Conference 7.286::golf

         Rick, I have problems in my right knee most of the
    time so I can offer some tips. Make sure you keep the
    knee flexed during the backswing to prevent slamming
    the knee stiff and agravating the situation. Also, when
    I tore my ligament, it was about 3-4 weeks before the
    swelling went down enough to even think about putting a
    lot of stress on the joint. I don't know how fast you
    heal, but be careful and don't screw the knee up in an
    effort to hurry back out and test it. Is it something
    that will heal without surgery ? hope so !!!!
    
    Mad Hacker

    	I don't know about how this type of injury will affect your
    golf game, and how soon you can try playing, but, it is the same
    injury, (posterior crucial ligament) that Danny Manning, NBA ball
    player had, and it took him over a year, after surgery to completely
    heal.  Also, recently, another NBA star, Ron Harper, suffered the
    exact same injury.  His recovery period has been estimated at 9
    to 12 months.  
    	Now, I know golf isn't as demanding as basketball on your knees
    or legs, but golf does require the use of your legs in the swing.
    I wouldn't try and rush things for one golf vacation trip, as it
    may seriously risk further damage to the knee, and set back your
    recovery, a great deal.
    
    Beak

    A posterior cruciate ligament tear can be very serious, depending on
    the degree of tear (usually broken bones heal faster than ligaments).
    Definitely see an orthopedic doctor, a knee specialist is even better.
    A slight tear can become completely torn if the knee is stressed
    repeatedly, and would require surgery and probably 9-12 months to heal
    plus time for rehab. Get yourself a good knee doctor---preferably one
    who understands sports medicine, and a doctor who understands the
    action of the knees in golf. It isn't only the swing of the club you
    need to be concerned about---walking on uneven terrain, sidehills,
    downhill lies, etc.  If from the Boston area, St. Elizabeth's Hospital
    has an excellent sports medicine clinic. I understand Dr. English is
    excellent.  I think there is a Dr. Pitel either there or at MGH who
    specializes in knees as well.
      I taught anatomy and exercise physiology for several years, and I
    think it is for your long term benefit, not to take this injury
    lightly. Go to a sports medicine clinic to get the real story. Many
    doctors who don't engage in sports do not understand the stresses and
    strains of a particular game, and may be too aggressive or too cautious
    with your rehab.
    
    Good luck---Florida seems doubtful, but not impossible.
    
    Sharon

    I was fortunate enough that an othopedic surgeon was available to look
    at me when they brought me in to Nashua Memorial Hospital.  Dr. Joseph
    was the man's name.  I was VERY impressed with him.  I did this on the
    17th of Feb.  I also was examined Feb 28th by another doctor in his
    office who agreed with the diagnosis.  Monday I'm going to see Dr.
    Yoder here in State College Pa.  This is the guy who redid Blair
    Thomas' knee (Penn State running back).  I'll have his input then.
    
    The info I've got thus far follows...
    
    The posterior cruciate is the LEAST valuable of the four ligaments in
    the knee.
    
    Many Offensive linemen play their entire careers without this ligament.
    
    Mark Bavaro played four years without this ligament and did not use a
    brace.  He just this year underwent surgery.
    
    This ligament is seldom operated on because seldom can any improvement
    be gained.
    
    Only a few surgeons in the country will even attempt to repair this
    injury with surgery.
    
    No doctor yet will estimate my recovery time (which I find
    frustrating).
    
    I have 3 weeks until I go to Florida, so cross your fingers for me!
    
    Rick

    The MRI scan results are in...
    
    Torn Posterior Cruciate and torn medial meniscus cartilage.
    
    I'm walking a little and will be seeing the doc tomorrow.  Florida is
    one week away.  I'm going to try to play golf today and see how it
    goes.  I seem O.K. laterally and if I swing easy there isn't much pain.
    
    (My interest in skiing may have died forever.  I've been skiing all my
    life, but golf is number one.)
    
    Rick

    I know that you have probably looking forward to this trip all winter,
    But is it really worth it to put the whole season in jeopardy to play
    golf on the trip.  Two years ago, I sprained my left ankle in the 
    middle of the golf season.  Naturally I ignored it and continued to 
    play.  Due to the sprain, I couldn't play well and the ankle didn't 
    heal correctly until I stopped playing at the end of the season.
    The point I trying to make is that I probably could've taken a couple
    of weeks off and let the ankle heal, and then enjoyed the rest of the
    season.  If you don't want to put the whole season in jeopardy, make 
    sure your Doctor agrees that playing golf on your knee now will not
    hinder its healing.

    Steve

    P.S. I am also currently suffering from an injury that is keeping
    me off the golf course, but I am not going to play until it
    heals correctly.
         

                                       

    I played 18 today... opening day at our course.  I was unable to drive
    the ball off the tee very well... but I can still hit my irons...
    
    Shot 90 which isn't very good for me, but I survived.  Tomorrow I see
    my doctor and I'll get some words of wisdom from him.  Thanks to all
    for your sympathy, and your words of caution are well taken.
    
    Rick