May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z ACL Injuries Anterior Cruciate Tear (ACL) and Knee Replacement Surgery
Anterior Cruciate Tear (ACL) and Knee Replacement Surgery |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I tore my ACL about twenty years ago. Back then, the Dr. wanted me to try physical therapy and to wait to see how I might recover. Unfortunately, I didn't do so well. My meniscus wore down and more cartilage was torn. I basically waited for about a year and a half before I got reconstruction ACL surgery. I've had a couple of scopes since then and now my knee pops a little. It doesn't completely come out like it did in the beginning pre surgery. I'm now 41 years old. Can you describe some of the structural damage that I might have and if I might need a knee replacement? Thank you in advance. Dear James: You already seem to be aware of the structural damage that has occured in your knee as you have mentioned that the cartilage and meniscus have been damaged. Your injury has predisposed you to developing early osteoarthritis. Knee replacement surgery is reserved for advanced cases of osteoarthritis in which physical therapy and medication has failed to control symptoms. Therefore, knee replacement is not considered unless you are experiencing severe pain performing simple tasks thus preventing you from leading a normal life. You have not mentioned pain in you description so I do not think you are at this stage. However, It is quite possible that you may need knee replacement surgery eventually given the fact that you have significant loss of cartilage. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 28 November 2010 ) |
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