ACL surgery complication: uncontrollable spams/knotting in quad muscle

by Rachel
(Eugene)

I had acl reconstruction (left knee) 4 weeks ago, the knee is doing great. However, about a week ago I started to have uncontrollable muscle spasms and knotting in my quad above the knee. The spasms feel similar to a charley horse, require that my leg be straightened immediately, and leave the whole quad feeling fatigued and sore.

I had flexeril left so i took it but it didn't help. I can not bend my leg because it causes it to seize almost immediately. I went to see my surgeon for help. The doc put me on Skalaxin and methyl-predisone, however these meds have not helped (it has been 5 days now). He thinks posture/back issues, combined with the knee are the cause. While that may indeed be it, a greater concern is how to get the muscle to stop spasming as it is unbelievably painful.

Have you ever heard of this complication from acl surgery before? Is there any type of muscle relaxer that can be injected/localized to unseize the muscle? Please help!

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ACL surgery complication: uncontrollable spams/knotting in quad muscle

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Oct 27, 2008
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quad spasms
by: Bart - SII

I have not seen quadriceps spasm this severe in an ACL patient before. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen though.

Make sure you are hydrating well - lots and lots of water. Spasms in the quad / hamstrings after an ACL surgery are often a protective mechanism, and that can be worsened if you are dehydrated.

Massage and positional release may help to reduce the spasms.

Bart

Jan 03, 2009
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Quad muscle spasms
by: Ron Niederbrach

I also have the same severe spasms in my quads and have for years. They seem to come in interval-two or three days running and then will leave me alone for a couple of weeks. They are severe last from one to five mins. Tlhe meds I have used do not seem to work as I keep having the problem. They are extremely painfull. Medical persons do not seem to knnow the whys nor do they place much inportance on trying to fix the problem.

Jan 03, 2009
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Possible Answer for others
by: Rachel

I have been meaning to come back to this site and let others know what it was: turns out the anesthesia they put in my femoral nerve for the surgery (typically referred to as nerve blocker) damaged my femoral nerve. My leg is numb from mid thigh to nearly the ankles and the spasms were being caused by the nerves misfiring and sending wrong signals to my quad muscles. Needed a nerve test to diagnose and two drugs bacoflen and lyrica to control. It has been over 3 mths since the surgery and thus far no improvement, though currently i am trying to ease of the meds to see if spasms return. I hope this will help others and if you are experiencing uncontrollable spasms seek a second opinion as it was not a hydration issue

Oct 07, 2009
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also have spasms..
by: Anonymous

I had a knee injury 10 days ago, don't need surgery. I've been slowly recovering. The first 7 days I had to walk with my leg completely straight, now I can bend the knee a little and I started having some spasm (cramps). I think its because of the inactivity of the leg and now starting to use the muscles. I'll ask my doctor in a few days.

Dec 02, 2009
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protective mechanism
by: Anonymous

if you tense your quads for a few seconds, then relax every time this happens, your quads should stop spasming because they relax better after an isometric exercise

Feb 04, 2010
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Micro fracture
by: Kathie

I had a micro fracture done on my knee on December 9, 2009. On December 19, I was changing by ice pac that I had under a brace that didn't allow me to bend my knee and I had the worse muscle spasm (contraction) I have ever had. Several days later, I had another while I was in bed without my brace on. It seems like if I bend my knee so far, the spasm happens. Haven't had one since until last night. I have a hinged brace that allows me to bend my leg to a sitting postion. I went to bed and took the brace off and moved my leg and had the worse spasm yet. I turned 49 years old yesterday and I have never exprenced pain like this. I called my doctor and they suggested more water and stretches. My leg is so sore today that I can hardly touch it, and I can't touch my knee. I read the other coments on this site and was glad to see I'm not the only one that has experenced this. Thanks for the information and suggestions on what to do.