Question about knees

[garance]

I have recently learned (MRI)that I have a lateral meniscus tear and a frayed ACL in my left knee--after months of pain, two cortisone shots,and now physical therapy. Is there anyone here who has had surgery on a lateral meniscus? I ask because the surgeon said this arthroscopic procedure is 1)not always successful; and 2)it may not resolve the pain issue. The physical therapy I am doing is ACL rehab, but the therapist doesn't seem all that optimistic about getting my knee to track correctly (it bends inward so I look knock-kneed). Degenerative osteoarthritis has finally caught up with me. Anyone here with any ideas? I have really eliminated impact from my routines; I only do one step workout per week on a 4-inch platform; and I have cut back on lower body training to much lighter weights and no static lunges or step-ups.

 

[marnold]

I have not had the surgery you speak of but I did find some sites which might help you make up your mind. I think you are smart not to immediately agree to surgery. Your research and maybe a second opinion will help you make an educated decision. Good Luck!

Melissa
Paragonah, UT

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/ilateralmeniscus.html

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/meniscusinjuries1/a/meniscus.htm

http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/repairs_of_the_lateral_meniscus

http://www.orthoassociates.com/meniscus.htm

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/aclgrafts.htm

http://kerlanjobe.com/index.php~practiceId=1052&dir=treatment&lib=Treatment&categoryId=187.html

 

[garance]

Thanks for the websites. My doctor is not pushing for surgery at this time. He wants to see if therapy can help to stabilize my knee and if the pain returns after this second cortisone shot. The first one lasted 2 1/2 mos., but I am hoping this one lasts longer because he doesn't think more than one per year is a good idea. He has also raised the possibility of Synvisc shots for the pain. I tried Voltaren for several months, and it did nothing for me.

 

[Kathy G]

Hi,
I had an ACL reconstruction with allograft (Achilles tendon) and meniscus repair done via arthroscopy on 6/7/06. The meniscus repair was done to a medial tear (shaved 10%) and the lateral section had “flipped out” of place and was put back in. So I still have 90% of my meniscus.

I’m now about 9 ½ weeks post-op and have had physical therapy since week 1. I had a brace and was on crutches for 4 weeks and just started walking without a limp last week. I had problems walking until my quad started contracting again (which had stopped after my complete ACL tear on 5/10/06). The PT called said it was my “quad firing” again. It’s amazing how much your body does subconsciously that makes your life easier….like contract your quad so you can walk!

Anyway, if you opt for surgery be prepared for a long rehabilitation period. I’ll have to have PT for about 6 months before I’m released for full activities. To tell you the truth, this week is the first week I’m glad I had the surgery. I was walking with a slight limp for a month (after injury/before surgery) but I had full extension and flexion.

But I’m now able to workout by riding the stationary bike, elliptical, and incline treadmill walking. I’m up to a combination of the three for 60 minutes of cardio a day. I also do some leg strengthening exercises. Before surgery, I was limited to Leslie Sansone Walk DVD's and floor exercises. I'm expected to have full recovery and be back to running marathons and doing my Cathe workouts (can't wait!)

I’m not sure that answers anything, as we have different injuries. But I wanted to let you know that surgery can help but you need tons of patience.

Kathy G