MRI Results

I got the results of my MRI today, and what it boils down to is two significant findings:

1. Dislocation and relocation of the patella (kneecap) with an associated complete tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL).

2. Grade I sprain of the MCL.

So, the good news is that the MCL, ACL and meniscus are all intact. The bad news is that the MPFL is completely torn. The MPFL is the ligament that keeps your kneecap from sliding too far towards the outside of your knee. My kneecap is not way out of place or anything, but it does feel like there's some instability in there.

I don't want to speculate any farther other than to say it's a fairly common injury and if surgery is required, it looks straightforward and with a very high rate of success and happiness post-op. However, I still have to consult with an orthopedic surgeon before I know what my next steps are, so I don't want to get ahead of myself.

The hope is that the knee will remain stable enough over the next few weeks to allow me to complete this busy time I have with work the next month or so, with two business trips, and then I will have plenty of time to correct the issue on a more long-term basis. I've been able to get back to work and get around with minimal trouble in the last week or so, and if it stays that way, this should be an ok plan. That's all for now, I'll post more info as it comes available.