Thread: Ruptured ACL ligament - oops!

Following a trial ride back in Febuary where the front end slipped and I placed my left leg on ground at speed which then got caught by foot rest and twisted outward
I have finally been diagnosed with an acl rupture.

For over 2 months I was pi$$ing about on crutches with 3 different GP's precribing anti inflamms and telling me to rest.....To cut a long story short my leg finally balloned and turned purple so we went to cardiff A+E....They were horrifed and an xray immediately confirmed internal bleeding but no bone damage. apart from the swelling I could not straighten my leg which the consultant said was "lock knee" BUT an MRI scan would be needed to confirm. At this point he advised to go private if possible which I decided to do and bite the bullet due to inability to work!

The scan was nearly as painful as accident as your knee is tightly strapped in a jig and you cannot move for min 30 minutes while in the scanner - ouch!!!!

Anyway the results confirmed a full ACL tear - I actually believe my acl first tore 3 years ago when playing volleyball in egypt (I felt a ping) and the trial ride finished it.
Currently I do not have any stability issues and can walk fine BUT I cannot lift/ run.....

At mo we are on 12wks of physio to strengthen quads but its looking like the consultant will advise AGAINST reconstruction. The problem for me is physcological in that I believe the leg is weak....I really believe I should have the hamstring recon.

I have not ridden since due to paranoia and ofcourse i'm a to$$er in the eyes of my riding chums...

The consultant did say "any motoX rider not wearing braces just as well not wear a helmut" - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

So I will look to buy braces..money no object especially as Ive spent nearly 2K in 3mths using taxi's to ferry me round....I've learnt the hard way and do not wish this experience on anyone else..

Anyone advise on braces.....it seems a minefield...who stocks the best range..?

Will keep you posted on meeting with consultant.
MM

Hope you're sorted soon.

I've got CTI braces, i chose them after going round all the stalls at the dirt bike show.

I need a custom one for my left cos of the shape of my leg (cos my knee is fooked) and i could use a std one for my right but got a custom one for that one too (that knee isn't too good either)
They were half price if ordered at the show, they were still flippin expensive.
They're pretty comfy but they will remake you the braces if things change in the first year.
Think it took about 6 to 8 weeks to get made then someone brought them to my house and spent time making sure they fitted correctly and i knew how to fit them and were adjusted etc....i had stops put in cos i can't straighten my leg so the brace will stop the movement.

Some of the braces at the show were just medical braces with knee cups added and didnt't look like they'd be up to the job.

yep cti for me too,i bolloxed my knee too and was off work for 14 weeks those braces seem cheap after the event,broke my fumur behind knee and ligments,as all braces there never mega comfortable but its cheap insurance

I bit the bullet and bought myself a decent pair from the POD range. I can honestly say that I don't know I am wearing them. Very comfortable

Don't just take may word for it, see below. Not cheap though!

POD MX Knee Brace - The "I cant believe it's a knee brace" Knee Brace > Eat My Dirt > Products

Mine are comfy but i feel like a bit like robocop when off the bike.

i used off the peg cti 180 braces for about 3 years after doing mine, excellent fit and comfort and all parts are replacable

Hope you get well soon I have the Asterisk full knee braces which are fantastic.

+1 for Asterisk

Dunno what size you are but I have a brand new asterisk left knee brace for sale, BIG saving from a new one....

Brilliant braces, I just got the wrong size...DOH...!!!

What, again Dwazer, I got mine from you...