Shawne Merriman to play with bum knee

[Philly Fin Fan]

I have it too (10 years of an undiagnosed ACL tear)

I think we discussed that in Disney!

[SportsChick]

I believe we did

[fyo]

The media has been PATHETIC in reporting the injury time line here.

Merriman tore his PCL in 2005!

This is not some recent injury, although the LCL tear (December 9th last year) is. He played 5 games following that injury, although limited at times (and wearing a knee brace, which he will apparently do again).

PCL tears are not usually surgically repaired. They're hard to get to and the success rate is WAY lower than for ACL tears.

Tears of the LCL (even complete ones) are rarely surgically repaired unless other ligaments are involved.

The main issue for Merriman will be general instability of the knee (LCL restricts side-to-side, PCL shinbone front-to-back). And, of course, longer term, damage to cartilage. That's not a significant risk factor for this season, however!

As for how limited he will be - well, that depends on exactly how unstable his knee is. Given the difficulty experts have had with diagnosing the issue, the instability is likely not severe. The knee brace will help provide additional stability.

I think the reason he hasn't opted for surgery is that the potential outlook it offers just isn't that good. Oh, and this being a contract year for him (and the Chargers reportedly not interesting in resigning him at his asking price) is probably forcing his hand (or knee) to some degree.

Merriman has already played 5 games with the injury - and that was right after it happened. He's spent the past 8 months rehabbing the knee. I don't blame him for wanting to give the knee a try in games before deciding to have surgery. Surgery that's unlikely to help much, but very likely to kill his chance of a good contract.

[Frimp]

I have a bad knee. Not sure what's wrong with it. All I know is that I can't run without it going out under me, and if I am walking, and stumble, it goes out too. The pain only lasts about 20 seconds, and its tender for a few minutes. It doesnt really bother me if I'm lifting something, but stairs and ladders are a bitch. Any theories?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Any theories?

No, but I have some advice.  Talk to a doctor. 

Then again under the Bush health plan, asking for medical advice on football forum is the best you can hope for. 

[Frimp]

No, but I have some advice.  Talk to a doctor. 

Then again under the Bush health plan, asking for medical advice on football forum is the best you can hope for. 

I'm not going to turn this into a political discussion.

[landlocked]

Let's see,he saw FOUR doctors that all told him......"DON'T PLAY!"Dude is seriously jeopardizing his entire career.

[Rick]

  ESPNs Chris Mortensen is reporting that Shawn Merriman is done for the season.... he is going to have knee surgery and hopes to be ready for training camp 2009....The San Diego Chargers will place the LB on Injured reserve any time now.

  Smart move by the Chargers and Merriman.