Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release

by Trish
(Morocco, In.)

My daughter had this procedure done on Feb. 18th, her left knee had some swelling , but her right one was extremely swollen.

As time went on the left knee has done very well. The right knee is another story, she has a lot of swelling and pain in this knee. Not sure how much swelling is normal with this surgery.

I guess we just want to be sure there is not another problem going on. It seems to feel like there is fluid in her knee, you can push on her kneecap and it goes in quite a ways before it rest on the bone.

Like I said before, I just want to know that everything is ok. She is 15 and wants to return to her sports as soon as possible. She feels her right knee is slowing down that process.

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Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release

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Mar 05, 2008
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Surgery on both at the same time?
by: Bart - SII

Did she have the same surgery on both knees at the same time, or did she have a lateral release on her left previously and on her right on 2/18. Just a little confused...

Anyway, to answer your question, a lateral release swells A LOT. In fact, I think in general it causes more persistent swelling than an ACL reconstruction. At least that has been my experiences with my patients.

It is pretty normal to have pain and swelling at this time, since she is only about 2 weeks post-op. The first 7-10 days are usually the worst, and then things start to get better. Everyone heals differently, and even the same surgeries on different sides of the body can have significantly different pain and swelling levels.

It does sound like more than anything you are just concerned, as you should be, that everything is going normal and nothing else is wrong. The best person to answer your questions and set your mind at ease is your daughters surgeon. I would recommend giving them a call and talk about your concerns...If she has a follow-up scheduled soon, talk to them then...otherwise, just give them a call. That is what they are there for - to answer your questions.

Curious, is she currently in rehab with a PT or ATC? If so, they would also be a good person to talk to about how she is progressing.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

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Mar 05, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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Did she have the same surgery on both knees at the same time, or did she have a lateral release on her left previously and on her right on 2/18. Just a little confused... Anyway, to answer your question, a lateral release swells A LOT. In fact, I think in general it causes more persistent swelling than an ACL reconstruction. At least that has been my experiences with my patients. It is pretty normal to have pain and swelling at this time, since she is only about 2 weeks post-op. The first 7-10 days are usually the worst, and then things start to get better. Everyone heals differently, and even the same surgeries on different sides of the body can have significantly different pain and swelling levels. It does sound like more than anything you are just concerned, as you should be, that everything is going normal and nothing else is wrong. The best person to answer your questions and set your mind at ease is your daughters surgeon. I would recommend giving them a call and talk about your concerns...If she has a follow-up scheduled soon, talk to them then...otherwise, just give them a call. That is what they are there for - to answer your questions. Curious, is she currently in rehab with a PT or ATC? If so, they would also be a good person to talk to about how she is progressing. Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

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