About Courtney Expertise I am an Orthopaedic Physical Therapist with 8 years experience. I can answer questions re: orthopaedic injuries & rehabilitation. I treat patients with a variety of problems including back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, & ankle injuries / surgeries. If you have questions about your elbow, wrist, or hand, you will most likely get better information / assistance from someone else on this website.
Experience I have been practicing in an orthopaedic setting for 8 years & have experience primarily with shoulder, neck, back, & lower extremity injuries.
Organizations American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Orthopaedic Section of APTA
Question A month ago I went through constructive ACL surgery. They used my patella tendon as a graft. Three weeks into my PT I cracked my patella and now wear a full leg brace. Was told I would need to wear this 24/7 except to shower. I am into week two of wearing this brace. I have two questions. How long will this knee pain last? So painful to the touch,and still very swollen. Next is when it is time to go back to PT I certainly don't want to injure it again. What should I be aware of? When I was at PT before I told the therapist my knee was grinding during 1/4 squats. That's is what it did when my patella fractured, only more intense.
Thank you for you insight.
Carrie
Answer Carrie--
Sorry to hear of your trouble. It is pretty unusual for someone, after ACL reconstruction to fracture the patella. I am sure this is very painful for you. As far as when the pain will subside, that is completely variable upon healing as well as many other factors. My typical "rule of thumb" is that if it hurts we need to modify the activity or the technique. The exception to this is if I am trying to increase range of motion at which time I believe it is acceptable to create a little pain. Hope this helps you.
