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Scar issue surgery - cast?
Our son completely tore his ACL and LCL 6 months ago. Surgery 5 1/2 months ago. ACL reconstruction and LCL repair. His ROM and extension are limited and stuck at same numbers 115 and 10 but 130 (ROM)and 0 (extension) after 40 minutes of PT. Surgeon (for 2nd opinion) wants to go in and do scar tissue removal while excessive scar tissue doesn’t show up on MRI. His original surgeon says he might need a cast after surgery for scar tissue removal. Right after surgery you are supposed to start physical therapy and move your knee as much as possible to prevent scar tissue build up. Why would he put a cast on him? Also wondering what recovery is like after scar tissue surgery with him having had complete LCL and ACL tears. Left leg/knee was injured and lots of pain in left side where LCL surgery was done. Has fluid in knee and slightly swollen.
Thoughts?
Worried Mom
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@cornlea You don't give us a hint about your son's age or total physical condition, so I'm going to jump in with my NON-Professional observation after having had the same surgery while in my 40s. Recovery took a full year of twice daily home PT after 6 months of weekly sessions with PT and twice daily home sessions. I was back bicycle riding at 3 months, playing recreational volleyball and skiing by 6 months. I had nerve damage that caused me not to know where my foot was that lasted almost 2 years.
Absent MRI or CT evidence of excessive scar tissue, I personally would hesitate to agree to any more surgery. How much PT have you observed your son doing on his own at home?
Also, it may be time for a PhD PT who specializes in trauma recovery, using extra techniques like MFR (myofascial release) and deep tissue massage, to help him over the hump.
Our son is 20. Has always been athletic, playing basketball, soccer and tennis. Was playing sports daily. He has PT 3-4 times a week, does exercises at home an hour or two daily, rides stationary bike 45 minutes or rides the bike now on the bike path for about 2-3 miles a day.
He just has not made progress in ROM nor in extension for 2-3 months and is in constant pain.