I need advice, in a real pickle

[Mitch5]

So as things turn out, I think I tore my meniscus in my right knee a couple weeks ago. I say think going by experience I have had 3 knee surgeries on that leg. First was acl replaced too.

This was in addition to where I think I may have torn a bicep muscle/tendon a couple months ago (2 months rest and feels exactly same can hardly do anything with it)

Now here is the kicker... In practice today I was juking and got hit from the side while rolling over a teammates ankle. As this happened a huge pop in my left knee "good" knee occurred and I immediately went down. It brought flashbacks of when I tore my acl with the same feeling of numbness right after followed by extreme pain and swelling.

What I'm asking is if anyone has any experience with surgeries, is it possible to have to surgeries done at once? Both knees? One knee and one arm? All three? That is if in fact they are actually torn. And how would they go about MRI'ing all 3?

Thanks sorry for long post !

 

[Mitch5]

Two* surgeries

 

[oz_phys]

The extent of the damage will dictate your sugical options, in additional to your priorities and time/finances for rehab etc...

Both knees can be MRI'd at the same time - if your right knee shows meniscal damage, a menisectomy (removal) would be a more likely option as there is minimal rehab required or weight-bearing restrictions. This would allow the procedure to be performed concurrently with the left knee cruciate repair (+/- address and other intra capsular damage) so you could utilize crutches and a partial weight-bearing gait pattern. As you know, rehabilitation following ACL reconstructive surgery is lengthy and the first 1-2 weeks typically requires a brace and walking aide.

Unless your shoulder is significantly affecting daily function, as it is over 2 months post- injury, I would say follow-up with investigations/specialists once you are progressing well through your lower limb rehab.

Good luck!

 

[machorox123]

Ive ha 4 knee surgies the doc prob wont do both knees because then your pretty much immobile and as fir the bicep i think yud habe to find another specialist who does muscle repair because orthopedic surgeon really only specialize in in joimts

 

[Mitch5]

The extent of the damage will dictate your sugical options, in additional to your priorities and time/finances for rehab etc...

Both knees can be MRI'd at the same time - if your right knee shows meniscal damage, a menisectomy (removal) would be a more likely option as there is minimal rehab required or weight-bearing restrictions. This would allow the procedure to be performed concurrently with the left knee cruciate repair (+/- address and other intra capsular damage) so you could utilize crutches and a partial weight-bearing gait pattern. As you know, rehabilitation following ACL reconstructive surgery is lengthy and the first 1-2 weeks typically requires a brace and walking aide.

Unless your shoulder is significantly affecting daily function, as it is over 2 months post- injury, I would say follow-up with investigations/specialists once you are progressing well through your lower limb rehab.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply!

On that topic if they did do both knees and I did my bicep later I am about to start a lab program in the fall (hopefully) and I am not sure how long I would have to be in a brace, as having an arm is pretty important.

Having the MRI on both knees at once would be great and if they could fix both at same time I would do it for sure! I'm sure the right is nothing more than meniscus or possible MCL which I would be fine with anyway

 

[Mitch5]

Ive ha 4 knee surgies the doc prob wont do both knees because then your pretty much immobile and as fir the bicep i think yud habe to find another specialist who does muscle repair because orthopedic surgeon really only specialize in in joimts

I think you are right in the fact it would take two specialist to do the arm/knee. The place I've had shoulder/knee surgeries has all sorts of specialist and they have done bicep/labrum repairs. Idk if that would make a difference in if they would do simultaneous surgeries of different sports.

I read an article saying simultaneous knee replacements are much better because of cost/rehab at same time to get done faster/ and not having to be put under more than necessary. Obviously knee replacement is a huge procedure compared to what I would need too

 

[oz_phys]

I frequently see patients in an acute post-op orthopaedic setting who have undergone bilateral knee arthroscopic surgeries. They are usually clean outs, but like I said, depending on the damage and procedure performed which will dictate your mobility (weight-bearing restrictions), Will be what the specialist considered before doing them both at the same time.
Certainly getting them done at the same time has a significant financial benefit - reduced hospital costs, anaesthetist bills, time spent away from work, rehab etc etcetera...will be a pretty crappy few weeks initially though!!!
Most orthopods specialist in one area, ranging from 'lower limb' to just 'knee'. Some have experience in multiple areas - if you trust your doc from the last few surgeries, ask him who he recommends to look at your shoulder. If he's able to look at it, ask him for a discount - sounds like you've already paid for his new BMW and holiday house deposit!!

 

[machorox123]

I think you are right in the fact it would take two specialist to do the arm/knee. The place I've had shoulder/knee surgeries has all sorts of specialist and they have done bicep/labrum repairs. Idk if that would make a difference in if they would do simultaneous surgeries of different sports.

I read an article saying simultaneous knee replacements are much better because of cost/rehab at same time to get done faster/ and not having to be put under more than necessary. Obviously knee replacement is a huge procedure compared to what I would need too

Jeeze just realized i gotta slow down when typing into my phone.. Didnt thin about that. Very tru. That would be terrible. I had acl reconstruction along with both mensci in my right knee so i was non weight bearing for 6 weeks cant imagine that shiz for both knees AT THE SAME TIME

 

[mich29]

mcl isn't as bad as long as you get it take care of before it gets worse rehab will take a month or 2.your get good drugs for the pain.they will want to do one at a time though.ive known a few people go through the surgeries and bounced back pretty quickly. best of luck and a quick recovery

 

[Mitch5]

Have an MRI scheduled, pre-lim my orthopedic and another doctor both checked it out and agreed ACL most likely gone. Other ligaments seem fine and medial meniscus is most likely torn too.