Rockford Raptors FC

The incidence of female ACL injuries continues to rise with the growth of competitive female sports.  ACL injuries are both physically and psychologically devastating to the injured athlete.  In August of 2009, Sydney Makela, a U15 Rockford Raptor, suffered such an injury.  Sydney and her parents have agreed to share their personal insight from initial injury, surgery, rehab, and eventual return to play.
Sydney's story will unfold through a series of Q & A involving Sydney, her parents, Dr. Jon Whitehurst from ROA, John Walter and Brett Holmertz from Rebound Physical Therapy.

Q: Sydney how did your injury occur?
A:  While in the air, I was pushed, and upon landing it felt like my knee dislocated.  I knew right away that my knee was seriously injured.

Q:  Brett you were present for initial evaluation on the field when the injury occurred, what was your response?
A:  I have seen numerous ACL ruptures on the field of play, and upon evaluating Sydney's knee, I realized that Sydney had probably torn her ACL and was concerned that she had suffered cartilage damage as well.  Sydney's knee presented with swelling, significant loss of motion, laxity, and above all else severe pain.  At this point the prudent course of action was to immobilize the knee to reduce pain and prevent further damage, and to transport ASAP.

Q:  Sydney what were your initial thoughts and feelings when told you had suffered an ACL tear?
A:  I had heard of ACL tears because my sister suffered one, but I was too young to really realize what she had gone through.  I was depressed, especially when I watched my teammates play.  I realize that it will be quite some time before I play again.  I was nervous that I was going to have surgery and what further pain to expect.

Q:  What was your surgical experience?
A:  Overall the surgery was not as bad as I had thought.  The IV didn't hurt, the nurses were very nice, and I was confident in Dr. Whitehurst.  I was in a significant amount of pain the first few days following surgery, but the pain is beginning to get better.

Q:  Laura, as a parent who has been through this once before, what were your feelings?
A:   As a parent watching your child participate in any sport is exciting. I've witnessed two of my three daughters tear their ACL during soccer games. It is the most helpless feeling as you watch your child laying on the field in pain with no visible signs of an injury but knowing that there is something seriously wrong. In Sydney's case, we saw her get pushed from behind and her knee bend in a direction that knee's are not supposed to bend. We also heard the "snap" and immediately knew something was horribly wrong.
After the ambulance ride and the ex-rays at the hospital, we knew there were no broken bones but we also suspected a torn ACL. The MRI confirmed our suspicions and we started preparations for surgery right away. Sydney went to Rebound 2-3 days a week prior to her surgery to get some mobility back in her knee before the surgery. It was amazing to see her go from no weight-bearing to walking without crutches.
The day of surgery everyone was anxious. The surgery took longer than expected so we thought that there was meniscus injury as well. That would have meant 4 weeks of no weight-bearing and a lot of patience from both Sydney and her family! Fortunately it was only the ACL. We kept the ice machine on her knee for 24 hours a day for the first week, which I believe helped with the pain and swelling. She began therapy about a week after surgery and went back to school full time 10 days post surgery. Lots of patience and understanding are needed those first few days after surgery. Sydney did remarkably well. Her sister's surgery was in June so she was able to stay home the entire time for her recovery without the chore of homework and getting up for school everyday.
Right now we are going to Rebound 2-3 times each week and working with Mark, Brett and John to get full extension of the knee. It is painful at times, but with the pain comes recovery. It is so awesome just to watch Sydney walk down the stairs without crutches, brace or an ace bandage. In one short month she has made incredible strides toward getting back on the field. Her goal is to play in the Midwest Cup in May, which might be a bit optimistic, but I'm not telling her she can't, that's why we have the good people at ROA and Rebound!
Throughout this entire ordeal there was not only a lot of stress for Sydney but for the family as well. There was the shock of her injury, the disruption of our daily routine, the exhaustion of taking care of her after the surgery. She had to have her friends carry her books for her at school, her Dad had to take her into the building and to her locker each day, I had to get up every 4 hours to make sure the ice machine had enough ice and give her pain medication. Moving her from the couch to the bathroom or her bed was an adventure, making sure she didn't fall and lifting her leg properly so she didn't wince in pain. Her younger sister felt the pressure of us always tending to Sydney. Her older sister felt compassion for her as she has been there before. It's been a long and emotional two months for everyone in the family, but we all knew what needed to be done and dealt with it as best we could.
Sydney might not be able to participate in High School soccer this year, but she will (with the doctor's okay) be able to run track. I'm looking forward to seeing her compete again and I know she is very motivated as well. She still goes to games to watch her team although it is emotionally difficult for her. She misses the camaraderie on the field and being with the team that she has been a part of since 3rd grade..but she'll be back and better than ever!
 

Sydney has just started therapy, check back periodically for updates on Sydney's progress, as well as perspectives from her parents, her doctor, and her therapists.