Posted on 08/30/2012 8:41:50 AM PDT by IndyTiger
*Vanity post* I'm 55 years old, diagnosed with a torn meniscus cartilage on the inner right knee. Got injured playing ball about six months ago, slipped and fell running the bases.
I had the knee drained and got a cortisone shot a couple of months ago, but it started hurting again recently. Got an MRI where the diagnosis was made. Not sure yet of the extent of the tear, or if there is fraying of the meniscus also.
I am seeing an orthopedic surgeon and may possibly elect for arthroscopic surgery. Any FReepers have surgery for a torn meniscus? How long was the recovery? Any after effects?
6-8 weeks of recovery, but I was in my 20s. Once you can tolerate it, I suggest walking to get your legs back. Otherwise, you’re gonna get stiff.
Do as much gym work as possible to stay in shape, but obviously nothing with that knee.
/johnny
Do it. Cortisone will completely wreck your knee.
Been there, done that. Arthro’s not fun, but it’s much less invasive & painful (and has a much quicker recovery time) than an open procedure. You’ll feel like hell for a few days ( painkillers help; so does ice and elevation )and will probably have crutches for a week or so. It’s really not that big a deal, and you’ll feel a lot better once it’s done. Best advice I can give you: drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit (or laxatives) if you’re taking pain meds. Hope this helps!
Left knee at 53.
Surgery was quick and uneventful and bedrest with iced knee for three days.
6 to 8 weeks recovery with physical therapy.
Pretty much a snap but count on being limited as to activities for a couple of months.
Joey Votto ofthe Reds did this six weeks ago. He returns to the Reds active roster this Saturday.
Make sure you follow through with physical therapy.
I have had on both knees.
Right knee a breeze, left knee not so much, both were at a surgical center and I was in an out in just a few hours.
Don’t push the recovery, follow docs instructions, and if you are having discomfort take meds.
The second surgery the doc wrote a script for an ice machine to reduce swelling, that was nice.
Good luck.
Oh the first one I was 30, not so well. Second one I was 55 and that was a breeze.
I was 55 when I had my knee scoped for a torn meniscus on the right knee. I had tolerated intermittent pain for six months before. During surgery they found a bone spur and debris under my kneecap so I got a threefer!. The first week was the hardest due to the stiffness and keeping the leg somewhat immobile. I went through about six weeks of PT including daily home exercises. Once I was back to normal I had stiffness in the mornings for the better part of a year. One day while mowing my yard I stepped in a hole and twisted my knee. After that I no longer had the stiffness. My primary MD said it probably loosened scar tissue and 14 years later I’m still doing OK. The key is the PT. Do it!
I'll wait to see what others who have gone through this might say, but I have two general comments:
1. Always keep in mind that you'll have to keep exercising these joints to keep them healthy as you age.
2. After your surgery, ask your orthopedist if he/she thinks inline skating is something you might consider. When I had a problem with one of my knees about 15 years ago, I asked my orthopedist if he thought I was doing myself any harm with my inline skating. I was surprised when he said: "Keep doing it! I recommend inline skating for all of my knee patients after surgery. It's a great form of exercise, but without the pounding on the joints that you get with running."
Good luck -- and keep us posted!
Your doc will decide if you are a candidate for what type of surgery. Follow your doc’s advice, that’s why you pay him
Knee surgery used to be soooo much worse. Good luck!
Trust me. You WILL have the surgery. If you ask a surgeon if he should operate... He will say yes. But over all, you will be glad you did. I have never had it, but I understand the results will be very good.
I'm typing this now with limited use of my left hand. I just had tendon surgery done 10 days ago to repair torn tendons in my left wrist. You can get cortizone shots. You can RICE the injury. Whatever. The best bet is surgical repair.
God Bless.
One piece of direct experience I can impart,after a 20 year career at a major hospital,is go the biggest hospital your insurance will cover.If you're in Indiana consider going to a major Chicago hospital or the Cleveland Clinic.It does make a difference.
Good luck!
I’ve had two arthro’s for torn meniscus - same knee. First one I was awake for the procedure - second time they put me out. First time recovery was easier. Either way - a few days of hell but then things get better. Good advice - DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY - all of it - and follow their directions. Keeping your weight down may be the important thing you can do in the future. Also - make sure to go doctor shopping - ask around - find yourself a surgeon - preferably one who specializes in sports injuries - who has done many hunderds of these.
My brother had separate surgeries on both knees about 10 years ago. Can’t say what type of injury he had, but the surgery did wonders for him. I think 6-8 weeks of recovery sounds about right, but I would have to ask him. He’s 62 now and still an avid skier.
My VA Ortho was ... Dr Bone
100% truth.
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