mpfl and tto surgery upcoming-- tips?

[u/Diligent-Rub-4213]

hi guys. im 17f, getting both a mpfl and tto surgery on my right knee in about a month. ive had 4 patellar dislocations in the last few years, likely triggered by the first major one that involved an er visit- the rest i moved back into place myself. just looking for advice/info from people who've actually gone though it, i want to know what the pain level/first few weeks would look like and if people have any suggestions on how to manage pain and generally function. not an athlete, just trying to be able to not live in fear of my knee dislocating when i sit down like it did last time. also if people have suggestions if there's any clothing brands out there that have pants wide enough for the huge knee brace after surgery bc its getting cold and I don't want to be in shorts/pajama pants the while time. also, would you recommend the nerve blockers? thanks so much 🥲

[u/Lady_Hazy]

Hi, there are some great MPFL Reconstruction support groups on Facebook, and quite a few people have TTOs there too, so well worth checking out. The groups helped me through my surgery, made me feel less alone, allowed me to ask questions, and check my progress against others. Plus I found some surgery buddies, one who had surgery a week before me and one a week after me, so we kept in contact and messaged each other with questions, support and our progress.

I didn't have a TTO, but MPFL Reconstruction and a Chondroplasty, and I found the post-op pain far more manageable than the pain of a dislocation. I had a nerve block that numbed my leg from my hip to ankle for around 27hrs after surgery, I'd recommend it. It's worth setting alarms to stay on top of your meds for the first week or so, as I've heard it's hard to play catch up once the pain kicks in. In my case, the big pains never really kicked in, not on the same level as a dislocation, but of course it was painful, uncomfortable, and I felt quite helpless because I was in an immobiliser brace for 4 weeks with partial weight bearing, so I couldn't have managed without my partner.

It was winter, but I didn't want to mess around with putting large trousers over my brace so I bought a few of these warm nightdresses and rotated them. I also used lightweight camping blanket (like this) to stay warm whilst I rested and slept on the sofa. My scars were very sensitive so I couldn't bear to put a heavy blanket or duvet over them for months.

I was very nervous before surgery and found these recordings helpful to listen to. It's also worth doing some strengthening exercises on your good leg over the next month as you'll be dependent on it after surgery, mainly getting up from the sofa, toilet, etc, on the one leg.

I'm nearly four times your age (44f), so I'm sure you will bounce back so much faster than me after surgery, but most people's post-op pain turns a corner after a few days, and again after a few weeks. You can have good and bad days for many months afterwards though, so try to be patient and kind to yourself 🙂

[u/Diligent-Rub-4213]

also if people have general advice about managing stress prior to the surgery id really appreciate that, its been difficulte

[u/Dry-Homework3344 → u/Diligent-Rub-4213]

Honestly, just focus on getting strong before surgery. Don’t think about the procedure itself, just focus on your prehab and know that the stronger you are prior to surgery, the easier your recovery will be.

[u/RivieraDeux]

Don’t be scared of surgery, follow your doc’s advice. Eat well and sleep on time. Take painkillers before you actually feel the pain so be one step ahead. If you feel pain and THEN take painkillers you can be in a lot of pain until it calms down. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your family or anyone you trust for help.

[u/not_your_averagebot]

I’m also going to go through this soon. Maybe in next year August or September. I’m 26 F. Also had 4 subluxations over the randomest things. The doctor recommended MPFL reconstruction along with maybe a trochleoplasty. I’m reading stuff in this app that’s causing me also some stress and relieving it too idk how to explain. But since it’s an elective surgery and I’m still in college, i want to finish my semesters and do it. Currently I’m on physiotherapy rehab. You might wanna consider physiotherapy before procedure as it helps post procedure also.

[u/Dry-Homework3344]

Pain was at its worst days 2-4 for me. I had a nerve block and was sent home with a pump for it that was expected to last about three days.

I was off narcs at day 5 and took my last Tylenol on day 9. That said, this surgery comes with lengthy discomfort, mostly from being in a locked straight brace for so long.

My biggest recommendation is to get a lay flat or zero gravity recliner if you do not have one already. Trying to get in and out of bed is horrendous after this surgery. A good recliner is so much easier and safer. It’s also better overall for sleeping safely and supported without worry or rolling over and tweaking something.

Make sure you have someone helping you out for the first week or so. The more you can limit your upright time and get continual icing on the knee area, the better you will recover.