SYDNEY knee spec****ts

[twosoreknees]

Hi,

I have ruptured the ACLs in both legs - have been seeing Dr Courtaney who is lovely. He recommends that I have the reconstructions done at the same time. I was originally referred to Craig Weller but it was going to take 4 weeks to see him so I got a second referrral.

Am now confused as to whether I should get a second opinion - what experience does anyone have with Dr Courtaney? Double knee reconstructions? How do you get a second opinion? Do you have to get a second lot of MRIs etc.

What should I do????

[kjwilkin]

I would not get 2 knees done at once.

Definitely get another opinion. I believe that Justin Roe, Merv Cross and Leo Pinczewski are among the best in Sydney. Only go to a surgeon that specialises in knees. It is really important.

[twosoreknees]

How long do you have to take off work if you have one done? I am concerned about the recovery time before I am up and about and back at work.

I was thinking if I was to have them done at the same time I would be walking after 2 weeks rather than 2 weeks for one then wait and then another 2 weeks for the other.

I am at my wits end

I have an an appointment with Dr Pincezski next week but I think he might confuse me further as he does hamstring reconstructions and Dr Courtaney does Patella...

help?????

[kjwilkin]

Hi there,

I had a patella stabilisation where they used my hamstring graft. I had an option to use a patella tendon graft but was told with the patella tendon graft it can cause problems with your knee cap. So, I opted for the hamstring. Never looked back.

It is probably an individual thing as to how much time you need off work. A lot would depend on your progress and your surgeon's recommendations.

I really doubt you'd be walking at 2 weeks post-op if you had both done at once.

It may be worth consulting a good sports physician too on this matter.

Good luck with your decision.

[twosoreknees]

what is a sports physician? How do they differ from a surgeon?

[kjwilkin]

They are completed different from an orthopaedic surgeon. They are medically trained doctors that have a specialty in sports medicine. They generally have a better understanding about conservative treatments and take more of a holistic approach.

I believe there are some good sports physicians in Sydney. I've heard that John Orchard (his site), Nathan Gibbs and John Best are some of the best. Hope this helps.

[bloss]

definitely get a second opinion, you would need a new referral from your GP to take along. You should take the MRI / xrays you have already had done - pick them up from where you left them, all Specialists are supportive of patients seeking second opinions so dont be worried about doing this.

[kjwilkin]

You'd probably be better off getting a referral from a sports physician as they generally know the best people for these types of injuries.

My sports physician only ever refers me to the top people in their field.

[skigirl]

Seeto recently did an ACL recon on my knee. I had to talk him into it. Got the "we don't usually do them on people your age" spiel. I'm 60 this year. But I have to say the whole thing has been unbelievably easy. I've had no pain or discomfort. No scarring. I was walking around the house without crutches the day after I got home and back in the office after 2 weeks. Starting to step up the gym activity now and looks like I'll be back on the slopes for the next northern hemisphere ski season. So glad I persevered. So far it's been a breeze.