Questions about the knee, and stuff like that….
(6 discussions)
Hey,
Im new here, but I have seen some great advice around… I was wondering if any of you could help me out here – Well, I have had knee problems for quite a while, and have gone from doctor to doctor, and finally a specialist surgeon said he was pretty sure I have a Lateral Meniscus Tear. So I am scheduled for an MRI, but then he wants to do the surgery to fix it. Have any of you out there had this done before? If so, could you please let me know what it is like? What is the post-op recovery like? Is it a long process, short, painful, braces, crutches… etc? Heh, I know, a lot of questions, but I would greatly appreciate and feedback at all. Thanks guys!
~Jenn
6 comments
ATsoccergirl
Lateral tears are often harder to diagnosis. You case is unique since you have the classical signs of tear yet the MRI was clear. I have two trains of thought on this.
One, insist on a diagnostic arthroscopy now. Normally, when locking is occuring a piece of the meniscus is catching in the joint, this can cause further degradation of the mensicus and lead to arthritis in the future. The less time this occurs the better. This is invasive, but you would have a better idea of what was going on and it would be fixed.
Two, attempt the physical therapy and if no improvement is seen go for the arthroscopy. By going through with PT you will be able to stregthening the muscles around the knee and see if this lessens your symptoms. Weak muscles certainly can make any condition worse.
If you are nervous about an arthroscopy you could ask you OS about an arthogram which is an MRI in which dye is injected into the joint. This is generally the best way to visualize the meniscus.
JSmith413
Hey, thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. I went today to see the doctor to go over the results from the MRI, and he said that he was shocked, because they seemed to be normal. So now he still thinks that there may be a meniscus tear, but he said he really doesnt know what to think, so he put me on some medication, said to go to get PT for a month, and then come back. Is there still a chance that it could be a meniscus tear, but the MRI didnt catch it? I know that is possible, but what are the chances? Also, from what I have researched, or atleast been told, PT doesnt do much for a meniscus tear, or this type of injury. Any ideas on where to go from here, if I should get a second doctors opinion/examination, anything? Ok, well thanks guys!
ATsoccergirl
I think your orthopedic surgeon is on the right track by getting an MRI, and then surgery. Based on you symptoms it does seem that you have a meniscus tear. The MRI will help to r/o any other ligamentous damage. Since you are experiancing mechanical symptoms surgery is indicated to perserve the long term health of the mensicus.
In terms of surgery it depends on the extend and location of the tear. You may have two options, either a repair or mensicetomy. WIth a repair the tear is repaired. There is normally a period of no weight bearing followed by protected ROM and physical therapy. Recovery time depends on your particular orthopedic surgeon’s protocol. Typically you are NWB for 6 weeks, and then in physical therapy for a couple of months.
With a menisectomy, the tear is simply removed and the edges are softened. WB is as tolerated, and you can progress at your own pace depending on your symptoms. Physical therapy is often not necessary as it the current trend. I have had athletes return to play in as little as 2 weeks from this type of surgery.
Both surgeries are done arthroscopically so there is minimal disruption of the joint. They are both generally outpatient procedures in which you go home shortly afterwards. Crutches are necessary after a repair, but not always after a menisectomy.
If you have any further questions I would be happy to answer them for you.
JSmith413
Anyone out there???
JSmith413
Hey
Ok, well it has been hurt for so long I actually cannt remember the exact moment I did it, but here are the symtoms:
-when squatting there is a loud popping/cracking noise that sends shooting pains through the leg
-there is much swelling and tenderness at the lateral side
-there is a deep pain inside the knee
-my knee is constantly giving out, and weak feeling, and it has even locked up a few times
-there is always the constant pain, some days it is so bad I cant walk, other days it is bearable, but always there
-can bend it without weight, (passively), but cannot do weight bearing activities
-also, the doctors have put me on different meds to try to take down the swelling and pain, but none worked. I have been continuing the R.I.C.E. and strengthening exercises, but it doesnt seem to help…
mattley23
Hi,
Can you hive me a list of your symptoms at the point of injury and around 6-8 weeks after?