[pstinard]

Just got back from consulting with the surgeon. The good news is that Bella's knee is healing very well, her patella is staying in position, and her CCL ligament is firmly attached. She is expected to make a full recovery. The bad news is that the pin that was used to attach the CCL to its current location is slowly beginning to back out of the underlying bone. The surgeon says that this happens in about 20% of the cases. It is of no danger to the CCL or to Bella's recovery, since the point of CCL attachment has fully healed. However, if it continues to back out of the underlying bone, it could pierce the skin and stick out, which would require it to be removed. I could have the pin removed now, which would require invasive surgery, or I could wait and see if it stabilizes or pops out on its own. If it stabilizes, everything is good as it is. If it pops out on its own, it would have to be pulled out, but would require less invasive surgery, and perhaps not even full anesthesia. I am to continue monitoring (feeling) the position of the pin from time to time, and if it continues to come out further, I am to take her back for further consultation. I was about to pass out, but the surgeon made me man up and feel the pin so I know what to look for. The surgeon assured me that Bella is in no pain, and that in fact, I'm probably feeling more pain than she is! I am inclined to go ahead and leave the pin in for as long as possible, so the joint continues to heal. Overall, the surgeon was quite pleased with Bella's progress.