Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 2/2/2009

Question
Hello

I injured my knee in late October and had a MRI and the results were a grade II sprain of the MCL, sublaxation of the patellar tendon, tear in the medial retinaculum, and a possible tear of the medial meniscus.  

At my last doctors appointment he said that the main reason I was in pain now is because my knee is not tracking properly so he gave me a big, bulky brace that holds my knee cap in place.  This brace does help.  He also mentinoed a surgery where he would detach my patellar tendon and stretch it down and over so that my knee patella would track correctly.

What is this surgery called?  Have you seen it produce good results?

Thank you very much for your time.

Kimberly

Answer
It is called a tendonesis and can be quite effective, so can VMO exercises after it's done. He still needs to address the MM tear if it progresses, the other injuries will probably go away on there own but will need secondary support rehab to take up the slack of the loose MCL. He should explain all this to you. I also would add 3 grams/day of glucosamine sulfate with MSM to rebuild the matrix and strength of the damaged cartilage to prevent further injury and ward off post-traumatic osteo-arthritis. Goggle it and see what I mean.


Good Luck,

Dr. Timothy Durnin