In September, I had a hip surgery to repair my torn labrum and reduce the bone in my hip socket that was gouging into my labrum. I’ve been recovering really well from that, and was hopeful to be able to snow ski in February and March. And then!
On December 10, I was spinning on my stationary bike in the shop as part of my therapy plan, and I felt a POP in my left knee. And then searing pain. I stopped pedaling, frustrated, and reported it to my physical therapist the next day. He had me see my surgeon (they’re at the same practice, and my surgeon was available for me to pop in, amazing) and everyone was very concerned. My surgeon did the arthroscopic debridement on that knee two and a half years ago, so he knows what is inside my knee, or at least how it was that long ago. He said that it felt like and sounded like that I lost more cartilage and, if it wasn’t better in a week, to go get an x-ray done.
So by December 17 at my next appointment, it wasn’t better. It was worse. I got an xray done, and the next Monday, December 21, I saw my surgeon for my hip 12-week checkup. He said, let’s get you an MRI as soon as possible. His scheduler got me an appointment immediately after my check up! On December 22, my surgeon called me to deliver the news: “It’s pretty bad,” he said. “I hate to ruin Christmas, but you’re missing at least 2/3 of the cartilage in your left knee. It’s just gone. It’s only going to get worse, and you can’t do therapy to fix it. You also can’t regrow cartilage. I’m going to suggest a surgical repair.”
So on December 28, he saw me for a surgical consult – and scheduled me for January 15. He didn’t want to wait at all!
I had this procedure done: an open-knee surgery for osteochondral grafting of articular cartilage using an allograft. And a bone marrow articulate concentrate injection in my patella (BMAC). And a lateral retinacular release. Now I have a leg immobilizer on for six weeks, and another six month recovery plan. I’m praying this is my LAST knee operation for a very long time. I’ve had four surgeries now (with the same surgeon) to fix my joint issues. He said I should get a little statue in his office for being a frequent customer. Ha.
The Keene Family 