OpenHealth Q&A

It sounds like you've had quite a challenging experience with your knee injury, and it's understandable to seek a second assessment given your ongoing instability and pain. Here’s a summary of your situation and some actionable steps you can consider.

Main Points:

1. You have a history of knee hyperextension injury with resulting kissing contusions and patellar tendon friction syndrome.
2. Despite earlier assessments indicating your ACL is intact, you continue to experience instability and pain.
3. A second opinion or further evaluation of your MRI may be beneficial.

Explanation: Knee injuries, especially those involving hyperextension, can lead to issues beyond what might initially be apparent. Even if the ACL appears intact on the MRI, other structures in your knee could be contributing to your symptoms, such as meniscal tears, ligamentous injuries other than the ACL, or joint instability due to previous inflammation and injury. The popping sounds and instability you're experiencing could indicate additional underlying problems that need more thorough investigation.

Next Steps:

1. Seek a Second Opinion: Consider consulting another orthopedic specialist, preferably one who focuses on sports injuries or knee conditions. Bring your MRI results with you and mention your ongoing symptoms clearly. They may suggest a physical examination and potentially further imaging to investigate your knee's condition more fully.

2. Consider Additional Imaging: Depending on the findings during your second consultation, additional imaging like a dedicated MRI focused on the knee may be recommended. This could provide more insights into any areas of concern that weren't clear in the previous scans.

3. Focus on Rehabilitation: While you are seeking further assessments, starting a guided rehabilitation program with a physical therapist experienced in knee injuries may help improve stability and strength. Physical therapy can focus on exercises that improve your knee's control and support surrounding muscles.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when instability occurs, the nature of the pain, and any triggers. This information can be valuable for your physician in understanding your condition better.

5. Avoid Activities That Trigger Pain: As you wait for further assessments, try to avoid activities that exacerbate your knee pain, especially high-impact movements or anything involving sudden direction changes.

Acknowledging your concern and the impact on your daily life is important, and taking these steps may provide you with the clarity and relief you're seeking. Let me know if you need more specific advice or information!