We saw the Ortho today to have him released for PE finally. This appointment didn't go as well as expected. I was hoping the doctor would say he could wear a brace and be careful. Instead he said this is expected to happen again, it's a matter of when. With this type of ACL and meniscus injury to the knee it won't be fixed until he has the surgery to repair it. Because Bryce is only 12 and growing, it can not be surgically repaired right now without disrupting his growth. We have options. We can buy an ACL specialty brace for his knee and he can wear it and try the sports he wants to continue playing, hoping not to jump or land wrong. He can avoid sports all together, he could attempt a reconstruction surgery now and risk the growth plate development, which is not recommended at all, or the last option is wait until he is 16 or 17 and get the reconstructive surgery then. So obviously, we don't have many options. The doctor advises looking for the cheaper version of the ACL brace and not playing basketball or the higher contact, higher risk, sports until he can have this surgery. I guess the brace he needs runs (the ACL brand is $1000.) I gasped in astonishment, like WOW.... We will definitely look for the cheaper version. I needs metal support on the sides for support of his ligaments and tendons in his knee, he said.
As we were leaving the doctor said he hopes not to see us back too soon, but guesses it will be this year, this type of injury will continue to re-injure until it's repaired. Try not to further damage what is already done.
Ughhh.... not good news.
So Bryce feels okay today, let's hope he stays safe and does not re-injure it for now. This is today's Orthopedic update on his right knee sprain.
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