Knee MRI Inquiry
Hello everyone! I'm a 22-year-old woman seeking some advice. In terms of my medical history, I underwent an ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon graft back in 2017, followed by an OATS procedure and meniscectomy in 2020. Lately, I've been experiencing episodes of my right knee **giving way** accompanied by **intense pain on the outer side**. An MRI has been completed, but my orthopedic surgeon won’t be able to evaluate the results until next week. I do have **sagittal, coronal, and axial MRI scans** available for reference. Could anyone offer their thoughts on the following queries? * Does the ACL graft appear to be torn or overly stretched? * Is there any visible damage to the meniscus or any other joint-related concerns? I understand that this is not a formal diagnosis; I would be grateful for your insights during this waiting period. Thank you very much!
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 5:01:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious while waiting for MRI results, especially with your history of knee surgeries and current symptoms. Let’s address your main concerns about the potential issues indicated by your MRI.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms of the knee giving way and outer knee pain could be related to multiple issues, particularly considering your surgical history.
- Only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can accurately interpret the MRI results. However, I can share common considerations regarding ACL grafts and meniscal injuries that may help inform your thoughts as you wait.
Explanation:
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ACL Graft Conditions: After ACL reconstruction, grafts can either be intact or may experience stretching or tearing. If the graft appears to be torn, you may feel instability in the knee, leading to your ‘giving way’ symptom. On the other hand, an overly stretched graft might also compromise stability but would not necessarily show a complete tear.
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Meniscal Damage: Since you’ve previously had a meniscectomy and an OATS procedure, any current symptoms could also involve that area. Whether there’s visible damage would depend on if there are signs of tears or deterioration of the remaining meniscal tissue, which may also contribute to pain.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how your knee responds to daily activities. Take note of when the pain worsens and any additional symptoms, such as swelling or stiffness.
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Manage Pain and Swelling: Use ice and elevation to help control pain and any inflammation you may be experiencing. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help (if you don’t have any contraindications).
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Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running or jumping, until you get clarity from your physician.
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Prepare Questions for Your Follow-Up: Consider jotting down specific questions you have regarding your graft and meniscus when you meet with your orthopedist. This might include inquiries about rehabilitation options or if further imaging or tests may be necessary.
Stay hopeful as you await your appointment, and remember that your orthopedic surgeon has the tools to provide a tailored treatment plan based on your MRI results. If you encounter new or severe symptoms, evaluate how you might adapt your activity level accordingly. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance!
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