Tarkman1 - Grade III MCL and complete PCL tear

[Arty50]

Here's hoping it's good news the rest of the way out. I can't wait to schralp Mammoth with you when you get back on skis.

[tarkman1]

transcription of the MRI (the knee isn't nearly as swollen as it was when I had the MRI on Thursday)

Radiologists, orthos, or anyone knowledgable in general please let me know your thoughts. If being able to walk, retract the foot/bend the knee, support weight without pain bears any significance, let me know. If it means nothing, please let me know.

Feel free to call: Matt 760-458-5092

PROCEDURE: MRI LEFT KNEE WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATIONS: Left knee pain and swelling following skiing accident

IMPRESSIONS:
1. There is a complete tear to the posterior cruciate ligament but the anterior cruciate ligament is intact.
2. Grade III tear to the medial collateral ligament which may extend into the medial patellar retinaculum.
3. Suspect a compression type fracture to the lateral tibial plateau anteriorly with extensive microtrabecular injury and marrow edema.
4. There is also some minimal marrow edema in the medial tibial plateau posteriorly suggesting additional microtrabecular injury.
5. There may be meniscal capsular separation present associated with the body of the medial meniscus with some possible traumatic intrasubstance tearing to the body of the medial meniscus.
6. Linear increased signal in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus but the signal does not appear to extend to the free articular surface.

TECHNIQUE: The patient is studied on the Siemens Symphony 1.5 Tesla short bore magnet. Scan sequences include sagittal proton desnsity and T2 weighted turbo spin echo scans, coronal proton density and fat suppressed T2 weighted scans, and axial MEDIC scans. Meniscograms are also produced.

COMPARISON: No prior studies are available for comparison.

DISCUSSION: Coronal T1 weighted images demonstrate a complete tear to the medial collateral ligament with a considerable amount of edema surrounding the medial aspect of the knee. There may be a meniscal capsular separation to the body of the meniscus on the medial side as well. Minimal linear increased signal in the body of the medial meniscus is also noted possibly representing some intrasubstance tearing of the body of the medial meniscus. The anterior and posterior horns of the medial meniscus appear to be grossly intact.

The lateral meniscus also demonstrates some linear increased signal in the anterior horn of uncertain clinical significance. The body and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus shows no abnormalities. The anterior cruciate ligament is intact. Extensive edema is seen surrounding the knee both medially and laterally but more on the medial side.

On the coronal T2 fat saturation images there is extensive marrow edema in the lateral tibial plateau with loss of the cortex anteriorly and I suspect a compression frature to the lateral tibial plateau anteriorly. There is also some marrow edema in the medial tibial plateau far posteriorly suggesting additional bone contusion. A moderate joint effusion is also present. No patellar abnormalities are detected. The medial retinaculum also appears to be some discontinuous and I can not rule out an injury to the medial retinaculum as well.

[altagirl]

Damn. Sorry to hear that but hopefully you'll get a further diagnosis and get moving on the road to recovery soon.

[addict]

I've already posted this in the gimp section, but can you straighten your leg Tarkman? I'm either 2 or 3 weeks (can't remember how much couch time it's been) post MCL injury and I still can't straighten it. I'd love to hear from anyone that's been in this position....

[fez]

when i tore my right acl i drove myself to the hospital. the hospital gave me a knee immobilizer.
I hobbled out to the car, looked at the car, looked at the knee immobilizer. realized there was no way i would be able to drive with the immobilizer. i pulled the immobilzer off and haven't worn it since.
$98 for 50 yds of walking in the immobilzer, sweet.

[Squirrel99]

Tark,
positive thoughts for a quick recovery. looking forward to skiing w/ya again next time I make it down to mammyland.

[Jim S]

You got my PM on that MRI.

[tarkman1]

Jim S

I didn't see a PM in response to the MRI report that I posted. Feel free send me a PM or post it on this thread.

[Jim S]

Dude,

Douche your in box. It's full and won't accept any PMs.

Jim

[Jim S]

I'll post here:

You need an above the knee amputation and should sell your gear on TGR.

Seriously, clear your in box and I'll PM you. I don't think this is for the masses...just my opinion.

[tarkman1]

Boxed cleared.

[K-Stormchaser]

Heal up man...I'm in the same boat, surgery scheduled in 3 weeks for ACL.

[Gebster]

Real bummer to hear about the extent of the damage. Heal up fast and hope to see you hanging out up in Mammoth with the crew during the recovery.

[tarkman1]

Update:

I went to another doctor today. I'll be rid of the immobilizer on Thursday when I get another brace (my third). The new brace will allow me to flex my knee but restrict motion that would interfere with MCL regeneration. I'll be doing physical therapy to include range of motion exercises, stretches (calf and hamstring), and general leg muscle exercise. I was told to begin walking (assisted by crutches) and bearing weight.

The difference in treatment between the two doctors was very different. In the end, I am going with the second doctor, who treats US Ski Team members, for the more active recovery. Despite the rather unique nature of my injury, the doctor has seen this type of injury. I'm not in uncharted waters. I have a follow up in three weeks. I'm on the sideline now and in a helluva lot better spirits now than I was yesterday.

Don't count me out for the season yet.

[Gebster]

That sure does sounds like better news.