Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I was in a violent car accident 8 months ago.  My dash board caved in and pinned me in my vehicle.  I have since had a 6 hour PCL,LCL and popliteal reconstruction surgery on my knee.  I am also having pain in my ankle.  The   break petal hit it and left a scar but a recent  
x-ray only
shows "Tiny calcification the tip of the medial malleolus may be sequela of prior trauma"  My ankle pain wakes me up at night.
I wanted to know if this ankle pain may be the beginning of arthritis?  What are the chances of arthritis starting in my reconstructed knee?
Thank You for your time.

ANSWER: Collen,

Concerning your ankle. It is possible that it is the beginning of arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Trauma to a joint is one of the main causes of osteoarthritis. At this stage it could be inflammation in the joint but not to the point that arthritis shows up. Getting the inflammation under control at this stage can sometime stop arthritis from forming. Taking a natural anti-inflammatory such as an omega 3 fatty acid supplement or aCetyl Myristoleate supplement such a CetylPure can help control the inflammation. If you try omega 3 and it is from a fish form make sure that it is purified to remove heavy metals and enteric coated to keep from burping up a fishy taste.

As far as the knee is concerned, it depends on the type of reconstructive surgery that was preformed. If it was a total knee replacement then there is no chance of arthritis forming in the knee. If it was a repair of the knee joint then the trauma of the surgery and the accident can lead to future arthritis.


Rusty

More information about omega 3
http://arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/omega-3-fatty-aci

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

QUESTION: Thank you for the information Rusty.
My Knee surgery was arthroscopy.  6 hours total.  They transplanted ligaments from a cadaver into my knee.  Would that be considerd repair to the joint??  PCL, LCL and popliteal.


Answer
Colleen,

This would be considered knee surgery but is less than a rebuild of the knee joint. The accident would have provided trauma to the joint. The surgery since it was on the outside of the joint should not raise you risk of developing arthritis in the joint. Trauma to a joint only raises the risk of developing arthritis in that joint. It does not mean that it will happen.

It is important now that you follow any exercise therapy given. Strengthening these ligaments and the muscles around your knee is important. Osteoarthritis is mainly caused by over use of a joint or improper use of a joint. Keep doing the exercises you were given during physical therapy. (I assume with this type of surgery you had physical therapy afterward.) If your insurance will let you still see a physical therapist then this would be a good idea for both your knee and your ankle. Having both the major muscles and minor muscles in the area around your knee strong will significantly reduce your risk of developing arthritis in that knee.

I wish you the best of health.

Rusty