x-ray redemonstration of post-surgical changes

[Guest guest]

I have had bilateral patella realignments done on my knees due to

degeneration of the cartilage underneath my kneecaps. In order to do this, my

orthopedic surgeon moved the top part of my tibias and put a titanium screw

in each knee. I had the screw removed in my left knee in August 2000- 9

months after the original surgery. Another doctor discovered that the tibial

bone had filled in with inflammation instead of bone after the screw was

removed. I had another surgery in December 2001 to scrape the bone so it

would fill in properly.

This past fall I developed a stress fracture in the top of my tibia

where the screw had been. I am having that same pain again. I recently

obtained a copy of my medical records including x-ray reports. Beginning

last May 2002, the x-rays show " re-demonstration of post-surgical changes

from the distal realignment. " Does anyone know what this means? Does it mean

that you can see I had a previous surgery or that the bone looks

abnormal-hence my pain?

Even though this pertains to my knee, I am sure this could happen with

any bone and x-ray. I am just trying to figure out if the x-rays are showing

changes and my doctor is not catching it. I don't mind being in another

splint if I know for sure that the stress fracture is causing the problem.

Thank you!! Margaret