Third ACL tear(?)

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 07:29 PM

Just got back from my knee scope a few hours ago for a torn meniscus, and ortho called me at home--said the knee was a mess. Said the bucket handle tear was big and almost completely flipped into the joint (called it 'impressive) and he removed everything except for a rim of the meniscus. Said the lateral meniscus was torn too, but not as badly, and then the kicker--my ACL graft is almost completely detached from the femur. Said there are still a few strands going into the screw, but that's it.
I am so shocked now, was fully expecting to be fine in about four weeks--told the guys on my hockey team to expect me back in mid-October, now I'm contemplating missing basically this whole year skiing? Come on. This is shit.
Even the percocet isn't making me feel any better now, I just can't believe this crap.

**Bring On The Snow** · 09-10-2007, 07:31 PM

well, that blows

**Odin** · 09-10-2007, 07:32 PM

That sucks dex, how did you do it?

**amyzilla** · 09-10-2007, 07:33 PM

Oh, do I get to say it?

Gimp Central, JONG!

Seriously though, that sucks. I had the same type of meniscus tear, where it was flipped over into the joint and blocking my knee motion. Not fun.

Did you have an autograft or an allograft for your ACL? I would maybe see about getting a second opinion before getting that thing fixed by the same surgeon - maybe he screwed up on it somehow. I think sometimes that just happens though, where the graft stretches out/becomes detached.

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 07:47 PM

Different surgeon this time, but last time when I did the other ACL this (older) grafted one was nice and tight.
But my meniscus tear wasn't really blocking my knee motion, I had full or maybe nearly (like 99&#37

full ROM. Was walking without any limp and I'd wake up in the morning and not remember for a moment which knee was hurt.

And I was supposed to be really getting both my daughters skiing this year, too. That looks out, now.

**Buzzworthy** · 09-10-2007, 07:54 PM

I am 4+ months out ACL recon. I could ski now with my daughter, but not much more at this point. If you get er done quick, you could spend the later part of the season only with your kids and let a season go. Family rocks and this sounds like a great way to take advantage.

They will last only a few hours and probably same with you.

Glass half full???

edit: cadaver graft (was an ACL before too), screwed in, kicked ass in PT 120% and can kneel to my butt with my heel now.

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 07:58 PM

Nah, one girl's already been out for two seasons and likes to tear around. She goes all day (ski school can still take care of that). I don't know. I'm pretty sure that if I were to push recon back to the spring I could ski with them, but maybe not. Just can't believe I'm facing this. After having the second recon I seriously wondered if I could go through it again, I really hope somehow it doesn't go down this way.

**Buzzworthy** · 09-10-2007, 08:03 PM

I snowboard.
I blew my ACL skiing again.
I am going back to snowboarding.

Think about it.

**Cyber Cop** · 09-10-2007, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

I snowboard.
I blew my ACL skiing again.
I am going back to snowboarding.

Think about it.

seriously.

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 08:42 PM

What's the recovery time from the requisite lobotomy?
Sorry, reflex--I appreciate the advice. But snowboarders always break wrists and clavicles, right (I've seen several heading down holding their clavicles in place after slamming)?

**gravitylover** · 09-10-2007, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dexter Rutecki

What's the recovery time from the requisite lobotomy?

Woot!

Thanx, I needed that. So I guess we won't be doing another night skating session again this year huh

Bummer. Just get yourself better ya hear.

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 08:50 PM

Thanks.678

**Buzzworthy** · 09-10-2007, 08:52 PM

Never a wrist nor the clavicle. Shoulder slam, concussion, ankle sprain (kinda hard to do unless you know what you are doing).

Comfy boots.

Remember, you are older now. No need to get rad dude.

**TJ.Brk** · 09-10-2007, 08:54 PM

vibes Dex. You will heal fast +++++++++++++

**Dexter Rutecki** · 09-10-2007, 08:55 PM

I've come this far without being in danger of getting rad, just hoping to delay getting bad. Not going so great.

**Endlessseason** · 09-10-2007, 09:02 PM

, man. I'm really sorry to hear that. Recovery and PT really suck.
I've wondered if I could go through that again. I guess we all KNOW we can, we just DO NOT want to.
But, do we 'not want to' seriously enough to stop doing what we love to do? I know that's not an option for me, and prolly not for you.

Good vibes towards doing what you gotta do, Dex.

**lph** · 09-10-2007, 09:11 PM

awww, man, so sorry to hear that.

**weibo** · 09-10-2007, 09:31 PM

What about bracing it for the season and getting it fixed in the spring?

**grskier** · 09-10-2007, 10:00 PM

Well, get done what you need to get done to get done what you want to get done.

**maddog** · 09-10-2007, 10:04 PM

When I busted the shocks out of my car in high school, my dad said, "Shocks are just a luxury item anyway," and I drove around in a bouncy car for a few years. On that note, I've been skiing without an acl in my right knee since 1978. Sorry about the injury, and good luck on your recovery. Remember.... Pain is part of the fun of getting older... and life just gets more and more fun!

**iceman** · 09-10-2007, 10:11 PM

Fuuuuuuuck.

That's about all I got.

There's gotta be a pattern to what you are doing to yourself. Find the pattern and: DON'T DO THAT.

easy to say, I know.

**Mofro261** · 09-10-2007, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by weibo

What about bracing it for the season and getting it fixed in the spring?

^^^^^^

Dex, I'm a three time loser myself who's 4 months post-op now. I re-tore a 12-yr old ACL hammy graft last dec and went the brace and wait route. I had a very successful ski season braced sans ACL and would do it again but hope I never get that chance (the 18yr hammy graft on the R is holding strong). The downside was delaying for 5 1/2 months the recovery to all the non-skiing related activities -I haven't done any real running since last dec.
I had no menicus damage though.

Bummer.

**Raps** · 09-10-2007, 10:57 PM

Dex, sorry to hear man - hope you can decide on an option that will at enable you to enjoy part of the season or to let you ski with the fam. Can you get other opinions? Whats the next step?

**xtrmjoe** · 09-10-2007, 11:40 PM

Mono Board?
Sled?
Snowboard?
Those are the options I would be looking at.

**amyzilla** · 09-11-2007, 01:11 AM

Is the graft completely torn yet? You might as well ski on it (with brace) if it's still sort of intact. If you've already been doing stuff and didn't notice that the ACL was going, then I wonder if you could get away with more activity before it tears completely. I would ask your doc for advice about skiing & hockey.