Austrian Anna Fenninger’s rehabilitation from surgery following severe ligament and patella tendon damage in her right knee is on schedule, and this week she was able to complete her first therapy sessions in the pool. Dr. Christian Hoser talks more about her initial progress and further therapeutic measures in an interview with the Austrian Ski Federation.

Anna had a check-up with you this week. How satisfied are you with the healing process?

Dr. Hoser: Anna continues to make great progress. The healing of the surgical wound is complete, so now she can begin water therapy. The swelling is decreasing further and further and her mobility is better. At the first X-ray check this week, we assessed the patella and the joint – everything fits (together as it should).

What’s the purpose of water therapy?

DH: At this stage of rehabilitation, water therapy is considered useful for patients for two reasons: Firstly, external pressure leads to edema reduction – similar to a lymphatic drainage – so water (therapy) decreases the swelling. The other reason is that you can work on agility, as training feels very safe in the water. The buoyancy of the water stabilizes the knee. … In addition to this stabilization effect, there is less tension in the water which is important at this stage of therapy.

How would you evaluate the progress from surgery to the present day from your point of view? 

DH: Everything is going perfectly as we had hoped, and the progress is traveling at exactly the speed which we hoped. As far as mobility, the knee can now flex to 50 degrees. Our goal for four weeks post-surgery is 60 degrees, and she has nearly reached (that goal) after two weeks.

What is the next milestone that Anna can work toward now?

DH: This (next milestone) would be depending less on crutches and the transition out of the recovery phase. That will be possible after 4-5 weeks, as the leg and muscles are again able to accept the full (weight-bearing) load.

How is Anna handling the overall situation?

DH: She continues to handle it all well and is mentally in very good shape. Peter Meliessnig, her physical therapist, works with her daily. And even if the progress is small, it all looks very positive.

Release and photo courtesy of ÖSV