Catch Up

Ok, here is my history.  I'm 20 years old.  I have long been working towards a career in law enforcement, something that requires working knees...  I would also love to get back to ice staking and swimming.

February 9, 2006

Fell skiing, knee twisted.  Pain when got home; iced.

March 22, 2006

Dr. 1, general practitioner.  Prescribed crutches, referred to orthopedic surgeon.

March 27, 2006

MRI

April 6, 2006

Dr. 2, orthopedic surgeon.  Possible Meniscus tear.

July 12, 2006

Dr. 2, orthopedic surgeon.  Meniscus trim surgery.

September 1, 2006

Physical Threapy.  3x/week.  Knee seems to be getting better.

October 23, 2006

Possible re-injury.  Knee flexed to about 140º during self-defense class.  After this date, knee hurt worse and appeared to be getting worse during Physical Therapy.

November 1, 2006

Ended Physical Therapy to make sure further damage wasn’t occurring.

November 7, 2006

Dr. 2, orthopedic surgeon.  Scaring or tear in meniscus “catching” and keeping joint swollen.

November 22, 2006

MRI.

January 10, 2007

Dr. 2, orthopedic surgeon.  Surgery to clear out scar tissue and trim meniscus.

March 7, 2007

Released with no further care.

June 2007

Continued problems, especially during and following physical activity.

June 2, 2008

Dr. 3, orthopedic surgeon.  Took x-rays.  Ordered Physical Therapy for Petellofemoral Syndrome.

June 11, 2008

Physical Therapy.  3x/week.  Seems to be helping; improving range of motion and strength.  Use of ultrasound and e-stim in addition to exercises and stretches.

July 3, 2008

Dr. 3, orthopedic surgeon.  Saw progress.  Continue with Physical Therapy. 

September 22, 2008

Dr. 3, orthopedic surgeon.  Suggested surgery as Physical Therapy progress seems to have leveled off, but to continue with Physical Therapy for the time being.  Suggested exploratory surgery with the option of a lateral release, microfracture, ligament repair, and meniscus repair.  Ordered Lateral J brace.  Brace caused significant pain.

October 9, 2008

Dr. 4, orthopedic surgeon.  Took X-rays and MRI.  Imaging showed meniscus looked good, mild joint fusion, slight patella tilt; nothing warranting surgery at this time.  Wanted to try intensive Physical Therapy before trying more aggressive treatment.  Focused Physical Therapy on strengthening, range of motion, and desensitizing surgical scars.

October 12, 2008

Tried Petellavator brace in Physical Therapy.  Caused pain and inability to bear weight.

October 14, 2008

Tried another brace with the same negative result.

December 8, 2008

Dr. 4, orthopedic surgeon.  Saw minor improvement.  Suggested steroid injection and continued Physical Therapy.  Decreased Physical Therapy to 2x/week.  No improvement seen.

January 8, 2009 

Discontinued Physical Therapy, area around the knee significantly stronger.  Seems unlikely that Petellofemoral Syndrome was the problem.  Continued exercises at home, exercises and physical activity still causing pain and discomfort.

April 9, 2009

Continuing pain.  Significant swelling after activity.  Significant pain during activity.  Pain and most swelling is along superior edge of the patella.  There is also pain in the medial area directly inferior of the patella.  Patella does seem like it catches with any movement.

June 4, 2009 

Dr. 5, orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.  Quickly determined that the problem was a result of a problem with the articular cartilage.  Wants new images of the articular cartilage to determine the best course of action - possibilities range from trimming and polishing the cartilage to ACI.

June 25, 2009

MRI to get images of the articular cartilage.

July 16, 2009

No articular cartilage problems seen on the MRI.  Cortisone injection, caused extreme pain.  Will reevaluate for another scope in a month...

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Jessyca
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