> Trying to get a sense of seriousness of my torn MCL from
> the MRI report ...
> "extensive partial tear of the medial patellar
> retinaculum"
It is more important to look at the results of the clinical examination, where the surgeon determines the extent of this injury, than what the MRI report says. Especially how much your kneecap moves (right, left, up, down) compared to the opposite knee. If you have any reinjuries - kneecap dislocations - it will be really important to see a surgeon as soon as possible. This is true even if you experience partial dislocations, where the kneecap starts to go out of place and then relocates. The fact that the retinaculum was torn, and not the medial patellofemoral ligament, is good news (assuming the MRI didn't miss something).
> "moderate partial tear of the deep fibers of the
> proximal MCL"
Nearly all MCL tears heal without surgery, although they can cause pain for quite some time. The integrity of the MCL is ascertained through a manual clinical examination with the knee first slightly bent (30 degrees) and then at full extension. As long as there is no increased medial joint opening at full extension, this should heal fine.
> also, dr mentioned that it seemed my kneecap might have
> slipped out of place, but then back into place? I am
> guessing that's that's the
> "recent lateral patellar dislocation that has
> reduced" ?
That is correct.
> Is "extensive soft tissue edema" and
> "moderate joint effusion" basically just
> swelling? What about "significant underlying bone
> marrow edema"?
Edema, effusion indicate swelling, fluid build-up.
> Dr had reviewed MRI, but I hadn't, in my last visit.
> Would appreciate any input as to what it all means for
> recovery ... Thanks.
You should be in a rehab program to help recover properly from this injury - especially focusing on the muscles around the kneecap to strength as much as possible to help prevent a reinjury. Good luck,
SueBW
