acl post op problem

Hi I have searched lots of forums but cant seem to see any threads that relate to my problem.

I had a patella tendon ACL reconstruction about 2 years ago. the 1st 6 months post op went really well then slowed down for 12 months. I started training again 6 months ago and have been concetrating on building the muscles around my legs again ( I had 6" muscle waste I have put 3" back).

I started rugby training a few weeks ago and things seem to have gone downhill. I have had no impact on my knee I have so far kept out of contact.

I have always had a slight clicking in my knee especially if my leg has been stationary for prolonged periods (driving long distances). However this last week the clicking seems to have gotten worse and there is pain in the right hand side of my knee when i reach full extension. The pain is quite severe but quickly passes. It feels like its bone rubbing on bone thats the best i can describe it.

I hope I have given enough info and would love any feedback.

regards


ben.

Hi tuscan - you don't say how old you are but your problems sound like you should scoot back to your surgeon for a follow-up. Clicking and pain on extension - could either be a partial failure of the repair or a touch of arthritis developing.

I wouldn't get to alarmed to soon. You're back training in a way the body isn't use to. The knee mechanics are now different to pre ACL injury and they need to get used to the new joint movement (or lack there of). If you had meniscus removed at the same time you could have some bone on bone issue.

Really you can't go from basic rehab, even gym, back to game readiness. Running and agility drills are an essential part of the full ACL rehab program and should be done to a fairly pain free level (with good guidance) before training for an actual game beings.

Perhaps you've missed some of that rehab and now the knee is feeling the shock of jumping up a few gears. Give it a little time but perhaps back off a little and get a post exercise opinion from the local PT.