Patellar Tendon Rupture

[vkatari]

On Sunday May 22, 2011, I was playing basketball with some friends. I got the ball on the perimeter and I saw that there was only one defender in the paint and I decided to make a strong move to the hoop. As I got to just about the inside of the key I stopped my dribble and planted my left foot to make a move to the basket. At the instant my knee "buckled" and I could no longer hold myself up. At the same time the defender crashed into me and I blacked out while falling backwards. I came to almost a second later just before I hit the ground. As soon as I did so I clutched my knee thinking I did a knee to knee collision. I think remember someone saying "Oh god his knee is done." I look down at my knee and saw that it didn't look normal. At that time I didn't feel much pain and didn't attempt to straighten it out. I was rushed to the ER where I was told that I ruptured my patellar tendon and that the knee cap had dislocated as a result. They took X-Rays, gave me painkillers, straightened my leg and put me in an immobilizer. Four days later on Thursday May 26, 2011 I met with the Orthopedic Surgeon who confirmed the ER diagnosis and scheduled me for surgery the following Wednesday June 1, 2011. During this waiting period I was able manage my pain with painkillers and the help of my family. I was able to attend a wedding using crutches and a wheelchair. On Wednesday June 1, 2011, I had surgery which was outpatient. I went in at about 11 AM and got home around 7:30 PM. The next few days were horrible. I was on percocets every 4 hours. I would go through spells of unbearable pain. After about 3 fulls days post op the pain started to go down and I was managing my pain using only about 1-2 percocets a day which I am still on now. It's been 5 full days since my surgery and I can get around the house with my crutches without too much effort. I'm not in too much pain either. I have taken the bandages off once and replaced it with new bandages. I have showered once since. I kept the t-scope brace on while i showered and wrapped the leg in a garabage bag taped around my leg to keep it as dry as possible. The brace keeps my leg locked straight but I still need someone's help to hold and lift my leg when i want to get onto a bed or even onto a couch. Do others have this problem to?? I am looking forward to the day where I can lift my self onto a bed or couch without help. I try to move my leg around every day and wiggle my toes etc. Does anyone have any good advice for me at this point in the injury. I have an appointment to see the doctor on Monday June 13, 2011 to remove the staples. Not sure what else he will be doing during this appointment.

[Rob N]

vkatari:
When I wanted to lift my leg, I just hooked my foot from my good leg under my rehab leg's ankle and used my good leg to lift the rehab leg up into bed. The discomfort you are feeling post-surgery isn't that unusual. I believe that I was able to get off the meds after 3 or 4 days post-surgery. I was advised to get up on my crutches and move around at least once per hour while awake to keep good blood flow to minimize chances of a blood clot. Best to line up the best physio you can find since you will likely be starting some physio soon to build range of motion. Good idea to talk to the doc about your limits for physio, timing, etc. Generally the physio can give you some exercises that you can do at home during the initial rehab phase. Once you are allowed to weight bear, you may need to visit the physio more to use some of their equipment - but a lot of it usually can be done at home after you receive instruction from the physio with demonstrations of proper technique for ROM exercises. Building range of motion should be the primary focus of early stage physio. Make sure they pull all the stitches out along with the staples. They left a stitch in by mistake in my case which caused some irritation until they pulled it later.
Rob N

[vkatari]

Rob N:

Thanks for your reply!! I will try your method today! My pain has definitely subsided which is good. I almost off of percocets. I still take 1 in the AM to "hold" me over for the day but I think I'll put an end to it today. I try to move around a bit during the day just for a little bit to get blood flowing or to use the bathroom etc. My injury happened to my left leg, I'm curious as to when I will be able to drive. I really want to go back to the office. Working from home is getting some imprisoning. Any advice for driving?