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Re: Orthopedic Surgeon Recommendation
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Beth's Comcast Account
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May 14, 2007 15:44 PDT
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Chuck - I know there is an orthopedist who rides for and sponsors the Coppi
team, so perhaps he will answer your questions. I am sure you have already
done a lot of research and have found out that there is no good "fix" for
your problem with modern medicine today. Your knee can probably be made
better than it is, but not "normal". A simple knee scope with a
chondroplasty (shaving of the roughened cartilage behind the patella) can be
beneficial for a lot of people, depending what is floating around in there,
and how much of your cartilage is still intact. Sometimes, with your
surgeon may do something called a "microfracture". In this procedure the
surgeon actually creates small holes into the bone where it interfaces with
the area of cartilage damage. This causes the bone to bleed and cause a scar
which acts something like cartilage - my experience with rehabing these (I
am a PT) has been that most don't work too well (bear in mind, however, that
I am working with Active Duty soldiers who want to get back to running -
getting back to riding painfree may be more successful). My overall feel
for this procedure, however, is that it is a bandaid, and it doesn't stick
too well. It also requires either restricted range of motion or limited
weight bearing (depending on the area affected) for 6 weeks (minimum). A
pretty tedious undertaking for an active person, like I am sure you are.
The simple knee scope, with or without chondroplasty, will have you back on
your feet in no time (a few days on crutches), and back on the bike the same
day if you want (spinning circles for range of motion, no intensity). The
knee scope is likely to buy you at least 5 years before the total knee
replacement (a significantly more life altering procedure, and carrying
considerable more risk and extensive rehab - but usually with 100% pain
relief).
Let me know if there are any questions you have -
Beth Mason, PT, OCS
MAJ, USA
(C3/ADG/Joes)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck" <hertzog-@yahoo.com>
To: <uscf-dis-@topica.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 7:24 PM
Subject: D20: Orthopedic Surgeon Recommendation
| | I am looking for a recommendation for an orthopedic surgeon. I have
severe knee pain as a result of a bicycle accident several years ago.
The diagnosis is cartilage damage under the patella with associated
osteoarthritis. Although a knee replacement may be in the future, right
now the doctors are considering surgery to "clean it out". I have tried
a series of direct hyaluronic acid injections but with no beneficial
effect. Any experiences or recommendations would be greatly
appreciated.
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