In need of some advice

[dan178]

i recently injured my knee badly practicing for a race a few weeks ago ..the fall was not bad at all but, i completley destroyed my ACL, MCL, PCL, and injured the meniscus, tore the tendon or ligment that holds the knee cap in place , and tore the calf muscle ... i was wondering if anyone has had an injury like this before and could give me any advice on what to expect or anything like that.....i have surgery on the june 23rd but the doctors say i will never have a strong knee again so i will have to give up riding . This really sucks considering it was my first race back since my bad fall in August 05 when my rear shock blew on the launch of a jump and i had to be medivaced to a trauma center and i broke my back in 8 spots and crushed my eye sockets and cheek bones and broke my jaw .But anyway i would really appreciate it if anyone had any advice for the knee injury ..THANKS!

[50ccMoM]

Dan,

Sorry to hear about the knee. Dr. Mark is on board with us. Im sure he will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

Keep us posted on your progress. Hang in there !


Angie

[Gatlin5]

Hi Dan,

I am real sorry to hear of the challenge you face. I'm in somewhat of the same boat. I blew out my ACL about a year ago and have pretty much been able to go with out the surgery for now by incorporating a very good prescribed rehab program. It does not work for all I was just very lucky, but I still need to get it rebuilt sometime in the near future so I don't do more damage.

I moved your post for advice to the MX Doctor Section and notified Dr Mark by email that you posted. He should respond in the next day or so.

There are some definite concerns to check out before you let just anyone work on youre knee. There are a few types of procedures that will not hold up well if you still plan on riding.

Here is Dr Mark Sanders web site, he has some great info there. I'm not saying or advising that he's the man to do the work but I believe you should hear him out so you know the questions to ask.

http://www.sandersclinic.net/

Here is a post of his in our MX Doctor section that talks about the different ACL procedures.

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38

Good luck and I'll look forward to your exchanges with Dr Mark and your progress with you recovery.

Wishing you the best!

Joe

[drmark]

I don't think that this is an intolerable situaton at all. The PCL and MCL will heal on a rehab program. They don't typically need surgery. After completion of a rehab program, the PCL and MCL laxity will reslove without surery. Then when you have full motion and a normal gait, the ACL can be addressed surgically. The prognosis for this injury is good provided you follow the progam.

I would suggest cancelling the surgery and coming down to Houston to visit me for a day. I will show you what you have to do rehab wise and then we can do the ACL in several months. You will end with a knee that is almost as good as it was before the injury. First buy plane ticket on Southwest Air for 200 bucks, and I will show you the easy road to full recovery.

Email Yvonne, at yjumawan@sandersclinic.net for an appintment.

Come see me, and I will give you your old life back.

Best,
Mark Sanders

[Gatlin5]

Hi Dan,

I hope all is going well.

I was wondering what you decided on with regards to having surgery and how you are doing? We are very interested in your treatment and recovery.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes,

Joe