Conditions + Treatments
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction
I grew up in Hoover, Alabama, and running has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I joined a track club in elementary school, and in middle school I started cheerleading.
Cheerleading quickly became my passion. I was training hard to try out for the Hoover High School team when everything changed. In 2020, while practicing my roundoff back handspring, I dislocated my left kneecap.
I went to the doctor, and they assured me that I would be fine after some physical therapy. I did the rehab and got back to practicing, but then I dislocated my kneecap again. It was the same knee I had injured before, so I went back to the doctor, and this time they told me that I had torn my medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL tear).
That’s when I first met Dr. Benton Emblom. I had surgery with him in 2020 during COVID. It was the first major surgery I’d ever had, and I was terrified about having surgery. On the day of my surgery, I remember walking into the pre-op room before the procedure and feeling so nervous. However, Dr. Emblom and his team were so kind and calming and that they helped ease my nerves.
Physical therapy was tough, especially since COVID made everything slower. I was on crutches immediately after the surgery, and I started physical therapy about a week later. I wore a stiff brace on my knee for about two months, which was twice the standard protocol.
Everything took longer because of COVID restrictions, but in the end, it was worth it. If I had rushed the process, I could have injured myself again, so I’m glad I took my time.
After being fully released from physical therapy, I decided to get back into running. Cheerleading was no longer an option for me after two knee injuries, but running had always been something I loved.
I joined the cross-country team in high school, and I ran four years of cross-country. During that time, I put in a lot of miles—about 40 miles a week during training and competition. It was hard on my knees, but I was determined to keep going.
Once cross-country season ended, I knew I wanted to keep running, so I decided to challenge myself with my first half marathon. I signed up for the Auburn Half Marathon along with one of my cross-country teammates.
The race was tough—lots of hills and tough elevation, but I finished strong with a time of 1:54. What made it even more rewarding was that I had no knee pain during the race. It felt amazing to push myself and see how far I had come since my surgery.
Throughout everything, Dr. Emblom has been an incredible support. When I saw him recently after dislocating my other kneecap, he remembered me and my previous surgery, even though it had been five years. He’s always been so personal and genuine, and that makes a huge difference.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for the way things turned out. The challenges, the surgery, the rehab, and even the setbacks have all played a part in shaping who I am today. I’m still recovering from my most recent injury, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward.
I’m also excited to head to college in the fall, and I’m thinking about majoring in nursing. It feels like the next chapter in my story, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported me along the way, including Dr. Emblom and his team. They’ve been with me every step of the way, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.
