Joe A Shaw PA-C - 8/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF THIS REPORT BELOW? MY DOCTOR AND THE SPECIALIST GAVE ME DIFFERENT ANSWERS TO THIS REPORT.

A SMALL OSTEOCHONDRAL DEFECT IS NOTED INVOLVING THE LATERAL FEMORAL CONDYLE, SLIGHLY LATERALLY AND POSTERIORLY. THIS MEASURES 5-6 MM IN GREATEST DIAGONAL. SOME SURROUNDING BONE EDEMA IS ALSO SEEN.

THE QUADRICEPS TENDON AND PATELLAR TENDONS ARE INTACT. THERE IS NO CHONDROMALACIA OF THE PATELLAR CARTILAGE. THE COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS ARE INTACT. THERE IS NO ABNORMALITY OF EITHER MENISCUS.

THE POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT IS INTACT. THERE IS SOME LAXITY AND ABNORMAL SIGNAL IN THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT CONSISTENT WITH CHRONIC INTERSTITIAL TEAR.

ANSWER: Frank,
Looks like you have an old ACL tear..not rupture and a small bone/cartilage defect on the outside/back of knee joint.If you have had chronic knee pain for sometime w/o relief w conservative measures then it is likely an ortho would suggest scoping knee and clean up and repair if needed.

conservative treatments..ie ice wraps, pain gels, NSAIDs

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello and thanks for reviewing this, I'm 5'8 154 33 y/o Hispanic, I used to play soccer, stop over this issue.
my question, not rupture meaning 5-6mm..... what is the size of a ACL and is this to much?

MRI MD Impression:
1.small osteochondral defect involves the lateral femoral condyle, the overlying cartilage appears intact.
2.chronic strain or interstitial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The specialist suggest repair, (transplant)I find out that their are 3 methods
transplant: I am worry about infection
Patellar tendon: research said joint pain and stiffness
Hamstring tendon: ?

Answer
The 5-6mm finding has nothing to do with the ACL. That defect is on the outside/back part of your femur bone at knee joint. An eraser head is about 4mm across I think.
I think most orthos use transplants,then patellar tendon for ACL repairs. I would go with what ortho is recommending. Always get 2nd opinon w surgery if you have concerns