Frankies ACL

by Frankie Deane
(Leicester)

Hi all,
I am Frankie, and i'm just 16.

I was playing football on the 25th of October 2009 and was tackled from the side which resulted in excruciating pain, a loud crack and ending up in A&E. The doctors there told me there was nothing wrong with me and that i was fine to go home.

2 weeks later i knew something wasn't right, so i visited a physiotherapist in my home town and he wasn't happy so he referred me to a clinic for an MRI scan.

I had my MRI which confirmed that i had a complete tear of my ACL, obviously a massive shock to me and my dad as we were told that i was fine! that was our skiing holiday at chritmas cancelled!

my consultant had me on a fitness regime which meant that the muscles surrounding the joint were very toned and supportive. i did this for three months and then re-visited him late january.

In the consultation he pulled my leg sideways which made my lower leg pop out and go the wrong way! we knew something had to be done, and surgery was our only remaining option.

22nd January 2010 i went in for my op. I was very chilled, not nervous, just wanting to get it over and done with.

The surgery went perfectly, they took a patellar tendon graft which is supposed to be the best for sportspeople.

I was in a lot of pain for the first couple of days but now 2 weeks on i have just had my staples out and im feeling great. I can walk without crutches and am returning to school tomorrow.

It's a very long road ahead, but i'm motivated and hope to be back playing later this year!
Thanks.