I had previously reported on another posting that Jeff would be seeing an orthopedic surgeon this past Wednesday, so he did at 8:00 AM. The final results are not what we were wanting to hear. According to the surgeon, the MRI of Jeff’s right knee showed a completely torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ***Note the ACL in the picture below***
The cruciate ligaments are found inside the knee joint. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee. The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee. It prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, as well as provides rotational stability to the knee. The mechanism of injury is often associated with deceleration coupled with cutting, pivoting or sidestepping maneuvers, awkward landings or “out of control” play. The incidence of ACL injury is higher in people who participate in high-risk sports, such as basketball, football, skiing, and soccer.
The surgeon, Dr. T, gave him 3 treatment options: 1) ACL reconstuction, 2) Allograft (Cadaver) replacement, or 3) do nothing at all and live with the problem.
Jeff chose the allograft replacement, as this is what will be more beneficial for him. His surgery is scheduled for June 3rd. This procedure will provide him with the strength that is necessary for him to resume playing sports and working out. This procedure will require several days of physical therapy; however, he will only be on crutches for 3-5 days. Needless to say, Jeff is not very happy with that fact that he can not workout for 6 months. If you know my husband, you know that he is entirely dedicated to working out…more than anyone I have ever known.
As my husband struggles to understand why this has happened to him, I’m trying to be supportive and I am encouraging him to think positive. I’ve explained to him that things could be far worse.
Dr. T is a well known, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in the Dallas area. He is the head team physician for the Frisco Roughriders and an orthopedic consultant for the Dallas Stars Hockey Club and the Texas Rangers. He has been recognized by D Magazine as “Best Doctors in Dallas” and by Texas Monthly as “Texas Super Doctor”.
As a nurse, even I know that some of the best doctors aren’t perfect, as they are human and are susceptible to errors; however, I believe that all things happen for a reason. I have put my faith in God and I pray that my husband will recovery quickly. For this reason, I know that everything will be fine.
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