Ten yrs ago i was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella in both knees. The NHS confirmed this diagnosis approx 5 years ago after an MRI scan.

After 4 unsuccesful attempts at physio over a period of 6 years , i requested to see a specialist on the NHS. The specialist reffered me to his assistant for examination, who advised i had cartilage damage and there was no medical procedure that would help me. I was told i could never run again or do high impact sports, and i would have to get used to a new way of life on medication to control the pain and swelling.

I tried numerous medication which either didnt work or i had a bad illergic reaction after 2 weeks into the course (NSAID’s). So i continued to live with the pain for another 3 years.

This winter the pain became too much so i requested a referal to see a knee specialist privately. I didnt expect to actually acheive anything but i thought it wouldnt hurt getting another opinion.

After examination the specialist advised my knee cap tracking was the problem as it was pulled to the outside of the knee when bended, which he showed me.

1 week later i was in surgery for arthroscopy and lateral release to my right knee (25th Feb) through private healthcare.
The surgery went well, although i didnt take to well to the anesthetic so i had to stay in hospital a til the evening until i could keep food down.
Other than that i was fine other than stiffness in my knee.
I left the hospital with crutches.
On discharge i was given a physio appointment for 4 days time and some excercises to start the next day, and told to rest as much as possible.

2 weeks after surgery i have attended 3 physio appointments i can bend my leg considerably well although the swelling causes me a few problems at the min but this should go down by 6-8 weeks. I only use one crutch when i need to go out and about as my knee becomes stiff if i dont rest it enough and ice it. I have had a very small amount of brusing on my knee, my bruise on my hand for the anesthetic needle was bigger. I only used medication for the pain for 5 days after the op (tramadol and parecetamol) and other than a bit of aching its managable.

I had my stitches out yesterday and the surgeon showed me the before and after images of inside my knee. before images showed perfect ligament, cartilage and bone…only problem area was where the knee cap tracked incorrectly and the bone had fragmented. This was filed down to give a smooth surface b4 the lateral release. After images showed significant improvement.

I will see the surgeon again on April 1st to review, and hopefully get booked in for my left knee 3 weeks after that.

All in all i can say so far the op was extremely sucessful and you must put in the effort after the op to get the disired result – u dont get something for nothing , please commit to your physio excercises after the op, and ensure u are seen by a physio therapist soon after the op.

Take care all, and good luck!!!

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