Sunday's effect on my knee--- Advice from "real-life" knee injury victims

OldPro277
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5/25/2021 1:44pm Edited Date/Time 5/30/2021 9:59am
Well Sunday's Round 4 of our East Coast's PVR Vintage XCountry event didn't go as planned for me to keep my points lead. However , my daughter and son-in-law won both of their classes , but I had an "incident" on a long, steep ridiculously rocky downhill when I got kicked to the right hard by a big rock and blasted an 8" tree head-on and got launched about 20 feet down the hill landing in the middle of these bastard rocks . Conked my noggin pretty good, but the Bell Moto 9 carbon did its job beautifully , however not as much luck with my EVS knee braces. I'm not ripping on the braces at all, had I not had them on ,I surely would have even more devastating injuries. Anyway Mondays Xray's of the hard parts were all good, but this mornings MRI --not so much. Take a read and let me know if any of you have had a similar set of injuries all at the same time, and what your treatment was and how effective was it ?
I realize I'm 61, but Im in reasonably decent shape (although if I was better shape I probably wouldn't have crashed) and I want to keep racing as long as I can--- And I have the privilege of having some of the finest Sports Orthos in the country right here at the UPMC Sports Med group. These guys take care of the Steelers/Pirates and Penguins among others, and I have an appointment with 2 of them to assess my injuries, but in the meantime I wanted to see what any of you have gone thru in "real-life". After all, Surgeons love to perform Surgery, so I'm pretty sure of what their advice is going to be.
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BAD10
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San Diego, CA US
5/25/2021 1:56pm
OldPro277 wrote:
Well Sunday's Round 4 of our East Coast's PVR Vintage XCountry event didn't go as planned for me to keep my points lead. However , my...
Well Sunday's Round 4 of our East Coast's PVR Vintage XCountry event didn't go as planned for me to keep my points lead. However , my daughter and son-in-law won both of their classes , but I had an "incident" on a long, steep ridiculously rocky downhill when I got kicked to the right hard by a big rock and blasted an 8" tree head-on and got launched about 20 feet down the hill landing in the middle of these bastard rocks . Conked my noggin pretty good, but the Bell Moto 9 carbon did its job beautifully , however not as much luck with my EVS knee braces. I'm not ripping on the braces at all, had I not had them on ,I surely would have even more devastating injuries. Anyway Mondays Xray's of the hard parts were all good, but this mornings MRI --not so much. Take a read and let me know if any of you have had a similar set of injuries all at the same time, and what your treatment was and how effective was it ?
I realize I'm 61, but Im in reasonably decent shape (although if I was better shape I probably wouldn't have crashed) and I want to keep racing as long as I can--- And I have the privilege of having some of the finest Sports Orthos in the country right here at the UPMC Sports Med group. These guys take care of the Steelers/Pirates and Penguins among others, and I have an appointment with 2 of them to assess my injuries, but in the meantime I wanted to see what any of you have gone thru in "real-life". After all, Surgeons love to perform Surgery, so I'm pretty sure of what their advice is going to be.
Tear of ACL and MCL. You need surgery I'm afraid.............
2
Deadric
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5/25/2021 2:33pm
If it was your Menicus I'd say you could probably go without it as I have without issue for about 10 years now. Looking at that though if they recommend surgery its a no brainer that I'd be doing it. Time off sucks but its better to lose a year than have to quit entirely because your unrepaired knee just can't handle the abuse.
1
5/25/2021 2:40pm
I worked with Dr. Lesniak at UPMC for my meniscus repair and he did a great job. Rehab sucks but the harder you work at it the better off you are.
Falcon
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5/25/2021 3:26pm
I'm no doctor, but the terms "full thickness" and "Grade 3" or "Grade 4" sound awfully bad. I'd go with Dr.'s advice and get the work done. (Get a second opinion if you are unsure.)
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The Shop

sumdood
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5/25/2021 3:43pm
My left knee has no ACL, no MCL, no meniscus and has been bone on bone for years. Without going into a bunch of details my advice is find a knee specialist and get it fixed. Do the time, do the rehab. Bummer deal but oh well. It might get "Not so bad" on it's own, but then you'll start favoring it and limping and then that will turn into hip problems and back problems and pretty soon you'll have more than just a fucked up knee, you'll have fucked hips and a fucked up back to go with it. I'm not a doctor, I'm just some dude on the internet, but that's my advice / opinion (whatever that's worth) Grinning . Good luck that sucks. Sad
neverwas
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5/25/2021 4:08pm
That laundry list of damage looks like surgery to me, but I'm no doctor. Listen to the professional and take rehab seriously. I've had left side ACL, MCL surgery and of course the meniscus cleaned up a few times. About five years ago I had total knee replacement. Funny thing is my right knee has never been injured and is fine. I'm 60 years old ands still ride/race.
Good luck with it.
1
5/25/2021 4:13pm
Reading 4 or 5 of those over the years and I'll agree with everyone else. Surgery is the best option going forward with rigorous rehab. I had a grade 3 stretch in my left ACL that eventually tore completely and I waited 5 years to fix it. Just made the rest of the damage worse when it came time to have surgery.

Never did an MCL, but Kyle did. Not getting that fixed will probably cause worse damage than just an ACL tear.
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kapaa10
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5/25/2021 4:37pm
My wife has torn both of her knees up badly, acl, mcl etc playing volleyball multiple times. Had lots of surgeries. Rehab is long, and she has pain in her knees at 42, can't do certain things because of it. But she did both knees multiple times. After the first one she rehabbed so hard she was in the best shape of her life. Then it just kept happening, ruined her career and maybe olympic gold. Her teammate ended up winning 3 gold medals.
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Markee
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5/25/2021 5:00pm
I'm just off my second surgery at 42 two months ago. Not moto related like the first. Like sumdood said, get it fixed. I waited on my first surgery and caused more damage that lead to my second.

It's not all fun but it is fun to get started on getting better. Enjoy the time at home and like folks said, do your work, rehab and you'll be fine my man.
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smoothies862
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5/25/2021 6:28pm
I also had left knee reconstruction using ptl tendon . Tore the acl in half with some bone on it. Plus other tendon damage. It popped very loud when it bent backwards. So glad i had surgery. I ran a 5 k 5 months after surgery. Really strict with pt and icing etc. good luck with it.
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user760a
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5/25/2021 6:37pm
If you have the ability to have it repaired (insurance), do it ASAP. onward and upward
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Pigdog
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5/25/2021 6:44pm
As long as there is no permanent pain and stability, pilates for core strength and plenty of exercise.

Do you want to ride dirt bikes or play football? Surgery opens up heaps of long term side effects that may be as bad as not doing anything. If you have good stability after recovery.
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FlickitFlat
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5/25/2021 7:03pm
I went years ACL deficient and now years later I regret putting it off. I have since had it fixed but you can tell, it was a mistake not to get it taken care of when I first had the chance. At your age and being active as you are, I wouldn't contemplate not getting it fixed. Just my opinion.
UPMC is great but the best of the best are in the Bone and Joint Center at Magee Womens hospital. https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/magee/services/bone-and-joint-…

All these guys are world renowned and in the UPMC system. Dr. Hamlin has done family members of mine procedures that changed their life in ways only a handful of Doctors possibly could have. I cannot emphasize how highly I recommend them and the hospital itself. The whole thing is first class all the way for both patients and family.

They are also revolutionary in their procedures. I had an ACL done that was less evasive than other procedures I've had where they didn't use screws but dowels that integrated with bone. I think this procedure was developed at WVU hospitals with Dr. Ball. But I think they implement it at Magee Women's Hospital as well. If you are in the UPMC system, this is within your reach of being able to check into.
1
5/25/2021 8:28pm Edited Date/Time 5/25/2021 8:31pm
My story is this: I went without the surgery and did physical therapy on a Drs rec "Lots of people can be ok without" - cost cutting HMO speak.

I did my PT religiously, trained hard to regain my strength and mobility. I was getting around pretty damn good. Then 18 months later I totally hosed the thing just playing in the park with my kids. Stepped in a small depression and it just locked solid. Had to get all the surgery regardless. I did so much more damage than if I had initially gotten taken care of, and my mobility has never been the same after the 2nd injury.
J-Mill
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5/25/2021 9:42pm Edited Date/Time 5/25/2021 9:44pm
Surgery for sure.... I’m 38 and just had a cadaver ACL installed 3.5 months ago. They had to stitch the meniscus in a few spots and I also had bone bruising. I was non weight bearing for 5weeks (crutches) to try and let the meniscus recover. That caused a lot of muscle atrophy so rehab has been a bastard. On the stationary bike daily now and doing some various body weight exercises and things are looking up! Doc wants me to go 9months until getting back on the bike and it’s feeling like the longest 9months of my life. Still at the track every weekend with my kids racing which is rad but it just makes you want to be better that much more. Hang in there man and listen to the doc.
5/25/2021 10:20pm
Get the surgery done, don’t slack on the physio afterwards too. Having my knee redone was the best thing I ever did, it’s stronger than ever before. I had my last reconstruction 2 years ago and did a 20km run earlier today and I don’t even think about it anymore.
Good luck with the recovery!
sandman768
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5/26/2021 4:50am
You are still in the denial phase..... get it fixed, do the rehab and make friends with your bag of ice....
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OldPro277
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5/26/2021 6:32am
I went years ACL deficient and now years later I regret putting it off. I have since had it fixed but you can tell, it was...
I went years ACL deficient and now years later I regret putting it off. I have since had it fixed but you can tell, it was a mistake not to get it taken care of when I first had the chance. At your age and being active as you are, I wouldn't contemplate not getting it fixed. Just my opinion.
UPMC is great but the best of the best are in the Bone and Joint Center at Magee Womens hospital. https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/magee/services/bone-and-joint-…

All these guys are world renowned and in the UPMC system. Dr. Hamlin has done family members of mine procedures that changed their life in ways only a handful of Doctors possibly could have. I cannot emphasize how highly I recommend them and the hospital itself. The whole thing is first class all the way for both patients and family.

They are also revolutionary in their procedures. I had an ACL done that was less evasive than other procedures I've had where they didn't use screws but dowels that integrated with bone. I think this procedure was developed at WVU hospitals with Dr. Ball. But I think they implement it at Magee Women's Hospital as well. If you are in the UPMC system, this is within your reach of being able to check into.
Flick-- thanks for the info. I know Magee's has a well-deserved excellent rep,and unfortunately with my wifes's cancer history know the floor plan of the facility too damn well. I'm definitely getting 2 opinions so I may consult with Hamlin in addition to the James Bradley/ Burke team. I realize that with the amount of tears in there that surgery is imminent. And after I'm done racing,I'd like to return to a high level of golf, so my knees need to be up to that as well. Luckily I have excellent UPMC health coverage and staying in network is a no brainer .

I appreciate all you guys responding.
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Last Braaap
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5/26/2021 6:42am
That sounds like surgery material to me, chief.

No worries, you will be LL's 2022 ready.
scootch
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5/26/2021 6:42am
The ligaments in your knee keep the lower part of your leg from twisting and moving in different directions than your upper leg. You may be able to walk/run in a straight line o.k. without an ACL, but the second you need to step/plant/change direction there is nothing in there to support the lateral movement and you can end up doing significantly more damage.

Get the surgery done, rehab it hard, and be patient with it. Most of all, embrace the suck and try to take it on with the mindset that it's a new challenge. Its a LONG recovery process and it will be hard as hell, but it's pretty rewarding to come out on the other side knowing you have the best leg underneath you that you could possibly have because you put in the work to get it there.
kb228
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5/26/2021 6:55am
Knee injuries are tough. I shattered my tibia with my femur 2.5 years ago. All i can say is trust the sports medicine surgeons. Theyre skilled in what they do. Youll be back to riding. Give it 6 months.
Preston412
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5/26/2021 7:19am
What ever path you choose on this, you need to put 110% into rehab and continue building strength in the knee and other knee as well after rehab.
It took me 3 knee surgeries on the same knee, the 3rd one being a complete knee reconstruction, to get that into my head and do it. After 3rd surgery and rehab, I got with a personal trainer for a couple months and wrote down every thing we did to strengthen my knees and legs and incorporate those exercises into me weekly work outs.

alphado
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5/26/2021 7:32am
That was a doosy! I partially tore my MCL almost 2 years ago on a pitbike and it is still giving me issues. Along with arthritis under my patella my left knee drives me nuts. Nothing they can do surgically yet. Just went to the ortho yesterday and go another cortisone shot. Get it fixed! I wished I could get mine fixed. I can barely walk stairs and can't drive my Mustang anymore because of the clutch.
EngIceDave
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Merritt Island, FL US
5/26/2021 7:43am
I did all of that, but it was 20 or so years ago.

I had to have that re-done 2-years ago, the ACL came loose. Way better, much faster recovery.

My offer of advice, this surgery and recovery has changed so much over the years, pay attention only to those who have had recent surgery.

If you're in good shape, you're way ahead of the game. Keep it strong. Keep up exercise, maybe cycling. Makes rehab better.
2
captmoto
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5/26/2021 9:21am Edited Date/Time 5/26/2021 9:22am
sumdood wrote:
My left knee has no ACL, no MCL, no meniscus and has been bone on bone for years. Without going into a bunch of details my...
My left knee has no ACL, no MCL, no meniscus and has been bone on bone for years. Without going into a bunch of details my advice is find a knee specialist and get it fixed. Do the time, do the rehab. Bummer deal but oh well. It might get "Not so bad" on it's own, but then you'll start favoring it and limping and then that will turn into hip problems and back problems and pretty soon you'll have more than just a fucked up knee, you'll have fucked hips and a fucked up back to go with it. I'm not a doctor, I'm just some dude on the internet, but that's my advice / opinion (whatever that's worth) Grinning . Good luck that sucks. Sad
Nailed it exactly. I was starting to have those problems. After my TKR the hip went away and the back, even with bulges in 3 places is greatly reduced. Didn't hurt my speed one bit, mostly because I had no speed.
Sumdood, sounds like you will be in for a knee soon.
alphado
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5/26/2021 10:13am
I'm the opposite. I have scoliosis which has my back all twisted. That throws out my hips making one leg longer that the other which has my legs running crooked. I am an orthopedic nightmare. I was supposed to get my spine fused by backed out once I found out about the catheter.
jbrow125
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5/26/2021 11:24am
I went a couple years with meniscus and femur cartilage tears. I don't moto, but bike/swim/run. I let it go b/c I read so many bad stories of after surgery not being better. It limited my activity, and how I played with my toddlers. When it finally affected my sleep, I got it fixed. So glad I did! Wish I'd have done it sooner. It gets sore, but mostly if I don't do stuff now. I run every single day, minimum one mile. Use it or lose it. I'm 46, need the body to last until I'm 80. That's the goal anyway. Sometimes you need to do the maintenance.. Sounds like you have great doctors who can do you right. Then do the rehab, and make sure to take your time, don't overdo or rush it. Good luck!
2
captmoto
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5/26/2021 12:30pm
jbrow125 wrote:
I went a couple years with meniscus and femur cartilage tears. I don't moto, but bike/swim/run. I let it go b/c I read so many bad...
I went a couple years with meniscus and femur cartilage tears. I don't moto, but bike/swim/run. I let it go b/c I read so many bad stories of after surgery not being better. It limited my activity, and how I played with my toddlers. When it finally affected my sleep, I got it fixed. So glad I did! Wish I'd have done it sooner. It gets sore, but mostly if I don't do stuff now. I run every single day, minimum one mile. Use it or lose it. I'm 46, need the body to last until I'm 80. That's the goal anyway. Sometimes you need to do the maintenance.. Sounds like you have great doctors who can do you right. Then do the rehab, and make sure to take your time, don't overdo or rush it. Good luck!
When I retired, my left knee gave me a lot of trouble. I had it scoped and was back to normal in 2 weeks. Hard to believe. I walked into PT and the therapist asked why I was there. When my right knee started up I got it scoped and did way worse. I ended up with a TKR. There's just no telling with the human body.
1
Top End
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5/26/2021 12:51pm
First congratulations on still racing at 61! I'm over 50 and have work done to both of my knees. Get the surgery and do the PT till you get full range of motion back. Take off work as long as you can afford to do so. Your job now is to get back to where you where. I filed for medical unemployment had the surgery took up swimming and biking. Was back riding 6 months later. Knee started feeling 100% worry free after a year. My friends who elected not to have surgery knees keep buckling when planted while being active. Good luck
brimx153
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5/26/2021 3:37pm
How bad was your knee to begin with . If your knee was nt to bad cartilage wise especially. Then get the surgery. Ive done my acl 4 times. 3 left 1 right . I had a very good surgeon and he advised me not to get it fixed again if i could . I ve been living without them for 15 years now . I have to alway kept up with my leg exercises but for the most part there grand. The reason he did nt want to do surgery was my cartilage is bad and each operation affects it . He put it straight to me that i will need knee replacement surgery when i am older (38 now) and surgery would speed up the process as it is very invasive. Its just something to think about at your age . If your knee was in good health before. Definitely get the surgery.

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