Biodex test

[Edd]

I'm 12 weeks post-op for a torn ACL and doing pretty well. At 16 weeks the PTs and doc want me to get a biodex test. I learned today that my insurance doesn't cover this test, which surprised me since my insurance is quite good.

Now I'm compelled to assess the need for the test. I've got a month to decide and I'll be doing research of course. I'm curious what people on the board know about the test personally and if it was useful, or even critical in their opinion, to have it done.

 

[AdironRider]

I popped my achilles two Decembers ago now, and so began a year long journey through MRIs, Xrays, doctors and PT.

My advice to you is to listen to your body. A lot of the stuff thrown at me did jack **** but cost a crapload (which I gladly passed on to my insurance, but if your not covered, really think it through).

The best thing I think I paid for was the homework my PT guy gave me. Do that religiously. Its annoying and seems petty, and pretty humbling as you have a tough time with balance, but it pays off slowly. Stick to it, listen to your body, it will hurt, but youll get through it.

Its not like you tore something super rare and difficult. Its an ACL, any PT guy worth his salt should have you up and running without that many "tests". Biodex tests your exact level impairment and puts it in a nice number (or something of that form) that supposedly tells you just how much you can and cant do. Going back to my initial point, I think you know pretty much at any given time in your recovery just how much you think you can do. Your the one carrying around that bum leg all day. Hows it feel?

 

[Puck it]

Waste of money. You will know when it has returned to its original strength.

BTW, I have had three knee surgeries and never had one. I wear no brace either.

 

[Riverskier]

I have had ACL reconstruction on both knees. The first in 1997, and I did have a test, but I think it was called a Cybex strength test. Not really sure the point, as you and your physical therapist can tell where your strength and recovery is at without it. The second in 2004 they wanted to do one, but it would have crossed plan years (new deductible), so essentially I would have had to pay for it. I asked the Dr. (one of the best in the business) if it was really necessary and he said no. Bottom line, not really advice, but I personally wouldn't get one if I had to pay for it. If it was covered by insurance, why not. Like Puck It, no brace after my surgeries, still ski bumps, and the knees feel great.

 

[Cornhead]

Waste of money. You will know when it has returned to its original strength.

BTW, I have had three knee surgeries and never had one. I wear no brace either.

Ditto, only one ACL surgery, patella graft. Never had the test, never wore a brace. I wasn't skiing when I tore the ACL. I did tweak it skiing once, couldn't straighten my leg all the way. I was trying to hike on it since that was my preferred form of exercise. I had an MRI that revealed nothing, doc wanted to go in with a scope. I decided to try to heal it myself, it worked. I switched to non load bearing exercise, mountain bike, swimming, canoeing. Worked great, healed on it's own.

 

[kingdom-tele]

from a PT perspective I would say don't worry about it. Biodex/Cybex testing isn't a functional assessment of your strength. It certainly is specific to one component of your leg but your lower leg stability isn't isolated to one muscle group, so whats the point in labeling it with arbitrary numbers - rehab, p/op calcs are filled with bizare testing based on case studies and IMO geekified measurments that have little bearing on a person's functional capacity.

hopefully your following a phase based protocol, just make sure your not dabbling in activities beyond your current phase of lower leg control and focus on regaining symmetry in your body

 

[Edd]

Going back to my initial point, I think you know pretty much at any given time in your recovery just how much you think you can do. Your the one carrying around that bum leg all day. Hows it feel?

It feels weird...but stable. Not as strong as the other leg yet but a bit better than 2 weeks ago. I actually enjoy doing PT.

You guys are rapidly talking me out of doing this.

 

[Puck it]

It feels weird...but stable. Not as strong as the other leg yet but a bit better than 2 weeks ago. I actually enjoy doing PT.

You guys are rapidly talking me out of doing this.

PT and rehab are the keys. Just do not over do it. I was back to full activities in 6 months but developed tendonitis in the area where the graft was taken in the patella. Too much weight training after my PT ran out.

 

[vonski]

Sounds to me like a good test for a lawsuit to determine loss of use!, So, If so snowboarder ran you over then you might want to get the test!

 

[wa-loaf]

Never had one. Biked, did PT, started skiing 6 months after surgery with brace. Ditched the brace after the first year. No probs.

 

[deadheadskier]

Came in to say

I hate the insurance industry.

I'm not saying this will happen to you. Those in the thread are offering the right advice based on their experience. But what if someone doesn't get the test and goes out and blows out the same knee again. Now the insurance company is on the hook for several thousand dollars all over again as opposed to what? A few hundred.

Glad to hear the rehab is going well