OpenHealth Q&A

Dealing with a Recurring Knee Dislocation: Seeking Solutions

Ten weeks ago, while gardening, I suffered a fall that injured my knee. Following the incident, I visited the emergency department, where they conducted an X-ray. I was informed that everything appeared to be normal and was advised to see an orthopedic specialist since my knee was painful and could not extend properly. When I met with the specialist three weeks later, it became clear that the X-ray had not been thoroughly reviewed. In fact, I had sustained fractures to both my patella and femur. A noticeable fragment of bone was detached and floating near the joint. Consequently, I now have to wear a large metallic leg brace for support. I was subsequently referred to a fracture clinic, where they recommended surgery to remove the loose bone fragment. Additionally, I was scheduled for MRI and CT scans of my legs for further evaluation. The MRI results indicated that I had torn two ligaments in my knee, one of which is a lateral ligament that starts with an 'M' (my memory for acronyms isn’t great), and a posterior ligament. On the day of my anticipated knee surgery, the surgeon, who had traveled to this small rural hospital, found that he lacked sufficient time to perform the procedure I needed. Instead of the planned 40-minute keyhole surgery, he proposed a more extensive knee re-stabilization operation. Sadly, I was sent home with an apology instead of the surgery I had been hoping for. Now, I find myself back on the waiting list, anxiously anticipating a new date for the surgery. I have a follow-up consultation scheduled with the surgeon in October. In the interim, my kneecap frequently experiences lateral dislocation, an event that occurs daily. On alternate days, it completely pops out, requiring me to manually reposition it. Just last week, I went back to the emergency department because my kneecap refused to remain properly aligned. They provided me with a new locking knee brace for additional support. I inquired about the possibility of expediting my surgery — however, they informed me that I am classified as category 2, one of the higher priority levels, but would only be moved up if my condition significantly deteriorates. This leads me to wonder how my situation could worsen further. Is it typical for someone in my predicament to endure such circumstances? Given the multiple errors I've encountered, including the oversight in examining my X-ray and erroneously scheduling my surgery, my trust in the hospital has considerably diminished. It feels unjust that I am expected to continue bearing weight on this injured leg, with the kneecap slipping out of place on a regular basis. The pain is overwhelming, and throughout this ordeal, I've only been prescribed two Tramadol tablets without any additional pain management alternatives. Should I revisit the emergency department to request specific treatment options? Or is this experience something I must endure as I await surgery?

Answers (1)

9/11/2025, 3:20:59 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your knee. It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with repeated dislocations, pain, and delays in treatment. Let's break this down and focus on what you can do while awaiting your surgery.

Main Points:

1. Frequent Knee Dislocations: This is a serious concern that needs to be managed to prevent further injury.
2. Pain Management: It's crucial to address your pain effectively while you wait for surgery.
3. Follow-Up Care: Keep track of changes in your condition as you prepare for your next consultation.

Explanation:

Your knee issues stem from both the fractures and ligament tears, which can lead to instability and frequent dislocations, as you’ve experienced. The lateral ligament you mentioned might be the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which is essential for knee stability. Managing both the pain and preventing further dislocation is key while you're on the waiting list.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Pain Management: Since Tramadol isn't sufficiently controlling your pain, consider discussing alternative pain relief options with your doctor, such as:

   • Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises or modalities like electrical stimulation may help strengthen the muscles around your knee and provide some relief.
   • Ice Therapy: Applying ice to your knee several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
   • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If approved by your healthcare provider, medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help manage pain and inflammation.

2. Knee Brace Usage: Continue using the locking knee brace as recommended. Ensure that it fits properly and offers adequate support. If discomfort persists, reach out to a specialist for adjustments.

3. Monitoring Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your knee dislocation episodes, pain levels, and any other symptoms. This information could be valuable during your follow-up appointment in October.

4. Emergency Department Visits: If your dislocations become more frequent or if you experience severe pain, swelling that doesn’t improve, or any signs of complications (like numbness or inability to move your leg), seek immediate medical attention.

5. Inquire About Expedited Surgery: If your symptoms worsen, document them and discuss the possibility of elevating your surgical priority with the surgical team during your follow-up.

While it’s challenging to wait for surgery, maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers about your pain and other concerns is essential. Your experience is valid, and seeking clarity on your treatment options is your right as a patient. Take care and keep advocating for yourself.