Get it checked mate, chances are the graft will be fine but the increased swelling is not a good sign. For your own peace of mind it's probably better and from your description of what's happened the consultant will probably want a repeat MRI.
Hi mate
I would really appreciate your advice on a recent injury - I had an initial assessment with a physiotherapist this morning who has confirmed I have an ACL injury. In her professional opinion, she believes it is only a partial tear, rather than a complete tear/rupture, and has suggested rehab to treat the injury conservatively. She did check for any surrounding damage to the MCL/LCL, but said these were fine.
A brief outline of the injury:
1) 28.06.2020 - felt the knee tweak (brief pain to either side of the kneecap, no contact) during a football training session. 2 minutes later I stretched for a cross, studs got caught in the turf so possible hyper-extension - felt a recurrence of pain, but no popping sensation. Was able to complete a 1 mile jog afterwards without any discomfort. No bruising or swelling afterwards.
2) Rested the knee for a week as a precaution
3) 07.07.2020 and 09.06.2020 - went for a 3 mile run and a subsequent 2 mile sprint after resting the knee for a day. Wore a knee brace, no pain
4) 11.07.2020 - pivoted on the knee whilst cooking and felt it buckle/give way slightly - pain on the inside of the knee and soreness
5) 13.07.2020 - 20.07.2020 - went for a daily 2 mile walk with the little one, some discomfort and feeling of instability in the knee. Pain in the fibula head (I assumed it could have been an LCL injury, although this was not confirmed during my physio assessment).
6) Rested the knee since, pain has subsided, the feeling of instability has gone and I'm more confident bearing weight etc - spend a lot of time on my knees as my little one is 9 months, no issues going up or down the stairs etc
In short, I'm on a waiting list to get an MRI scan (NHS backlog) so surgery is unlikely over the next few months regardless of whether it is needed or not.
What is your professional opinion on recovery from a partial ACL tear? I am physically active, I run 30-40 miles a month, play football twice a week, go to the gym roughly 3 times a week - returning to the same level of physical activity is really important to me, is this realistic without surgery? I'm aware that you need to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, in particular the hamstrings, to restore 'functioning stability', but this is not always possible in all patients.
I'd appreciate any expertise you could offer on this and would like to thank you in advance for taking the team to read and, hopefully, respond.