad muscles and stretch out the calf and hams too.

Next PT is in two weeks time, so the next update will be then I suppose.

Hope everyone else is doing OK.

Penn

Just keep positive mate. Things look pretty dark where you are now but you will make progress and it will get better. I am at 11 weeks post-op and am walking normally and well on the road to recovery. It takes time to heal up and then you can get started getting back to normality.

EAL

How are you doing?

Hope it is all going well with you.

I have reached 90 degree ROM without too much trouble. How far are you?

PT has started now and we are aiming to get the leg to 120 degrees ROM while building strength in the current range.

Rob

I asked about Biodex tests today at PT and they said "have you got a machine?". When I said "No", they said "neither have we."

You have to chuckle, don't you.

My aim is to find a Physio. with access to one and get on it.

Take care all

Nick

FINFAN3DP

08-02-2007, 04:20 AM

Pen: No sulking allowed! :) Seriously though, i too fought the depression big time. When I finally came to the realization that I didn't have any control over this, I was much better off. I'm now learning alot of useless knowledge watching History, Discovery, and HGTV all the time. (My wife says if she hears the words "Open Floor Plan" one more time I won't have to worry about the pain in my knee! :) ) I'm thinking about making a website about RPT and putting our own message board and chat room. What does everyone think?

Also: As a huge Miami Dolphin Fan with a bunch of friends that are Giants fans, I found out today that we have a line on tickets for the Fins/Giants game to be held in London in October. Anyone know of any nice hotels near the stadium??

FIN

Hello All,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am taking any and all progress as positives in my recovery. I am no longer on any pain meds and I am able to stand and actually walk, with partial weight on the injured leg, without the crutches. However, I am afraid to do so. Is this normal? Also, I am forcing myself to remain as positive as I can, given the fact that days seem longer when I sulk in the recliner and flip channels. Today, I actually sat at my desk for about 4 hours and got a little work done and the day moved a lot faster, exactly what I need for the next several weeks.

Again, Thanks everyone.

Penn

EAL

08-02-2007, 05:32 AM

Hello everyone,

Nick,

Great to hear about your increased range of motion and driving, that is major! I was a little hesitant last night to increase the brace to 70 degrees, but it felt really good after doing a set of iso quad flex's. Moving around a lot better today and did another set this morning. Of course that first one after breakfast is really stiff. Now its hours later and I have been able to sit on the sofa and flex it to about 50 degrees (still not really confident on the sitting, but I am trying a bit more everyday) I am scheduled to see my OS next Tuesday, February 13 and prayerfully I will be able to start PT within a few days after seeing him.

Finfan,

There will be better days than others. 5% is still an increase and you are almost 8 weeks post op. Each day that passes is another day of healing and it decreases the chances of rerupture. Of course this is easier said than done, as you see I wrote above still not "confident in sitting" I will say that I have confidently increased the dumbbell weight of the upper body workout I have been doing since about 4 weeks post op. I have not been given the A OK from my doc to do leg raises so all I am doing is the iso flex's and sitting and bending for about 30 seconds at a time.

I am all for the website.

As far as range of motion goes at

5 weeks 30%
6 weeks 50%
7 weeks (tomorrow) approx 70%

As always God bless you all and keep your head up, this too will pass.

EAL

FredO

08-02-2007, 09:32 AM

I am not familiar with the percentage (%) measurements that are being discussed. My PT uses a protractor with 90 degrees as the starting point.

The second session of PT today helped me get to 105 degrees ROM. After that he had me on the stationary bike for 20 minutes of activity. That activity took almost 50 minutes to accomplish, but I made it to completion.

I would support the web site !

Thanks for your support.

Fred O.

tmalilay77

08-02-2007, 09:50 AM

hey guys, i havn't been on here for a while since my last post. last time i posted something in here.. i was still in my cast w/ 1 1/2 weeks left.. since them i have had the cast taken off, 2nd surgery to take out the wire implanted in my knee last week, and just started rehab this past monday and my next session is tomorrow. As far as ROM, i have no clue how far i am.. but during my first session i wasn't really able bend the knee at all. i worked on the knee all day at home, and was able to get it at about 80 degree's but thats forcing it. moving it on my own would probably be close to 50%. i am able to walk w/ no crutches now, but i do have a slight limp. the leg is still kinda straight when i walk but thats kind of expected. I can bend it slightly while walking.. but you feel the knee tighten up at a certain point. its tough and realized how long this journey is going to be. but hopefully w/ patience i can get through this.
as for everyone else, i hope your progress is going as planned or earlier. and i agree with the website and chat you're planning on making. and all the newly crippled people who are viewing this website, your not alone, dont let the depression get to you, accidents happen, and we have no control on what happen. all we can do is stay positive and strive to heal and progress as fast and safely as we can. keep doing your PT guys, we all know how fun that is.. hahahahahaha

-T

FINFAN3DP

08-02-2007, 11:35 AM

Ok everyone. I have started the site. Check it out and let me know what you think. www.rpt.homestead.com Remember, it's only a start. Let me know what you would like to see added. I'm currently in search of a good free forum for it and will let everyone know when it is done. It has the chat room already up and running. We should schedule a time to chat.

dazza

08-02-2007, 07:23 PM

hello all.

just thought id get back in here and vent my bordom a little.
had my first post op visit with the doc yesterday, 1 week after the operation. personally i felt it to be a complete waste of time as i had to drive for 2 hours to get there then sit in the waiting room for2 hours only to get in to see the doctor and have him look at my staples and tell me to come back in 3 weeks.
So it seems as if here in australia things are similar to what they are in the states as far as rehab times go, from what ive been reading here.
Thanks finfan for starting the website, i look forward to maybe chatting to some of you in there in the future, would be good to talk to someone who knows what im going thru and get some tips and advice

oh well, got 3 weeks on the couch now so im sure ill be posting again soon

dazza

Norbert

08-02-2007, 07:45 PM

Hi Guys

I tried adding my progress chart as a signature, but although it adds it, the posts don't show it. I think the forum administrator must have disabled signatures from posts. :(

Anyway, here's the info. for me:-

RPT 21 Nov 06
Surgical repair 22 Nov 06
Full cylinder - leg in extension until 17 Jan 07
17 Jan 07 Cast removed - leg in brace, locked at 30 degrees until 7 Feb 07
19 Jan 07 - 35 deg ROM
27 Jan 07 - 70 deg ROM
7 Feb 07 - 90 deg ROM

Fin - great work with the website. I'll e-mail you my pics to add! :)

Take care all

Nick

Norbert

08-02-2007, 07:47 PM

Just when I thought it wans't adding signatures and I put the info. in the body of the post, it puts it in the signature too!

Sorry for the repetition!

Norbert

08-02-2007, 10:32 PM

I'm currently in search of a good free forum for it

Fin

Have a look here (http://www.yabbforum.com/) for a forum.

Nick

EAL

09-02-2007, 12:48 AM

Finfan, Great website!

I am so happy to hear about everyone's progress. I am anxiously waiting on starting my PT, today I am at 7 weeks post op. This morning my feels great and there is not as much swelling as there has been over the past couple of weeks. I believe that massaging the surgical site 3 times a day helps tremendously in braking up scar tissue. I have been weight bearing for over 3 weeks now, but still walking with a slight limp. I am sure its a combo of lack strength do to the atrophy in the quad and calf and lack of confidence in me pushing myself a little bit harder. Overall, I am pleased with my progress for being at 49 days from being cut open.

Take care and God bless you all,

E

Army baller

09-02-2007, 01:04 PM

Well for starters let me say it was really comforting to find that i'm not the only one dealing with the same or almost the same type of injury. I am a 32 female in the Army and I was participating in a combatives tournament and me and a young man were sparring. We begin to get physical and we were tangled in each other and then we both crashing down onto my knee. Immediately I felt a pain like no other, and I hopped to my room to compose myself. Tha night I experienced the worst pain in my life. My knee had swollen to the size of a grapefruit and I had taken everything I had in my medicine cabinet to calm my pain. I couldnt go directly to the hosiptal because I was in a military professional development school so that would greatly affect my suspension and having to return and do the time over again, so I called myself dealing with it. Well it didnt work, I went to the hospital and I found out that i had ruptured my tendon in what the Army says slighty and that if I stayed off of it I would be okay. Well that was in September 06. We tired ultrasound, stretching, cortisteroids, everything and its gotten worst. Just yesterday my doctor told me that a recent review of my MRI wasnt good and im scheduled for surgery in the Armys way of saying a rush on the 29th of May. What can I expect? I lift weights on my off time, im a die hard basketball (4 hours a day) player. Whats to expect! Its worst now, and im at the stage of being medically retired. if you have any info on what to expect and deal with the upcoming days please reply. Thanks.

Kris
Army Baller

EAL

10-02-2007, 12:57 AM

Hi Army baller,

THe 29th of May!?, this is a serious injury that requires surgery as soon as possible. Its different if it had been a partial tear, then yes PT and some of the other alternatives you mentioned could have workded, but this has only gotten worse and needs to be repaired by surgery. If possible I would ask for another opinion and try to get your surgery done asap. I do not want to alarm you, but I have done a lot of research on this type of injury and I am sure all the others have too, this is one that the chances of full recovery are greater when taken care of right away. I had my surgery 5 days after rupturing my tendon and others have had it sooner. I think a few even same day.

I and the others are here to help you, we are all in this together.

Take care and God bless,

EAL

Norbert

10-02-2007, 01:23 AM

Hi Kris

First off, welcome to the club! Not sure it's one most people would want to join, but hey, you're here now!

You'll find lots of other people in the same position as you on here - some further forward some a bit behind in terms of recovery. What that does mean is there's loads of information and more importantly, support, so keep in touch.

EAL is right. This is a serious injury (I was told this again by my surgeon only this week) and early surgery offers the best chance of a complete and quick recovery.

In my humble opinion, I would say that 29th May is way too long. From what I've read, most surgeons reckon that 6 days is the limit. After that, it becomes increasingly difficult to get a good repair.

To be honest, I can't think that you have a full rupture - if so you would not be able to straighten your leg from a bent position as this is what the patellar tendon does. Also, you would not be able to bear weight on the injured leg and your patella (kneecap) would have ridden up your leg (mine went "north" by about 2 inches).

It may be that you have partially ruptured it, hence the delay in getting surgery for it. That's only my take on it - I could be (and am probably) wrong!

Check with your Dr. and get them to tell you exactly what you have done and what it means.

If I were you, I'd certainly give the basketball a miss for a while. It is likely to aggravate any injury and makes things worse I'd say. I'd lay off until you at least know what you have done injury-wise.

Keep us posted on what you find out and good luck!

Take care

Nick

Norbert

10-02-2007, 01:29 AM

Also, have a look at this site.

Lots and lots of information here (http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?board=16.0) about RPT.

Have a look at the thread "Ruptured Patellar Tendon Surgery".

Lots of other people on here with experiences to share.

GoVols

10-02-2007, 02:15 AM

Hey Kris,

First of all, relax... Yes, you have had a serious injury to your knee. Yes, it may have been ideal to have it repaired sooner. But remember...

1. It could be worse... For example, I hear an IED can potentially do a heck of a lot more than injure your knee.
2. None of us are doctors (that I know of) so we only know what we're talking about to the extent of our own research and experience. Only your doctor knows for sure the extent of your injury.
3. It is ideal to get surgery on a fully ruptured patellar tendon as soon as possible (due to atrophy) but it doesn't sound like you ruptured it completely as I don't know how anyone could be stretching, lifting weights or playing Basketball with a fully ruptured Patellar Tendon.
4. If you end up having a fully ruptured Patellar Tendon, current thinking is that it is easier to get back to full strength with immediate surgery but there have been advances in this repair (for example, using a hamstring graft) that are greatly increasing the liklihood of you eventually being back in action.
5. It sounds like you're a pretty fit person which will likely make your recovery that much easier.

I agree with the others that you should make sure you fully understand the extent of your injury ASAP so you know whether it's a full or partial rupture. After that, you'll be better equipped to know the best course of action to take.

You've found a great group of folks here on this site that I have found to be both inspriational and informative. Feel free to ask whatever questions you like.

Thanks so much for your service to our country and keep your chin up!
GoVols

Sandram

10-02-2007, 11:50 AM

Just wanted to check in - it's been a while since I've been to this site. Welcome to all the newcomers. Sorry it has to be under these unfortunate circumstances but I think this board is one those "silver linings" I've always been told exists in the dark clouds of our lives. I hope you find this forum to be as encouraging and helpful as I have.

I am 10 weeks post op from my RPT and 4 weeks since the OS let me bend my knee. My PT has gone much better than I would have ever hoped. Today I started doing squats on a "Total Gym", leg curls with weights, and walking at 3 mph on a treadmill for 10 mins. No pain - but my knee was tired after the workout. My physical therapist said I should still be very careful going down grades. Every once in awhile, my knee wants to "buckle under". He told me that as I keep developing all the muscles around the knee this will get better. Toughest exercise is trying to stand on one leg (with the repaired knee) for 30 seconds without holding onto to anything - I was surprised how difficult this was. Of course not sure I could do any better on my good leg.

Good luck to all, I'm pulling for you! - and thanks FINFAN for the great website - BTW I pull for your Dolphins - I'm a big Auburn fan and follow Ronnie Brown's career.

Sandram

Rob N

10-02-2007, 03:56 PM

FIN FAN:
At 7-8 weeks I was only allowed to go to 90 degrees range of motion (I had more flex than that). After that point, it was time to push matters to gradually regain full range of motion. The key exercise was seated on the floor with leg extended straight out on the floor (slidy board under heel) and manually pulling the heel in with my hand toward my rear end. My physio advised me at the resistance point to force it a bit and then hold it for 20 to 30 seconds - before releasing and manually extending the leg back to the straight position. Repeating for 3 sets of 10 three times per day (along with other exercises already noted in this site). Holding your leg against the resistance point was key to gradually building additional range of motion (I had to be a bit brave at times - but get the limits of appropriate bravery by having your physio demonstrate on your leg the appropriate tension before you should stop pulling -discomfort and pain are also things you should pay attention to). To cycle normally, you will generally need 120 degrees range of motion. My doc wouldn't let me spin (no resistance spinning) until I reached that level of flex. I suggest buying a cheap spin bike so you can ride a couple times a day once your flexibility is deemed suitable. Spinning is key to building your range of motion. Yeah, it is horribly uncomfortable to start (even for a competitive cyclist like myself), but the rewards of finally being able to burn a few calories and to gradually build your ROM are worth it.

Try not to measure your progress against the others. Everyone progresses at their own rate (that's what is normal). Just worry about doing the right exercises with proper technique for the appropriate number of sets per day.

We all limp a bit at the cane stage, but it fades very fast. The cane is a good thing since you are close to walking without an aid when you can walk with confidence with the cane. I did laps of the sundeck with the cane. Find your "race" course to do laps on. Start light - but be determined to gradually build. I only used the cane for a week or so. Keep the handle close to your hip for starters for extra support (I always wore the brace).
Your progressing well FIN FAN. Stay upbeat.
Rob N
Canada

Rob N

11-02-2007, 03:46 AM

Army Baller:
There is a high probability that you will need a hamstring graft plus the tendon repair (2 operations done during the same surgery) to put you back together again. You need this surgery absolutely as soon as possible (today or tomorrow!!). The scientific studies I have read suggest that repair becomes very difficult after 6 weeks post injury. I was repaired 5.5 weeks post-injury with both the ham graft and other repair. I have heard of someone locally who was repaired about 8-9 weeks post-op.

Although difficult, I suspect that a good sports medicine surgeon will be able to piece a tendon together with grafts and sutures. The real challenge will be to not tear it (your patellar tendon will be a mushy mess now) and expecially to rebuild your ham and quad (which likely are really wasted/atrophied by now). I suspect that you are looking at 1.5 to 2 years to fully recover, but hopefully you will be at walking pace within 5-6 months post-op.

I hate to say it, but your army docs really let you down by not getting you an MRI right after the injury. You likely have only managed to get by post-op without being in constant agony because the tendon was completely torn (I was pain free - the knee was still grapefruit size and wouldn't slowly extend straight- I could swing it straight with other muscles and walk short distances because my leg was so strong). Unfortunately being in great shape at the time of injury worked against both of us since they just presume it is a partial tear you will get over. The muscle memory from your conditioning and experience training will help you post-surgery rebuild your leg. I will not exaggerate here, the rebuilding process is very difficult (I have put in an average of 18 hours per week in the gym over the last 8 months and I still have a ways to go yet to fully recover (you can see my program on earlier threads in this site).
The surgery is worth it - but you must work hard to recover.
We will help you with any questions. For now, don't take no for an answer and get that surgery done ASAP.
Rob N.

dazza

11-02-2007, 03:25 PM

hi all, just a quick question for you more advanced people, how long was it till you were able to sit comfortably in the front of a car??
Also, once you began your physio, how far were you able to comfortably bend your leg for extended periods of time?
oh, and one other, did anyone master the art of rolling over in bed with the brace on as im going insane sleeping on my back.

dazza

Norbert

11-02-2007, 07:55 PM

Hi Dazza

I could sit in the front of a car when my brace was set to 30 deg. and it wasn't too bad. That was at 8 weeks post op.

At 11 weeks, the brace went to 90 deg and that made it easy in the car - I am even allowed to drive now.

I can now sit with the knee bent at 90 or so degrees OK - went to see Portsmouth in the Premiership last night and sat for 90 minutes OK - just a bit of discomfort, but more that the knee got cold rather than the angle I think.

As for sleeping with the brace, I lie on either side, front or back - it seems to make no difference to me. It may be that my brace is different to yours, so that may have some sort of impact on how you get on with it.

Nick

Rob N

12-02-2007, 12:06 AM

Dazza:
The only position I could sleep comfortably in was on my back for the first 100 days. Yes, it is a challenge to turnover. I grabbed the edge of the bed with one hand and levered off that. The doc set the limits of my leg bending to a considerable degree since I usually could bend it more than I was allowed to. I think it was about 8 weeks before I could sit comfortably in the front of the car. Laying like a beached fish across the back bench of the van was usually more comfortable.

After the first 10 days post-op, the physio had me sitting (e.g., sit on couch with leg fully extended and supported on an ottoman in front of me) with a hard can and soft towel around it under my knee (no more than 45 degree bend) for 45-50 minute periods three times per day for the first few weeks (passive flex).
Rob N

Wildrose132

12-02-2007, 01:27 AM

Hi all, I've been reading your posts over the last several weeks and found it all very helpful, and giving me hope that there is hope for me as well. On December 10th, I was up on a ladder painting the spare room, and when I was stepping down, I thought I was on the next rung to the floor....but two rungs up, and thus fell and landed with my knee smashing into a paint can. Right away I knew I was in trouble, as I could not get up, as I couldn't bend my left knee. Got a drive to emergency with my leg straight out, in the back seat of a car.

Was told I had to have surgery, but the wait list would be five days, and was given a prescription for morphine and sent home to wait. Ended up waiting seven whole days, and by that time I was feeling pretty desperate. After surgery, was admitted to hospital for five days. During that time, the cast was taken off the next day post op, and put in a velco leg brace. Third day the CPM machine was brought in, and they put my leg in it and turned it on to 35 deg, and left me in agony for four hours at a time. I called it the torture machine, so when they sent me home with it, I was scared to use it until I went to physio, and they got me started on it gradually from 35 deg. Now at 9 weeks post op, I can manage 110 deg on the CPM, with the most pull on my hamstrings. So I got an exercise bike to use at home, even though I cannot do a full revolution just yet.

Since I work at a desk job, I decided to go back to work at 6 weeks post op, but that was really too soon, as I was still in a lot of pain, barely able to walk much of a distance, and couldn't drive myself. Now 3 weeks later, I am driving to work, but with difficulty getting in and out of my car. I have to lift my leg in with my hand, and bend it enough to get in.
Previous to that, I had to get a drive in with my husband, and could sit comfortably in the front seat with my leg bent at 90 degs, but with a bit of pain whenever we hit a pothole in the road.

I'm wondering how long it will be before I can walk without a limp, and will this feeling that there is a wad of playdoh or a tight elastic band on my knee, ever go away? I'm normally a very active person, used to going to the gym 2-3 times a week, and now this, but I am trying to think positive.

Sandram

12-02-2007, 04:37 AM

Wildrose -

I ruptured my right patellar tendon in the exact same manner you did - on Dec. 1 - coming down a step ladder thinking I was on the bottom rung when I was actually one higher - lost my balance and, as you said, knew immediately I had messed up my knee bad. The difference for me was that my surgery (luckily) was the next day. I think due to the quick surgery, my recovery has been smoother than what you describe. They kept my knee straight for 6 weeks - no bending at all but I was allowed to put my weight on that leg. When the surgeon had me take the brace off at 6 weeks, I had about 45 deg ROM. A week later I started PT and had 90 deg. After a week of PT (8 weeks from surgery) I was up to 110 deg. Now at 10 weeks I still walk with a slight limp but feel it gets less each week.

Again probably due to my quick surgery post injury, I have been blessed to have very little pain - most likely due to little scar tissue developing.

Best of luck on your recovery - keep a positive attitude and focus on your progress - even if it is slight. It will get better.

Sandram

EAL

12-02-2007, 06:03 AM

Hi all,

Its amazing how we all have the same injury, but our doctor's treatment, recovery and rehab process' are different. I was put in a straight leg cast 12 days post-op, but instructed to do as much weight bearing as I could tolerate. 3 weeks later my cast came off and was put in a brace set at 30 degrees. The first couple of days it was difficult walking at 30 degrees, but it got easier after about day 3. A week later as instructed by my OS I adjusted the brace to 45/50 degrees and this was not as bad an adjustmet as it was at 30 degrees. I was walking almost full weight bearing and only using crutches when going down stairs that had no guard rail as in my front steps to the house. I am now almost at 8 weeks post op and although my knee is not quite at 90 degrees (approx 75-80) I have my brace set at 90 degrees. I am able to sit for meals some what comfortably, but have not attempted to sit in the front seat of the car. I do experience a lot of swelling if I am upright for longer than 15 minutes. It swells more in my shin and ankle than in the knee. Although I have been full weight bearing for over a month now, I still walk with a limp. I believe this is mainly because my quad has atrophied so much that I am not able to get a lot of push leading to just knee flexion. I too can only sleep on my back. For a while my heel was hurting from having to lay in the same position over night and having all of that weight and pressure placed directly on the heel. A couple of weeks ago my wife rolled up a tiny pillow to elevate my heel and this has been very comforting. I am anxiously waiting to go to my next post op appt. which is this Tuesday, February 13. I am praying and hoping that my OS will find me ready to start PT. I feel very blessed and fortunate that my recovery has been ahead of schedule, but I am sure that PT will bring on some new challenges.

Take care all and God bless you,

EAL

FINFAN3DP

13-02-2007, 02:53 PM

Hey everyone, I got the forum on the site up and running. Check it out at www.rpt.homestead.com

Rob, thanks for the post. Your insight into this injury is awesome! You have been a godsend!

PT today, 92 degrees range of motion:) . I was really hurting after last weeks PT, so i rested it a bit this weekend. I got up this morning and it is the best it has felt! I am able to get in the car without putting the seatback down. I am able to sit at my desk and work on the computer instead of using the laptop on the couch. It is truly unreal how fast I am progressing. I am totally upbeat now, accept for one thing. I have to go to see the doc tomorrow. Last time he hurt me really bad, and I'm not going to allow that to happen again. Tomorrow will determine if he is still my doctor or not. My mental state is finally good, and I would hate to have him ruin it.

My PT guys are great. They only push me a little and would never hurt me. They have me on the bike but only to rock the pedals back and forth. Last week I couldn't get the pedal past the quarter way up mark, and now I can get it almost straight up and down.

I'm hoping the doc says I can go back to work on the 20th.

One bad note though. I got accepted into the Kelly Clarkson crowd at Daytona for the Daytona 500 preshow. Basically I have a free ticket to the race and hang out in the fanzone in the infield for the race. I just dont' think my knee could handle walking around all day and standing for the majority of the day. Wish I could go, but not sure.:(

Well everyone check out the site. Let me know if i should add or delete anything.

EAL

14-02-2007, 10:55 AM

Hello all fellow RPTer's

Praise the Lord! I had my follow up appointment today with my Orthopedic Surgeon and after only 8 weeks post op I am ready for physical therapy, Hallelujah! My first PT session is scheduled for this Friday, February 16 and God willing my knee will be able to flex at the necessary 90 degrees needed to be able to drive by next week. Furthermore, I will be weaning myself off the brace and prayerfully I will be out of that within a week. I have some quadriceps strengthening exercises to do on my own at home until I begin my therapy. I know that I have a long road ahead of me and PT is going to be at times very difficult and painful, but the Lord made me a warrior and I can do all things through him who strengthens me, and he is able! I promise myself that I will work my butt off to get back to doing what I love to do and that is "changing lifestyles and changing the way people play their game!"

Take care and God bless you all,

EAL

Norbert

15-02-2007, 12:00 AM

EAL

Good to hear that things are looking up for you.

My PT sessions (on the state NHS here in the UK) are half an hour every 2 weeks. I didn't think that they were going to push me enough, so I've booked an appointment to see a Sports Physio. tomorrow who used to work with the British Olympic Team.

When I spoke to him on the phone, he said that he has seen a few RPTs, so knows what he's doing with them.

I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow.

We both seem to be at about the same stage, although I am at 12 weeks post-op. and about 100 deg. ROM.

On the plus side, the knee gets better and moves more freely each day.

Take care.

Nick

dazza

15-02-2007, 03:52 PM

Hi all

just a quick question, ive seen some of your posts in here talking about icing your knees, ive been told nothing about this so did you ice even while your staples were still in your knees or not till the scar had healed completely??

cheers

dazza

Norbert

16-02-2007, 04:52 AM

Dazza

I'm no expert and I stand to be corrected, but icing the knee is a good idea to help reduce the swelling at any time.

I ice mine after exercising it. I put a tea towel or cloth over the knee and then place a bag of frozen peas onto it for 15 to 20 minutes.

It really does help reduce the swelling and is worth doing.

Nick

Norbert

16-02-2007, 05:03 AM

Guys

Here's my weekly update.

Now 12 weeks post op. and the knee is feeling better and moving more every day.

Two things which I think are really helping this.

1. Daily massaging and moisturising the knee helps it loosen up and helps break down the scar tissue.

2. Stretching the knee every day and trying to move it just that bit more than yesterday.

As evidence of that, with my back straight against the wall, on 25th Jan I could only get my bad leg to within 89cm of the wall, now it is 63cm - that's a long way I think in 3 weeks!

Also, I have been to see a specialist sports physio today.

He examined the knee and we chatted for about 45 minutes.

He is very experienced and has looked after the British Olympic team and other top athletes, so he knows his stuff.

His last RPT patient was the British Waterski champion, who after rehab., went on to be European champion or something like that.

This PT says the surgical repair is excellent and he knows the OS personally - he says that if he injured his knee, there are only two surgeons he would trust to repair it, and the guy who did mine is one of them, so that's cool.

He also says that we will start with "aggressive" PT in 3 weeks, after the all-clear from the OS that the tendon is healed (at the 15 week post op. point).

He says that he expects to get me back to full fitness and sports etc. 3 months after that, so June this year. If that's the case, I will be ecstatic!

He says that I should be as strong as before, if not stronger as we will be working the muscles much harder than ever before.

Last positive point - he mentioned "when dealing with athletes like you ..." - now I've never been called that before!

In short, very happy with meeting this guy today and looking forward to getting started.

Hope everyone else's day has been as good as mine. :)

Nick

EAL

17-02-2007, 04:03 AM

Hi everyone,

Great to hear everyone's progress. Nick I had my first PT session and it was pretty aggressive from the start. After only 8 weeks my OS wanted me to begin ROM and strengthening my quad and patella tendon. The PT was very impressed with my leg raises and my quad although it had atrophied a lot much to my suprise it was able to fire off pretty good. He said a lot more than any other person he had treated for this before. He too said all of this including my quick healing is do to my level of fitness. I was able to get my knee to 73 degrees. This was after a lot of massage and exercises. I think he did try to make me cry because that 73 degrees was a painful 10 second hold. I also walked for the last 5 minutes firing my quad and applying all the pressure on my repaired leg. It was difficult, but now I am walking a lot better and more confident. Not so much buckling any more.

I too strongly believe in icing as much as possible. I am pretty consistent with the 20 minutes on and 120 minutes off approach. It keeps the swelling down and I try to massage and moisturize for about 10 minutes about 3 times a day.

Take care all and I will continue to report as you do.

EAL

Rob N

17-02-2007, 12:32 PM

Norbert:
Your progress sounds very good. I was around 14 weeks when my OS declared the tendon healed. At your stage I was already on the bike twice a day for 20 minute low resistance spins. It is very important that you get on the spin bike to build your range of motion (and start burning some calories).
Yes, in 3 months after the tendon heals you likely will be able to do some fairly aggressive things. However, an "early" recovery to return to normal aggressive sports would be 9 months. Don't even think about kicking a soccer ball until at least after 9 months. I'm on the longer term side of things. I suspect I will be 15-16 months post-op before I am comfortable even considering returning to a sport like hockey - although I can already cycle very aggressively. The quad is very difficult to bring back. Take your time training and all will be well soon enough. We are here to help during the training stage too. I will know more shortly on my status since I have a biodex test Monday. Slowly but surely you progress back to better things. Do your best to avoid setbacks. Stick to the program like glue.
Rob N

EAL

18-02-2007, 02:22 AM

Hi again everyone,

I had another PT session and although I am extremely sore, I feel great. I was walking around for a short period of time without the brace on. My leg raises were better and smoother than the first session and my knee was able to get to 75 degrees. I am a bit confused on the "full healing" of the tendon part? I am only a few days beyond 8 weeks, but my OS and PT told me that the tendon was repaired and very strong; however, I know that there are still limits. MY PT will be getting me on the bike next week and I know that even squating and lunging is about a month away. He also said, "forcing my knee beyond my own comfort level is not going to put it at risk", but it sure hurts like heck!

I think one of the biggest hurdles for all of us is getting over the "fear factor" of re-rupture. MY PT has worked with his share of RPT's and he said that no one has ever had another tear. I look forward to hearing and reading about all of your progress.

Finfan, WOW 92 degrees, that is awesome! Did you fire your doctor?

Take care and God bless you all,

EAL

Rob N

18-02-2007, 02:40 AM

EAL:
Reruptures are definitely possible and there are some examples on some earlier threads in this section. I am not a surgeon, but in my view your tendon is unlikely to be fully healed until at least the 12 week mark. I think your OS and rehab are saying that your tendon is plenty strong enough to tolerate the program they have you on at this point. Even when the tendon is fully healed, you still need to keep exercises linear (inline) and rebuild the quad. The risk of rerupture will gradually reduce as the strength of your quad, stabilizers, hams etc increases. You should be concentrating on building your ROM at this point. You don't appear to have enough ROM to get on the bike yet, but that should hopefully come around in the next month or so. Work diligently at the ROM because you won't have another chance to get it back later. The strength will come in time (you can only strengthen to the max of your ROM). It's all about ROM right now for you.
Stick to the program and you will be fine.
Rob N

EAL

19-02-2007, 02:27 AM

Rob,

Thanks for the info. My PT has me doing a lot of ROM exercises, such as wall slides, quad flex and holds, plus he massages the knee for a good 15 minutes. He also does some more massage as I am doing the knee flexion hanging off the exercise table. You are right about rebuilding the quad and the hamstrings and I know this is going to be the most extensive part of my PT. He does want me to start on the bike to help increase ROM.

Its quite frustrating and still at times a bit depressing. As a professional sports performance trainer I know what to do, but not being able to do it breaks me down some times. I will keep on working hard and keeping my faith in my God to keep me going forward and progressing steadily.

The NFL combine begins this week and I wish I could be there with some of my colleagues, but I know that this will pass and I will be back better than ever next year.

Take care, God bless and keep working hard everyone,

EAL

Norbert

19-02-2007, 03:07 AM

Rob

Thanks for the advice.

The physio. I am seeing now fills me with complete confidence - he's the only guy I have spoken to who has even seen an RPT let alone worked on several to bring people back to fitness.

My timescale is to start "aggressive" PT with him in the middle of March and his estimate of three to four months for "full" fitness would bring me to late July. That would be eight months post-op and not far from your estimate of 9 months.

I think the way to approach things is to see how the program progresses over the months and take a sensible view at each stage along the way.

I am not going to make a hasty return and risk setbacks, but by the same token, I don't want to be feeble about it - from all the doctors I have spoken to (and I have some as customers) they urge aggressive PT is the only way to achieve prior levels of fitness - the PT agrees. You have to push, but at the right intensity and speed.

We won't be starting PT until 15 weeks post op.; so even by the most conservative estimates, the tendon should be healed by then.

As far as I am concerned, the PT has extensive experience with "athletic" injuries such as RPT and his confidence and expertise are second to none - his credentials are superb. I am literally in his hands, but happily so.

EAL

Good news that you are progressing well - keep it up mate and keep positive - it will all be worth it!!!

I think that a turning point is when you can get on a bike, but you need 120 deg ROM for that, so set that as a goal and work towards it. Once on a static bike, you can get the knee moving and burn calories as Rob says.

I am at about 110 deg ROM now, and will wait until the OS lets me ditch the brace on 7th March before I get on the bike, but I have already dusted mine off in the garage in anticipation!

In terms of missing out on the sports, I go along to my soccer teams matches and training sessions each week - I can't play but I can be a part of the team and I have been to more session this season than the manager!

It's tough seeing everyone else running around, but it does show commitment and it gives you something to work towards.

One tip I picked up this week, and it's a good one.

My PT advised "get a gym ball".

I did - it cost me £5 (about $10) and it's about 65cm across.

I just sit on it with back straight and feet flat on the floor at whatever is a comfortable angle for the knee.

Then I just gently roll the gymball forward until I feel the tension in the knee, hold it for 20 seconds and then back.

I do this for about 10 or 20 minutes and it is great for helping just to edge that ROM further.

Give it a try - it's cheap and it works!

Good luck and keep up the good work all.

Nick

FINFAN3DP

19-02-2007, 01:59 PM

EAL: Nope, he's still my doc. He came into the room and saw me sitting on the table and I said "my hands are in my lap, my legs are both pointing towards the floor, you are not hurting me today" and he said "nope, I'm not, you look great, I don't have to worry about you anymore. Now we got to get you to lose the walker". Then he had me walk without the walker all the way down the hall and back while he watched. It hurt, but not as bad as i thought it would.

Now, the other day, that was a different story. I live in NY and we got 30 inches of snow, and well, some big idiot got the idea that a snowblower is alot like a walker and decided to go snowblow the driveway out. NOT A GOOD IDEA, as i have paid with it in pain each day since. It did feel pretty good today though, until Mark Martin lost the 500 by a couple of inches, then it didn't feel too good. :( Anyhow, I think i'm over 92 degrees now, and I get to go back to work on Tuesday, as long as the City's doc clears me. So i'm on the mend big time, and a lot quicker then I thought.

FIN