Torn ACL - seeking advice

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I'm not a big poster on this group but I had a question and hoped some of you

could maybe help me shed some light on the situation. I tried searching through

archives but couldn't finding specific inputs on surgery, mostly just mentions

of knee surgery here and there. Any information, related stories or advice would

be well appreciated.

So last October 2009 I tore my ACL going down a wet staircase at my dorm at

school. Basically all my weight shifted forward with my knee and my foot stuck

behind me. It was pretty bad. Anyway, after that I got it checked out and

started physical therapy there until winter break in December. I haven't kept up

with the PT sessions this semester for the past few months, but still have

exercised and worked my legs a good amount at the gym. I got a knee brace which

I wore a lot after the tear, but since January I haven't worn it as much as I

can get by without it more.

So since the tear in October the knee has given out about 4 or so times. Once

just randomly a couple weeks after the accident, Another time while jumping down

over some stairs, once just playing some basketball by myself, and once it gave

out badly while playing football.

The orthopedic doctor by my school recommended surgery, as well as the one here

in Boston (at MGH) and a Sports therapy doctor that works on athletes.

The question is, should I go through ACL reconstructive surgery to repair the

knee. I can get by now without it; however, for the past year PT for CMT has

really improved my activity level and now I can almost be as athletic as a lot

of the other kids (improved foot drop, strengthened legs and calves, increased

stability & balance, less falls). So now I'm closer to almost being able to

fully play some sports and run somewhat, though I cant really get to into it

without my knee failing on me. It used to be the same with my ankles, though it

seems I'm finally past that.

So if any of you know a similar situation to mine, or know anything about the

importance of the knee FOR CMTers, that would really help. I'm 19. They say at

my age with my activity level surgery is a no brainer, but the CMT changes

things. Also I'm not sure how the knee is needed for those of us with foot drop

and decreased sensation. I'm also going to try and contact Shy for any

CMT-related input.

Any advice about the ACL subject I'd appreciate

Thank you,