Sprained MCL: Part 1

I sprained my knee on 1 January 2014, and it was almost comical -- I was trying to fix a plate of nachos and stepped into the dog's water bowl, which sent me skidding across the kitchen with enough time to decide whether I'd rather hit my head or my leg on the floor.  I picked my leg, which seemed the right choice.  However, I really damaged the knee.  I knew it hurt and felt unstable, but wasn't sure exactly what I'd injured.

The MRI in early January showed a complete tear / rupture of the MCL (medial collateral ligament) and a tear in the semimembranosus tendon, with a possible tear (or at least strain) of the LCL and other assorted ligaments and tendons.  Ouch!

I was told that the treatment would be complete immobilization of the knee in a brace (knee immobilizer) with ice and medication for the pain and swelling.  The first immobilizer I was given was the wrong size, and the second one wasn't adjusted right initially.  A follow-up visit to the orthopedic surgeon had it adjusted and not twisting as much.

My follow-up appointment (1 month post injury) had the orthopedist unhappy with the lack of healing as exhibited by the knee "opening up" when taken out of the brace.  He said we'll keep it immobilized for 4 more weeks, and then if it isn't healing, we need to look at surgery or using a brace on a permanent basis.  Since hobbling around (with one crutch if going any distance) has been a real drag, and it has meant no square dancing, I have a hard time imagining wearing this brace indefinitely.

After my appointment, I had my first physical therapy session for the knee this past Tuesday at Stanford Outpatient Ortho & Sports Physical Therapy.  Kathy (the amazing PT whom I have been seeing for abdominal pain) is now treating my knee.  She evaluated it and said she was thinking that it might not repair itself and might very well need surgery.  Not the news I wanted, but I am trying to get my head around this.  She also said that if I do end up needing surgery, she thought I should get a second opinion (and possibly the surgery) from _THE_ knee specialist at Stanford.  I got his name and will likely look to get a second opinion if the other orthopod says it's looking like surgery is needed (at my next appointment).