Sharp pain in anterior knee post ACL

by Eugene
(Ann Arbor, MI)

I had a pateller graft done for my ACL replacement May 2007. Everything went great and I can feel the stability return to my knee. Some 9 months post-op I began experiencing sharp pains in the anterior portion of my knee cap.

I did some research and found pain was natural with a pateller tendon graft. however, the pain began to grow and it got the point where putting any weight on the knee while bending (like squatting) was unbearable. I got a few xrays and an MRI and found that I had a bone fragment sticking into my pateller tendon.

So in June 2008 I had this bone spur surgically removed. It is now October, and the pain is worse. I can't even stand and bend my knee without feeling like my kneecap is going to explode.

This is so frustrating, as my surgeon can't or hasn't told me what is causing my pain. He keeps suggesting a lateral release, but I am hesitant, because I don't think that's the problem.

Any help, any help at all is greatly appreciated! I have not been able to run or sprint in almost 2 years. I can't take it anymore.