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Avatar universal

Feel a bone sticking out of my leg

I play basketball and had a torn left patella (~15%). I underwent surgery and nine and a half months of rehab to get it back to where it was before the injury. I feel better now and my knee is almost brand new (it took like three years though). Recently, I was training and doing some plyometrics - nothing new - and as I was coming down, I landing hard and my knee just shook. I felt pretty unstable after that. I kept my knee straight as I walked to sit down. When I sat, I bent my knee and my knee just... locked? I felt like some bone came out of socket and stick out of my skin. I flinched and extended my leg and it snapped back. It has happened every time since then when i bend my knee. The pain is EXCRUCIATING. My doctor is out of town until next Saturday and I only feel comfortable with him. I've tried almost every other orthopedic surgeon in my area and I am dissatisfied with their level of professionalism and helpfulness. I'm also traveling on Friday so I most probably won't be able to see my doctor. I'm pretty sure its not a patella related issue as my patella feels better than ever. I currently am wearing a brace I use to wear that keeps my leg at 180 degrees. Does anybody know what's going on, what I feel, how can I help the pain just until the next time I see a doctor. Please, ANYTHING is helpful. Any experiences? Thanks in advance for all the help.
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Avatar universal
Thanks Doctor, just wanted to update. My knee went into a full lock today and I couldn't move it for about seven minutes. I have decided to see the nearest orthopedic surgeon in the area tomorrow as this has become disruptive with my daily routine. Thanks for you help.
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
True knee locking is caused by either a torn piece of cartilage, or a loose bone fragment due to a bone disorder called osteochondritis dissecans.  Sometimes misalignment of the bones and muscles around the knee cause this obstruction. True locking is fairly rare. A person can experience an inability to move the knee after an injury which feels like a locking of the knee. However, this is not due to something physically interfering with the movement of that knee. This is called a pseudo-lock. Hence you may need X-rays and MRIs of the knee to find the exact cause. It is good you are giving knee ample rest by wearing braces. Also, do not put much weight on it until you are able to consult your specialist. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
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