Question - Loose Screw? (ACL Reconstruction)

by Lauren
(GA)

I am 7 months post-op (ACL Reconstruction) and am starting to train again in competitive sports. I am experiencing the "normal" pain, stiffness, etc. that comes with the territory but have recently noticed a sharp pain on the medial side of my knee, close to the scar. It is very tender to touch and hurts when I straighten my legs, in a push up position, or don't have some kind of support under my knee when sitting.

Could this be caused by the screw? If so, would it help to have it taken out? I've heard the removal is a fairly easy process.

Thanks!

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Question - Loose Screw? (ACL Reconstruction)

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Jul 23, 2008
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Could be from the screw...
by: Bart - SII

But it could also be excessive scar formation, or adhesions around the scar that are pulling when you fully extend your knee. You might try some friction massage to try to loosen up the skin and scar tissue, which may help alleviate some of your discomfort.

I would recommend talking with your physician about this pain and get their input. Hardware removal is a fairly straight forward and easy procedure, but it is still a surgery and if it can be avoided, all the better.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

Oct 13, 2008
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I may have the same thing
by: Anonymous

I also have the same pain you described, but I am only 5mo out from surgery. I am going to the Dr. soon, but was wondering if you could provide any feedback about your injure and what happened from it.

Feb 04, 2009
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8 months out from ACL surgery
by: Anonymous

I am 8 months out. I have recently just started back to the driving range and exercising more frequently. I recently had terrible pain on the outside of my knee. I went to my surgeon and after an x-ray it was determined the screw is starting to protrude and causing issues. More surgery may be in my future and I am not looking foward to it.

Feb 04, 2009
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I had the screw removed!
by: Anonymous

Hey, it's me from the original post. I had my screw removed a few months ago. The procedure was simple! I walked out of the hospital and didn't feel any pain except from the incision, which healed in several days. It actually felt much better from the moment I got out of surgery because that screw wasn't moving around in there. Talk to your doctor, but from my experience, I say go for it!

Feb 10, 2009
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6 1/2 Months Out
by: Anonymous

I had my surgery over 6 months ago and recently my knee pain on the inside of my left knee near one of the scars has become horrible. My physical therapist said it would be a loose screw, I have a doctor's appointment soon. I'm a serious runner and I'm hoping to be able to get back to training. Any ideas on how long would it take to recover after the removal of the screw?

Feb 10, 2009
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running after screw removal
by: Anonymous

It took me three weeks after screw removal (this was 8 months post ACL) to be sprinting again. Just gotta be careful because of the hole in the bone where the screw was. It heals pretty quickly as long as you don't do too much!

Mar 05, 2009
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loose screw
by: ryan

my doc said impossible for screw to come out, after 6 months i demanded a mri, 3 days later another surgery, My pt and I told doc exactly what was going on and everyone blamed it on me and nothing was wrong, this is bs, they should atleast pay for the negligence from not listing to me and making me go to 50 3 hour pt visits.

Mar 11, 2009
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Screws protruding so soon????
by: Anonymous

I had two fx and dislocated wrists in June. Dr. said it was much better to put in plates/screws. Took cast off in August. Starting having pain in September, went to doctor in October. He said the screw was starting to protrude and they would have to take them out. Is this normal? Only two months after casts come off they want to go back in and take them out? More pain, more money....I would never had them put in if I knew this would happen. I was in agony before and I'm sure this means another full surgery to remove these plates and screws. You can actually see a protrusion in my arm. Does this sound right to anyone?

Mar 25, 2009
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knee pain
by: ronaldo jg9

hi. i have been having some pain under my knee where my scar is at.i can move my knee normaly. but when i tried running the pain would start and its right in the middle of the scar they tell me its because of the cold weather that my screw would hurt. and i wanted to know if this was true ? or if its scar tissue? what can i do for it to go away. and how can you know if its a loose screw? thank you.

Mar 26, 2009
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Screw removal
by: Tab

Hi I am actually getting ready to have 2 screws taken out of my knee on Monday. I had realignment surgery 4 1/2 years ago and now my knee cap is tilted and they are thinking I might have to have a partial replacement. My pain started about 2 years ago and I thought it was normal. My scar looks good but all of my pain is where the screws are at. I am an EMT and need the use of both legs. My doc told me it would be a simple procedure and recovery time would be a few weeks. I will keep everyone posted

Mar 26, 2009
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A Complete Mess Up
by: Alex

My mother had a knee replacement nearly 5 years ago and about a week after the operation her leg went into a spasm and she could not walk for days, she paid parivately to have the knee replaced and this was just the start off her problems she returned regular to the surgeon who charged her �75.00 for a five minute visit and told her he did not know what could be wrong, my mother has never been able to walk properly and if she goes to the shops she will have to bed rest for the next day. After years of painkillers and Voltaral we finally asked for a second opinion and she was given her 1st MRI scan and guess what, the screws had come loose and the knee is so badly infected that it has rotted what was left of the bone she is now in hospital having the infection drained off will keep in touch

Apr 13, 2009
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LAwsuit
by: Anonymous

If you had screws put in after 2006, check to see if your screws were Calaxo. There are several major lawsuits regarding this brand. Google it.

May 26, 2009
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ACL
by: Lucinda

My partner had his ACL done last July and since the beginning of November has been suffering with pain around the knee/back & aching. The pain has prevented him for carrying on with physio & working full time.
He had a scan one month ago & the NSH reckon the results show that all is ok!
Really don`t know where to go from here now?
Any suggestions?

Jun 02, 2009
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ACL Tear Reconstruction
by: Anonymous

I got an ACL tear on 18th Feb 07, was operated on 10 June 08, "ACL Reconstruction Surgery", Since then it has been almost a year, and still i have the screws in the knee as well i inhabit pain as a part of movement.

Moreover when i am sitting for more than 10 minutes at a place and i stand after that, for next couple of minutes the knee hurts and i cannot open my leg to 180 degree position. Only after couple of minutes i can.

Please give suggession regarding what should i do exacly.

Jun 04, 2009
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Removal of screw
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction 4 years ago, I rehabbed great, and have been back on the tennis court and bball court non-stop. Just recently in the las year have had slight pain around the scar near the screw. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to discuss getting the screw removed. It seems like its poking out farther than it ever has. I don't look forward to rehabbing again but i don't want it to come out or give any problems down the road. Will keep everyone posted.

Jun 18, 2009
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screw! (:
by: Anonymous

Hey, i heard from my doc that the screw is suppose to melt away after about a year. Is that true?
By the way i had my acl reconstruction 6months ago..

Jun 30, 2009
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loose screw
by: Anonymous

i sometimes get sharp pain in my knee if i kneel on it wrong or when the weather changes but whats really a bother is i can feel and see the screw protruding out. I haven't been to the doctor since in a while but i did get an MRI. Should i get it removed? is it loose?

Jul 09, 2009
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Screw Pain
by: Anonymous

I currently work at a law firm that is investigating several screws used in ACL reconstruction surgeries that may defective. These bioabsorbable screws have been shown to have a tendency to absorb too quickly, or break, and can cause infection that may lead to a revision. If you would like to hear more about these screws or think you may have a case, please feel free to contact me at 713-626-3700. My name is Matt.

Sep 21, 2009
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3 ACL Reconstructions
by: Katherine

Hello, I have had 3 reconstructions- all on the same knee. 1994, 1995, and 2000..
I have had serious pain over the last few months in my knee, and on and off in the tibia where I still have 1 screw left. The orthopedist I met with today said it was an elective surgery to remove the screw and scope the knee...???? He believes there are cartilage fragments causing pain and swelling, but won't do an MRI. I was wondering if anyone has had anything similar going on and what you decided? I realize my knee is never going to be pain free at this point, but still am thinking about another surgery.

Thanks for any thoughts!
Katherine

Sep 27, 2009
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SCREW JUST OUT
by: Anonymous

I just got my screw out 2 days ago. It was causing an infection. I walked out of the operation. My doctor is leaving the cut open to allow fluids to discharge for a week before sealing it back up. I do feel the screw was irritating my bone, it feels better having it gone!

Oct 17, 2009
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4months post op and pain
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction about 4 months ago and everything has been going pretty smoothly but the past month or so, since I Have started more strenuous activity I have been having pain and swelling on the medial side of my knee toward the top of where the longer incision starts.

It gets to the point where I cant really run on it and becomes very stiff. What could this be, the screw?? I am very frustrated and really want to get back into soccer next summer!

Oct 26, 2009
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Screw problems?
by: Anonymous39

I had my ACL reconstruction surgery a whole ten years ago. A patella graft was used with titanium screws to hold it in place.
It was never really pain free throughout all these years but it was generally very good and I do not regret it.
The only exception was on the inside of the knee at the top end of the leg bone where apparently one the screws is. I usually had mild pain in this spot after strenuous activities but I would say that it was getting slowly worse over the years.
Today, completely out of no where, I was kneeling when I felt so much pain and it is now hard to go down the stairs or squat for example. I feel some small protrusion at this spot and it is very tender. From what i read so far, it seems a problem with the screw. I am worried about the screw-removal surgery. Any success stories out there. In particular, did anyone have problems after such a long time?
Regards,
Ayman

Oct 26, 2009
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Reply to Ayman
by: Katherine

Hi Ayman, I posted earlier about my screw.... I just had an MRI done to determine other issues, but after having 3 separate dr opinions, they all say removing the screw is a great idea. I have some pain associated with the screw, but much more inside my knee (probable meniscus tear). The dr said if they are going to scope my kne, it would be a no-brainer to just remove the screw. Taking out foreign hardware can only be a good thing, they said. God luck to you and keep me posted what your drs say!

Katherine

Jan 04, 2010
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acl srew pain
by: soccer star

Hi I had my acl done Nov 2008 .Had a meniscus done Sept 2009. Everything feels great but the screw area. It gets larger at times and hurts after about 20 minutes of playing soccer. It feels like it's coming out of the skin. Doc says I can feel it because my leg is small and I have no body fat. Can I take it out and not risk my acl again. I will play in college this fall.

Jan 07, 2010
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Screw removed
by: DMS

I had ACL surgery June 2008. Just 6 weeks after that I started getting strange inflammations around the scar (medial tibia). The doctor thought it might be an infection caused by a piece of absorbable suture that the body was trying to "spit" out, allowing bacteria to get in. After antibiotics it seemed to get better, but the inflammations kept coming back. Finally, there was a large (about 2 cm/ 1 inch), blister at the incision site. It turned out to be the bioabsorbable screw and button which were just floating around under the incision site. They were removed (3 months after surgery) and everything has been fine since then, accept that several superficial nerves in the area were severed adding to sensory loss at the incision area and the lower leg.

Jan 07, 2010
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ACL crew pain
by: soccer star

Hi,

I have an appt today with surgeon. Everyone thinks screw should come out. To the person below my comment, I had a TRIAD -same as Tom Brady ACL, MCL and medial meniscus on my R leg. Got hit from behind playing soccer. Ten days after surgery had to go back in because of spitters . Stitches that would not dissolve and coming through the incision. took antibiotics for infection. 10 months later had to go in because the original meniscus repair did not heal. removed part of my medial meniscus. Taking the screw out should be easy after all that.
Let you know soon.Leg feels strong and great except for screw area.

Jan 07, 2010
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Petrified of ACL Screw removal
by: Linda

I'm a 51 year old female, who had ACL graft surgery and meniscus repair 11/08. Have never felt right afterwards. The Dr wants to remove the screws now. I'm petrified and have been told I now suffer from PTSD from the surgery. I can feel the screws thru my skin, but don't know if that's the cause of the pain or not.Please let me know re: removal. Anyone from the Long Island New York area who can recommend a great Dr to do this?

Jan 08, 2010
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Screw removed
by: DMS

In my case, getting the screw removed was a simple and short procedure. Just got a local anesthetic at the site of the screw and then went home right after. Got some pain-killers for that day, but didn't need any the next day. Good luck everyone... don't be too worried, it's worth getting that darn screw out.

Jan 08, 2010
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Getting screw removed
by: soccer star

Hi,

Went to doctor yesterday, taking out the screw on Tuesday the 12, 15-20 min operation. 4 stitches later and 2 weeks of not doing anything should do it. He says he will fill the hole in the bone with bone putty which takes a week or 2 to become hard.I can play soccer and run after the 2 weeks are up if incision is healed. Can't wait.I would reccomend leaving the screw in at least until 1 year after surgery to make sure your acl grafts to the bone. Mine did and is very strong.Good luck to all

Jan 21, 2010
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screw comes loose, gets removed
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction on Nov 9th: patella tendon graft with a titanium screw on each side to secure the bones in place while the femur and fibula grow into the new bone.

After 9 weeks I went a few minutes on an elliptical (not the first time) and afterwards the back of my leg tightned up severely. It was the tendons on the outside behind my knee. They were so tight I couldn't straighten my leg (despite having gained full extension many weeks ago).

I could place my fingers behind my knee on those tendons, press down, and feel/hear lots of clicking/crunching noises as I straightened my knee. I could massage the area and ice it, and that would lessen the pain and seem to loosen the tendons up enough to where I could pretty much straighten my leg.

When I went to my physical therapist, they diagnosed that I had pulled my hamstring and/or calf and/or aggravated the tendons those muscles use to connect to the bone. I spent a couple sessions ultrasounding, massaging, stretching my hamstring/calf which really helped one session but didn't help the second session. The days after the second session, I was left in a good deal of pain when I tried to straighten my leg and therefore couldn't walk without limping.

Anyway, given the context of this thread, I'm sure you've guessed what happened. When I went to my surgeon for my scheduled checkup a week later, a quick xray showed that the bottom screw had come out and was floating around in the area of those tendons.

I had the surgery this morning to have the screw removed and I feel better already. Though my knee has some general light aching, I immediately gained back full extension. Those tendons back there still feel a little inflamed, (no doubt they were aggravated by the screw rubbing on them) but I suspect they'll quiet down quickly.

Anyway, just wanted everyone to know the symptons of this problem so they don't spend two weeks limping around, stretching out their leg and making the situation worse.

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Jan 21, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I had ACL reconstruction on Nov 9th: patella tendon graft with a titanium screw on each side to secure the bones in place while the femur and fibula grow into the new bone. After 9 weeks I went a few minutes on an elliptical (not the first time) and afterwards the back of my leg tightned up severely. It was the tendons on the outside behind my knee. They were so tight I couldn't straighten my leg (despite having gained full extension many weeks ago). I could place my fingers behind my knee on those tendons, press down, and feel/hear lots of clicking/crunching noises as I straightened my knee. I could massage the area and ice it, and that would lessen the pain and seem to loosen the tendons up enough to where I could pretty much straighten my leg. When I went to my physical therapist, they diagnosed that I had pulled my hamstring and/or calf and/or aggravated the tendons those muscles use to connect to the bone. I spent a couple sessions ultrasounding, massaging, stretching my hamstring/calf which really helped one session but didn't help the second session. The days after the second session, I was left in a good deal of pain when I tried to straighten my leg and therefore couldn't walk without limping. Anyway, given the context of this thread, I'm sure you've guessed what happened. When I went to my surgeon for my scheduled checkup a week later, a quick xray showed that the bottom screw had come out and was floating around in the area of those tendons. I had the surgery this morning to have the screw removed and I feel better already. Though my knee has some general light aching, I immediately gained back full extension. Those tendons back there still feel a little inflamed, (no doubt they were aggravated by the screw rubbing on them) but I suspect they'll quiet down quickly. Anyway, just wanted everyone to know the symptons of this problem so they don't spend two weeks limping around, stretching out their leg and making the situation worse.

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Jan 22, 2010
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screw removal
by: soccer star

Hi,

Had the screw removed on the 12th of January. Only took 1/2 pain pill, very mild discomfort. On crutches for a day and some pulling from the stitch area but for the most part the leg felt great. The stitches will come out on the 27th and then I can play the following week.

My original surgery was Nov. 2008.

Jan 22, 2010
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ACL dissolvable screw coming out
by: PE Teacher

I had my surgery in 10/07 with lots of discomfort since. I'm 51. About a month ago after some serious bike riding, I noticed pain and a "hard bone like thing" protruding right above my tendon scar. Finally go into doc and he says that the part of the screw that did not dissolve has "backed" out. So, will be scheduling my screw extraction next week. I've got a screw loose I guess- more than one!

Feb 01, 2010
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ACL replacement 1.5 years ago
by: TPE

I had my ACL replaced 1 1/2 years ago and have recently started running/walking with Plyomterics workouts. My doctor tells me I can do any of it but I am very stiff after the workout and a little swollen. I still have 2 screws in my knee and have been told if they are removed the stiffness will go away. Should I continue and work through the pain? I am not sure what is going on. I think because I have not done these types of excercises, I am not used to it. (I just went to spinning classes)

What does everyone think about this? I am just VERY stiff!

Thank you for your reponses. I am not sure who to trust anymore!

Feb 10, 2010
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10 years later... screw finally out
by: Anonymous

To those who posted here. Let me start by saying a few things. The way ACL surgery works is the use of two srews. Lower and upper. They hold both ends of the new ACL in place. In my case, the lower screw started to back itself out after some months or a year. I dont recall as it was over 10 years ago. What I do recall is that the follow up visit after intial surgery I was in serious pain, in the back of my knee. I found this strange as there was no surgery there, nothing was supposed to touch it. It was the original upper screw. I am convinced of it. After going years without being able to run, pain walking, fast forward and I went to see a doctor and asked him to take out the screw. He was apparenty a good liar as he said he could get the screw out. well right before he puts me under he says Oh no I cant take the screw out. What the... lights out.. A year later I see another doctor. He cuts me up and 2 1/2 hours later the screw is out. Its NOT ALWAYS EASY. It depends on how it was put in, the original doctors style, the screw type and if the graft grew over the screw hole among other things I as a layman dont know. Now my ACL is supposedly weakened, though how weak, and how long to heal is unknown. I do not think I will be walking two weeks from now. I suspect most of the easy operations are the lower screw being removed. Upper is another story... Make sure you know what is going on.

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Feb 10, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
To those who posted here. Let me start by saying a few things. The way ACL surgery works is the use of two srews. Lower and upper. They hold both ends of the new ACL in place. In my case, the lower screw started to back itself out after some months or a year. I dont recall as it was over 10 years ago. What I do recall is that the follow up visit after intial surgery I was in serious pain, in the back of my knee. I found this strange as there was no surgery there, nothing was supposed to touch it. It was the original upper screw. I am convinced of it. After going years without being able to run, pain walking, fast forward and I went to see a doctor and asked him to take out the screw. He was apparenty a good liar as he said he could get the screw out. well right before he puts me under he says Oh no I cant take the screw out. What the... lights out.. A year later I see another doctor. He cuts me up and 2 1/2 hours later the screw is out. Its NOT ALWAYS EASY. It depends on how it was put in, the original doctors style, the screw type and if the graft grew over the screw hole among other things I as a layman dont know. Now my ACL is supposedly weakened, though how weak, and how long to heal is unknown. I do not think I will be walking two weeks from now. I suspect most of the easy operations are the lower screw being removed. Upper is another story... Make sure you know what is going on.

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Feb 14, 2010
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2 ACL grafts
by: Anonymous

I have had 2 ACL reconstructions on my right knee- 1997 and 2001. After 8 1/2 years i have begun to have more that usual swelling, popping of the knee. and extreme pain that worsens when walking. I see my surgeon in 2 days and worried that he may say screws have to come out. He made mention about doing that 6 years ago, but after 5 surgeries on that joint it was the last thing i wanted to hear. Wondering if it will be worth it if it relieves the pain and swelling?!!

Feb 15, 2010
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might or might not be screws...
by: Anonymous

Maybe it would be best for you to do an MRI and/or arthroscopic examination to find out if the screws really are the problem?

Feb 15, 2010
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recovery from screw removal
by: soccer star

Hi,

Well it's been 4 weeks and 3 days since they took the screw out. My leg feels great. No more swelling or pain and the scar area looks smaller than the 1 st incision. I can play soccer and run track as of today. Going to do a little each day so I don't pull a hammy though. The cold and rain would bother it but now it doesn't and I have no more swelling. I'll still wear a tight compression brace on my knee when I play and run just for some added support but things feel much better in there.

Good Luck. P.S. I got a soccer scholarship to play in College in the fall Just deciding on the school.

soccer star

Feb 19, 2010
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2 ACL Grafts - Dr. diagnosis
by: Anonymous

I am the one who wrote in a few days ago about my current knee whoas. Doc tells me that popping in knee is my knee cap because arthritis has gotten so inflamed in joint. Going to try some PT first before a scoping to 'clean out' the knee. This will buy me some time before i need a total knee replacement. Anyone ever have such an ordeal? I am a 52 yr. old very active female.

Feb 23, 2010
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Inside tibia pain after ACL reconstruction and scope
by: Julie

I had my right ACL reconstructed with my patellar tendon in June 2009 after tearing it during softball. PT was tough from the beginning as my muscle memory was terrible and I couldn't even kick my leg out from a sitting position. Within a couple months PT was nearly unbearable due to pain in my knee cap and tibia, on the inside of my leg. After months of complaining and pain pills my doc finally scoped my knee January 2010 and found torn cartilage that was causing the knee cap pain. I had no pain for 2 wks post-op, but the tibia pain has returned and it getting worse. It hurts at the screw/graft site and I have wondered for months if that is the problem, but doc doesn't think so. I've had terrible swelling in my knee and ankles since first surgery and don't know what to do. Last night I read about a recall on screws used for ACL's surgery but don't know what screw was used. Does anyone have any thoughts on the cause of this pain? Thanks.

Feb 23, 2010
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To Anonymous re: popping knee and arthritis
by: Julie

Four months after my June 2009 ACL reconstruction, my knee started grinding and popping so loud others could hear it. It sounded like Rice Crispies cereal and felt like there was gravel under my knee cap. Last month I had my knee scoped and doc discovered torn cartilage. The surgery was short and much easier than the ACL reconstruction and the knee cap grinding and pain is gone. (Now I'm on to Pain #2, which is at the screw/graft site on the inside of my tibia.) Based on my experience, I suggest you have the scope to clean out your knee. I was afraid to do it but it helped that specific problem. Best of luck to you.

Feb 23, 2010
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screw removal
by: soccer star

Hi,
I checked with my doctor to find out the type of screw used. He said it wasn't the one that is being recalled. I was cleared on January 15th after 4 weeks from taking out the screw. I played soccer indoor on Sat night and it felt good.Lots of power I just need to strengthen the leg a bit from taking 4 weeks off. Yesterday I had a personal training session and the guy did work on strenthening the knee muscles and the quad muscles. It felt so good not one bit of pain in the scar area or tibia area like before. No swelling just a bit tired which is good.

Good Luck

Feb 24, 2010
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to Julie
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your comments regarding your recent scoping. Sounds like that may be the way to go. Doc wants 1 month of PT before he does scope to try and strengthened knee. This would be surgery #7 on that knee so you can understand my apprehension. More scar tissue and another surgery to re-coupe from. The idea of more therapy is not appealing, but it may help for a little while. They are just trying to buy time before a knee replacement is done.Guess that would take care of it for good then! Thanks!

Feb 24, 2010
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To Julie re:tibia pain
by: Anonymous

Julie- i would suggest that you try to maximize your efforts to reduce the swelling in your knee and ankle. i am sure you have been told all the ways to do so: ice elevation anti-inflamatory etc. even soft tissue massage helps drain fluid.with swelling comes pain and perhaps your aching iside your leg feels like screw placement- it may all be linked to swelling. Since they recently scoped, i am sure they would have detected a problem w/ the screws.Just a suggestion from someone who has had multiple knee surgeries. good luck!