[longrema]

I can't believe it. I fell (walking and NOT chewing gum) 5 weeks ago and after a long interim between doc and ortho, the orthopedist says I have snapped my PCL and strained my cal, he says the PCL is nonexistent in the MRI, which explains the popping, clicking, and pain on in/declines, stairs, walking in general and any twisting. Now being a small town he says he doesn't touch PCLs with a 10 foot pole, so he sent me to 6 more weeks of PT (already had 4), changed the brace (they assumed it was a muscle strain), and told me to see him then for re-eval. He said if there isn't improvement I will have to go to the big city for further care. He said do what I can for exercise with the PT. Given all I do is golf, sail, dive, and mountain bike, I figure golf is the least dangerous for re-injury.

Have any of you played with a PCL injury/brace before? I called my instructor and set up a range session, but given my orthos complete lack of guidance maybe someone else's' doc made some recommendations?

It's been gorgeous and I can't believe I've missed the last 5 weeks!

[NanoGordeno]

I have never experienced a PCL tear but I am currently recovering from ACL surgery. I DID play after I tore my ACL FTW. I didn't play right away. I didn't even try until after a few sessions of PT and regaining my strength. My PT told me since its torn, I can't really do more damage to the ligament so I slowly got back into it. Even then, it was hard, mostly mental, to stop worrying about my knee. Played horrible the first few times. But have not played since the surgery. My doctor just put an order in for a custom knee brace "that football players use" so hopefully I can play soon. I know its not the same injury but I guess it involves the ligaments in the knee

[psbiuigw]

Anatomy lesson - this image is a view from the back of the knee

[Faigokilix]

Roadtripp,

Well misery loves company.

At least you fell down (sudden burst of gravity, I presume). About a month ago I was walking across the parking lot toward the clubhouse, thankfully after the round, and hyper-extended my right knee. MRI shows "blunting" (indication of a tear, no tear visible) to the MCL, fissures in the knee joint and bruised marrow. Since the MRI I have been wearing a brace with the metal joints on each side.

To answer your question. My doc said to avoid twisting my knee until I healed. So no, I have not tried golf yet. Stairs are still not my friend and twisting my knee slightly while sleeping (I use a soft brace at night) wakes me up. However, the MRI also showed scar tissue on my MCL from a previous injury and I was playing pain free prior to my incident.

I am not a doc and I didn't stay at a hotel last night but my recommendation would be to get a referral to the "big city" specialist. As you have become aware, it sucks not being completely bipedal.

Good luck on a speedy recovery.

[longrema]

I'm a total accident waiting to happen, but it is usually burning myself or cutting appendages off. When it happened since we do so many sports i spent a week doing r.i.c.e as the swelling, stiffness, and pooling were the obvious things to resolve. The first doc assumed it was a strain even though i was specific about the symptoms of popping, instability, and positivity of drawering. after an xray and sent me home with a hinged brace and pt for a strain. There was a nasty bone bruise on the tibia, and so she figuredthat wasthe only issue. So i went to a pt who was buddy who got me in to see the only ortho in the county. And viola an answer! No solution but an answer. Next call is to the big city while in therapy. Anyone know a golf friendly ortho in seattle?

Im in a new ginormous long hinged brace, and Hubby laughs and says "run forrest!"

[NanoGordeno]

What was the answer?
FWIW, a doctor originally told me it was just a strain as well but I made an appointment to see an ortho and had MRI taken just to be safe. Glad I did, turned out torn.

[longrema]

family Dr says: Muscle Strain only
local ortho says after MRI: PCL completely separated & elongated ACL due to fall, they will only authorize PT as they don't fix PCLs but recommended that I visit Seattle Dr.s who work with more active people.
Seattle Ortho surgeon: Have an appt June 26 after they review records from last 2 doctors.

[NanoGordeno]

Good luck with everything. Being injured sure sucks.

[ådrrraj]

I can't believe it. I fell (walking and NOT chewing gum) 5 weeks ago and after a long interim between doc and ortho, the orthopedist says I have snapped my PCL and strained my cal, he says the PCL is nonexistent in the MRI, which explains the popping, clicking, and pain on in/declines, stairs, walking in general and any twisting. Now being a small town he says he doesn't touch PCLs with a 10 foot pole, so he sent me to 6 more weeks of PT (already had 4), changed the brace (they assumed it was a muscle strain), and told me to see him then for re-eval. He said if there isn't improvement I will have to go to the big city for further care. He said do what I can for exercise with the PT. Given all I do is golf, sail, dive, and mountain bike, I figure golf is the least dangerous for re-injury.

Have any of you played with a PCL injury/brace before? I called my instructor and set up a range session, but given my orthos complete lack of guidance maybe someone else's' doc made some recommendations?

It's been gorgeous and I can't believe I've missed the last 5 weeks!

Sad to hear, that I hope you can get better and play golf again! I haven't had a PCL tear but a few people I knew on my brothers team have.

[Faigokilix]

I'm a total accident waiting to happen, but it is usually burning myself or cutting appendages off. When it happened since we do so many sports i spent a week doing r.i.c.e as the swelling, stiffness, and pooling were the obvious things to resolve. The first doc assumed it was a strain even though i was specific about the symptoms of popping, instability, and positivity of drawering. after an xray and sent me home with a hinged brace and pt for a strain. There was a nasty bone bruise on the tibia, and so she figuredthat wasthe only issue. So i went to a pt who was buddy who got me in to see the only ortho in the county. And viola an answer! No solution but an answer. Next call is to the big city while in therapy. Anyone know a golf friendly ortho in seattle?

Im in a new ginormous long hinged brace, and Hubby laughs and says "run forrest!"

I translate this to: I have a reserved parking spot and receive frequent flyer miles.

Spouses sure are brave when they know they can out run you (my wife included).

family Dr says: Muscle Strain only
local ortho says after MRI: PCL completely separated & elongated ACL due to fall, they will only authorize PT as they don't fix PCLs but recommended that I visit Seattle Dr.s who work with more active people.
Seattle Ortho surgeon: Have an appt June 26 after they review records from last 2 doctors.

Excellent! I hope that the ortho is able to repair the damage. Please keep us updated.