Pain at Front of Knee 6 1/2 weeks following ACL repair

[michael82]

Hi

Im 6 weeks following the repair of my left ACL using a hamstring graft. I have been working hard and doing ok with my rehab, albeit the knee is still pretty swollen. Lately i have developed a considerable pain/ache in the top front of my knee as i bend it to walk - however it is fine if i slide it to bend or rotate it on a bike.

I have had no loss of stability so i dont think the new ACL has snapped. It has been suggested to me that it may be a bone callus that will go along with the pain.

I really just want to know if this type of pain is common as i was not really aware of it? if it sounds like a bone callus? and how long before it will depart? because its slowing my rehab progress down and concerning me.

Thanks

Mike

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[vam44]

Sounds like you have developed some patellofemoral symptoms due to the guarding reactions around the knee from your operation. Your physio should assess the mobility of the patella and treat it accordingly. This may have happened because the muscles have got very tight especially the quads and hamstrings. You will need advice from your physio or surgeon as to the correct time to start stretching because sometimes the graft is shorter than ideal and 6 weeks is still early days.


Its still fine to be using ice packs to relieve pain ie do your correct exercises and then rest with ice to allow any inflamation to settle.

[ATTIreland]

Hi Michelle

I'd agree with Vam44, its probably patellofemoral pain and again probably caused by quad tightness in your case. Talk to the surgeon/physio about stretching but if they say you cant for a little while and your concerned its delaying your rehab you could use some other approaches to relax the muscles such as massage/soft tissue work or some electrotherapies that will help it relax.

Either way your physio/surgeon should be able to tell you about all that.