Dislocated knee

Published

Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

Hi all! So I'm not seeking medical advice, just maybe similar experiences. 2 days ago, I dislocated my right knee for the first time running down some stairs. It popped back in instantly, was very painful, but I elevated and iced it right away. Well when I woke up the next morning, I couldn't walk on it and it was swollen like a cantaloupe! So of course, I go to the ER, at the hospital I work at as a tech on a Med/Surg unit. 3 hours later, the Dr sends me home with crutches and an immobilizer........to wear ONLY when walking?????? Mind you I was also told to stay off it, thus the crutches. My first question was when can I go back to work? He said in 4 days!!!! Well I'm sitting here, day 2 and there is NO WAY I'm gonna be able to work in 2 days. He did refer me to an Ortho and I WILL call him on Monday, but I've already told my unit the dr cleared me to come back to work on the 15th.

I guess I just wanted to know what the standard time for recovery was, like when I would be able to work again. I know recovery differs per person, but I really feel that ER DR had know idea what he was talking about when he said I could return in 4 days. :banghead: Oh I've also been icing and elevating once an hour for 20 mins while awake.

I appreciate any comments about this very much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I hope you're feeling better and geting around a little easier.

I've dislocated my patella 4 times in the last 30 years and have seen treatment recommendations change a lot over that time.

In a nutshell, studies have shown that lengthy immobilization does not reduce the risk of re-injury. So instead of casting for 6 weeks, which was the treatment 30 years ago, most doctors now recommend immobilization for the 1st week to allow reduction of swelling, followed by use of a patella-stabilizing brace and prompt PT.

I was always told that crutches were optional, as walking straight-legged did not place tension on the knee joint. I rarely used them unless my knee and leg were very painful, as I hated the sore shoulders and arms they produced.

Each time, I was able to get around pretty well by the 1-week point. If you still have significant pain and swelling by then, you definitely need to report that to your doctor.

Wishing you an uneventful recovery :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

Oh thank you for your story. I'm anxious to just see the ortho dr Monday as I'm scheduled to work Wednesday and don't see that happening. It's been hard, as you know, trying to stay off it and being limited in my activities. I swear I've put on 10 lbs in 3 days! I finally showered today and boy was that the best! Well, again, thanks for sharing your experience and take care!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

Well I saw my Ortho today and he discovered a bone fragment that he wants to remove by arthroscopic surgery. So I guess I have my answer now.............4-6 weeks after surgery until I have my mobility back. This will be a long road.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Sorry to hear of your setback.

Take care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion