I just had my sugeroy 12/30/11. And they told me i had a lateral meniscus tear, and that ill be on crutches for 4-6 weeks. And then to Physical Theropy. After my weeks on cruthes and phusical theropy will ibe able to go back skateboarding because i used to before my sugeroy and idont want to stop. I am 14
This is very interesting. I tore my meniscus about a week ago, and although it is a relatively small tear, I might need surgery. I am 17 and and Track and Field is very important to me. If i had surgery in the next week, would I be able to High jump and pole vault in 8-9 weeks?
I'm 24 and I just torn my meniscus, the Dr gave me medication - flotac (diclofenac) - is this correct? I mean, can someone heal an injury or knee pain that's been constant for 10 days with medication? to be honest i kept running 5 miles for 4 days with the knee pain...I regret this very much
@megahugo@megahugo provided there is no fracture, dislocation, gross instability or a locked knee, the basic treatment for all acute injuries is rest, ice compression and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Running on the injury is not going to help. If the knee does not respond to 4-6 weeks of the standard simple treatment a good exam by an Orthopedic surgeon is needed. He or she may then decide the next best option and may include an MRI or a diagnostic arthroscopic exam.
I'm 13 years old and I just found out I tore my meniscus. I am a dancer and it's about the most important thing in my life! I am having surgery this tues and am scared out of my mind. Not so much on the surgery but if and when I can dance again. I just have one weird question. Can I wear underwear in surgery hahahaha?
how long does it take to be back to normal after surgery? and after surgery will the knee ever be 100% or will u live with a bad knee the rest of your life?
@jhfjhgtf it depends. But you can usually fully recover, with therapy. But you may have a bit more trouble than those who haven't suffered the injury.
I had my right medial meniscus repaired about five years ago. Within a few weeks I was 70% to 80% recovered, but that last 20 percent took about a year or so. Eventually it felt (and worked) like new -- much better than before the surgery. Physical therapy strongly recommended. I just had my left knee done a couple of days ago. I'm not looking forward to the recovery, but in my experience this procedure is definitely worth it in the long run.
Meniscus repairs heal better with smaller size tears, younger patients, better blood supply tot he area torn - these are all factors in the sucess rate. Sometimes even the best repairs don't heal or only partially heal needing a revision. best of luck- DR
i had the same surgery back in Feb of this year...and i still had really bad pain after 8 months..... i went back to my doctor and it turns out that im going to get another surgery sometime this month or next month
i had my left knee arthroscopic surgery on 11 aug ,but i have still pain in my knee while walking. so i want to know how much time it will take to get better, so i can go back to my work.
@antonellamarieeee - please talk to your doctor before hand all your questions- let them know how you feel- ask about your concerns beforehand not after - you will feel better- Being very nervous pre- surgery will not help you after. Many of you concerns may be not hard to address and the answers may surprise you in a good way.
I tore my acl and meniscus,and i'll tell you,it's one of the worst expiriences i have EVER had in my life.... Monday it'll be 6 months since i had surgery... I'm just now starting to feel back to my normal self again... But it takes alot of time.. my knee isn't fully straight anymore... and surgery took WEEKS to get over. :/ Gl to anyone who has the surgery.
@123100ambie in general 6 weeks for a simple removal of a small fragment- 4 months for a repair of a larger tear - before then you will risk re-injury before it is healed.
I tore my acl and meniscus,and i'll tell you,it's one of the worst expiriences i have EVER had in my life.... Monday it'll be 25 months since i had surgery... I'm just now starting to feel back to my normal self again... But it takes alot of time.. my knee isn't fully straight anymore... and surgery took WEEKS to get over. :/ Gl to anyone who has the surgery.
From what you are saying this is a very difficult problem to solve. It sounds like you may have reflex distrophy or Arthrofibrosis of the knee and each can be rare complications of any knee surgery. If it is the first then medical treatment may help with physical therapy . If it is the second, you may need an exam under anesthesia, manipulation and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions to try to get things back on tract.
I have torn mine dancing and my doctor wants me to have surgery ASAP since this is my senior year and I have several auditions coming up. He said depending on where my tear is, (I have an MRI tomorrow), I could be up walking and marking my dances somewhat within 2 weeks. How true do you think this is?
@musicfan809 - A repair takes 4 months to heal - a partial removal will feel better quickly buy I usually don't recommend going back to heavy activity (Dancing is heavy activity) for at least 6 weeks. Going back too soon causes swelling that delays healing even longer.
I've been to 3 doctors who all said tendinitis. I've done the RICE treatment and physical therapy. It's been 5 years and I still can't play sports and my knee still swells every few months. It hurts so bad. I don't know what kind of crap doctors I've been seeing but I'm starting to think i might need surgery.
I have been out of football for the last 10 months, with medial meniscus strain. I had key hole surgery in april and i am supposed to be getting back to football in a few weeks time but i still feel my knee is strong enough yet and the doctors here are pretty useless..any advice?
Doctor, I am a 21 year old athlete and have been recently diagnosed with Osteochondritis dessecans in both knees, realistically, what are the chances of my knees fully healing without the possibility of arthritis in the future
I twisted my knee thinking there was another step when coming down the deck steps onto cement. It was the worst pain ive ever experienced and my knee is constantly swollen and i cant straighten it. The pain is on both sides of my knee and on the back of my knee. My knee clicks now when i try and flex it and it burns like crazy could this be due to a torn meniscus?
@brahmancheerleader1 - this sounds like a true mechanical injury to the knee. If the knee is swollen and "locked" (cannot be straightened) a torn cartilage (the common term for a torn meniscus) is very high on the list of things that could be wrong. It sounds like you need to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon as soon as possible.
Hey im 13, And no one belives me about my pain. I have been searcihng and i think i may have a partial minescus tear but it just started hurting, i do play sprots soccer, basketball, and do karate. It wasant like at once i twisted and started to hurt it just randomly started to hurt. Its my right knee and it is on the left side
when i tap my knee a little bellow the kneecap and to the left {near my other leg} thats where i get the most pain any thoughts Oh and i am a bit overweight for my hight
@senad2134 You need to discuss this with your parents. There are many things that can cause knee pain in a growing child. If you have pain, it would be wise to ask your parents take you to the doctor for an examination. That is the best place to start not the internet.
Doctor, I recently have re-injured my knee (had femoral pins put in 94') have had mri& xray looking at my medial meniscus for a tear but has a lot of interference due to the pins. should i push for a scope surgery ??? Thanks.
@lederyl - If you have pain, locking or giving way and swelling that has failed non-operative treatment a diagnostic scope is the best way to see and resolve the issue. An MRI is often no too helpful is there is metal in the bones near the knee. The judgement has to be made on a good history and physical exam.
Thank you very much for getting back to me. I've been working on it in physical therapy home&clinical, but I definitely have pain locking out. There is a spot on the inside of my knee that really gives me pain when i put pressure on it, and when try to stretch the inside thigh. Diagnostic Scope I think is called for.
Ive a torn meniscus that extends across two surfaces and shows as a new tear on the mri. they suggest surgery and say that the only thing stopping me from falling over is my strong leg muscles. I have a dilemma though as I have been going to a chiropractor and ive noticed a big difference with my knee since. the mri shows that it will not heal itself but its better than its been in a year since i developed the problem with it. Should i get surgery? I teach martial arts.
@Thekzace- It varies a good amount. Shorter when there is a smaller tear, knees with some natural laxity. Longer when there is a larger or more complex tear, if you add a fibrin clot or platelet enriched plasma to promote healing and knees that are tighter than average. In my practice, it is an out patient surgery with minimal blood loss using a light anesthetic supplemented with local anesthesia.
hi i m zia from pakistan i want to ack about the knee pain bcoz my mother has pain in both knee she cant bend or walk upstairs or difficult her age is near to 60 i m very worry about her pain,plz telll me what i do r we need knee replacement or a knee caliper will usefull for us plz telll us some sugestion plzz. AWAITING UR POSITIVE RESPONCE
@ziasaab1 It is impossible to make this type o judgment without a examination and Xrays- This is beyond whta can be done on line. See needs to see a local orthopedic surgeon for a consultation.
@MrDsd123 - this is a more complex issue pending your age, weight, varus or valgus knee (bowing of your leg) and the condition of the rest of the cartilage in your knee. For long walks with underlying varus other things may help. I would need to know more to best help you.
@liquidskatesword As always if you are young and active you should worry about both an ACL and meniscus tear. The vast majority of my patients return to full sports after an appropriate repair and reconstruction including skateboarding if all goes well. If you are still unstable after an ACL tear that is not repaired you are at increased risk for further meniscus tears and arthritis in the long run.
My meniscus is torn i have had surgery on it 2 times already and it keeps re tearing. If i turn myself in a chair using my leg to push out it locks up on me and the pain is unimaginable when u have to extend it to get the meniscus back in place
@wrathchild111b again pending your age a followup MRI arthrogram is indicated and possible revision surgery. If it did not heal twice it may need to be removed. There are some newer technologies down the road. If you are very young some would consider a meniscus transplant but the long term results of that surgery are less clear now (based on new data presented at the 2011 AAOS in San Diego).
I cannot walk without pain, I have to have something done. I do not know what that means, but I have to end the pain. Cannot bend, to walk upstairs, also received my MRI from cervical today.C6-7 : left posterior ridging and bulge and hypertrophy of the left uncoverterral joint with left foraminal stenosis... lots of other disc herniations, etc..
@FAITHGREIS Spine issues can complicate knee problems - however this is out of the realm of this blog. You will need to see a spine expert for this issue. Weakness and loss of sensation and burning pain are all signs of a significant neurological or spine problem and they need direct prompt attention. They cannot be wished away or ignored.
I have a tear of the posterior horn of the medial mesicus, mild sprain of the ACL, and small knee joint effusion and small baker's cyst. I feel athroscopy surgery would be my best bet since walking is extremely painful. Can you help me ?
@FAITHGREIS It does sound like you may need something done. The question I would have is what is a mild sprain of the ACL? In the ACL there are measures of instability as compared to the other knee. It is the difference between your knees that helps to decide the injury type and th treatment choices,
I have a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, mild sprain of the ACL and small knee joint effusion and small baker's cyst. Due to motor vehicle accident on 12/21/10. Walking is painful, I feel athroscopy to repair it would be my best bet.. Can you help me ?
Just had my arthroscopy done on my left knee for a meniscal tear 2 days ago. Apparently it was difficult to do because the tear was hidden behind a ligament...
i twisted my knee and i heard a pop snowboarding and now i cant fully extend my knee or it will feel weak and hurts and i have to limp on it. Im getting something called an MRI and if it shows that its torn i need surgery but it has not happened yet.
i twisted my knee and i heard a pop snowboarding and now i cant fully extend my knee or it will feel weak and hurts and i have to limp on it. Im getting something called an MRI and if it shows that its torn i need surgery but it has not happened yet.
So im wondering does the symtoms and diagnosis match up? Also, why have i got 3 incision areas, and finally will i be able to play football again? i'm 20 years old and the initial injury occured around 2.5 years ago when i landed fairly orthodoxly on 1 leg after jumping to kick a ball. My recovery so far has been good with little pain and i am able to walk short distances comfortabley after being on crutches for the 1st 3 days.Thanks if you could do you best to answer these queries Dr.
Hi, i had this surgery carried out on my right knee on wednesday. Before surgery my knee had very audible clicking when bent and i could not play football (soccer to americans) as my knee would not be very restrained in the sense that it would seem to majorly disclocate / "pop out" and subsequent swelling would appear along with extreme pain and stiffness. After the arthroscopy the docter told me i had a bucket handle tear on the medial meniscus.
had this done on 12/28/10. also will need acl recons soon. i opted to have acl recon on a 2nd surgery cuz i didnt want to rush into something that intensive. im able to do limited walking but dr. said to only toe touch with crutches. did not give me brace. i want to do more and not use the crutches at all. post op pain was pretty painful for 4 days, not sure why but dr. did cut me open about 2 1/2" incision + 3 arthroscopic holes still some pain. thinking of switching to diff surgeon for the acl
@stevecsulb10 - sounds like you had an inside out repair. This is a very good technique but requires a posterior incision to "tie the knots." FYI - Pending your age and level of ACL instability the chances of retearing the meniscus may be higher if the ACL is not fixed,
PLEASE HELP i am having a lot of pain in my knee and don't know if i should get an MRI done. It cracks frequently when i walk and it hurts whenever it is fully extended and i put all my weight on it(This has beengoing on 4 1 month). I was in a car accident about a 3 months ago and suffered a broken pelvis and sacrum i was on crutches for a month and a half and about a week or two after getting off of them i realized a sort of tightness in my knee and then it began to pop and hurt when i walked
@CallMehParker So here your history is brief but the major trauma to your pelvis is important in considering your problem. We all must remember the hip and knee are joined by one bone the femur. Hip and knee pain can be confused. First I would go back to your trauma surgeon, be examined again and get new xrays of your hip, knee and back. If they find nothing then maybe an MRI of your knee is in order. It is more likely the problem is from the trauma and not a torn cartilage.
Hello Dr. I had a MRI done on my right knee last year after I was feeling some pain in my right knee when I got up from a crouched position. The MRI result was i had a small Degenerative type tear posterior horn lateral meniscus. Small Joint effusion decompressing as described above with notch synovitis. Very minimal chondrophathy. It's been a year now and I haven't worked out my legs since, I've been afraid of damaging my knee. Should I have surgery on it? I'm 26.
@Mabus71 I like to see and examine pts like you. if you still have swelling or mechanical signs on exam then yes, if not then trial of sports may be OK. The MRI is a year old so not that helpful now. If you are still afriad to try you knee out then your body may be telling you something.
@DrAReznik thanks for the reply Doctor. I think I will gradually begin lifting very minimal weights during my leg workouts and see how it goes, if the pain returns I will probably go see my sports medicine doctor again. There is no swelling really ever since the initial tear but I know sometimes when I do cardio I feel it a little. I'll keep you posted thanks again, not many doctors take their time to do things like this online, I commend you for that :)
I had about 250lbs. of equipment force my right knee to the left while it was bent, then twisted it. This happened in January 2010...it's now December 2010 and I finally got an MRI done. Got the written results, but I have no idea what any of it means.
I was TOLD that a small, triangular piece of tissue pops in and out of place, damaged cartilage on my patella, and "signs of beginning damage to the inner meniscus".
I was recommended a scope. How exactly would this kind of injury affect my life
I go tomm to see about my knee doc, im suspecting that this is my problem. it isn't thru the roof pain, but it is getting worse and worse, i injured it this past summer riding my motorocycle i was dragging my feet doing prob 30mph, and went down into a small dip in the road and jammed my leg and it twisted and caused this pain, i ignored it thinking it would get better, it has its good and bad days, mostly bad now. but this is the exact pain and symptoms i have and the pain is right in the area
I had this surgery in early May. I was JUST released 100% by the Doctor in December.
After surgery the knee did not hurt at all. Surgery is a breeze no need to fear it. If you have a desk job you COULD go back to work w/in 2 weeks. If any kneeling or lifting required...be prepared to be off work at LEAST 3 months. (or you'll fuck your knee up further).
Doctor, i would say about once every two months my knee will just randomly LOCK up and hurt like nothing i have ever felt before, this is when it is not extended, but together. then when i try to extend it comes the torturous pain. This has been going on for about 5 years so i went to an orthopaedic surgeon and she just told me it had to do with growth, but now i still get it every once in a while and when i do its torture. Now i started feeling general pain in my knee for two weeks.what do i do
@justinangelo7 - It sounds like you may have an OCD lesion, locking knee or a chronic ACL tear now with a MMT, you can read about it on my web site togct, there is more information in my book "the Knee and Shoulder handbook" see LULU see spotlight/rezex. I posted a video on ACL exam a few days ago on youtube see drareznik (my channel) that you may find of great interest. Look at that first.
Doctor, i would say about once every two months my knee will just randomly LOCK up and hurt like nothing i have ever felt before, this is when it is not extended, but together. then when i try to extend it comes the torturous pain. This has been going on for about 5 years so i went to an orthopaedic surgeon and she just told me it had to do with growth, but now i still get it every once in a while and when i do its torture. Now i started feeling general pain in my knee for two weeks. what to do?
@mod3rn3pic - It is important to follow the doctors instructions. The tear takes at least 4 months to heal and the sutures are only so strong. You can tear the sutures before the meniscus heals and then the surgery will need to be redone or worse the meniscus will not be repairable and need to be taken out. .
i had surgery on my knee for a meniscus tear back when i was in 3rd-4th grade. its been years but last night i kneeled down and my "bad" leg made this huge crunch sound? i was like omg what the hell is that. ever since then my knees been popping not very loud, but i can feel the pop. its kind of swollen now. i just fear its the same problem. i cant afford another doctor bill. times are tuff right now and hospitals are getting mean lol they want their money, i can only give 20-50 bucks a month
@michael70h7 - Sorry to hear of your problem - many teaching hospitals have resident clinics- so have a good policy on ability to pay- some don't - still that may be your best option.
@DrAReznik well the swelling problem has subsided a bit unless im on the leg a lot during the day. idk. its still not healed though. yesterday it was throbbin pretty good though. im going to wait it out maybe i guess. it just seems like doctors i got can never figure out my problems lol so idk if i should go and then end up with no results but if it doesnt go away in the next few days, maybe week im gonna go. im gonna get fed up with hobbling around and wearing out my other leg.
^ months is a long time. The knee will take a long time to recover extension for two reasons. First the structures behind the knee will shorten over time and they take a long time to stretch out again. Second, the muscles have "learned" they the knee will hurt it extended so they fire or control the knee blocking extension. This has to be "unlearned.' That is very hard to do after six months of being stuck.
@DrAReznik see my video on the "locking Knee" for more info. Also my book is available on Lulu.com/spotlight/rezex and that will show pictures of different tears and how they are treated.
I have to apologize for using your video for asking a question that's a little out of the topic, concidering the large amounts of viewers interested with this. I have a torn meniscus from more then an year and a half. I will get surgery after 2 months and I am strongly concerned if anyone who's been in the same situation can tell me how is his knee now. I pray to God to help me get my knee strong as before again, but I am low on hope right now. Please reply. Thank you :)
@ELGekp The outcome is related to the size of the tear, your age, the location of the tear and how long you had the tear. The smaller the tear, the younger your are, the closer the tear is to the blood supply and the shorter time to repair the better off your are. Most do very well but it is very important to protect it for the first four months post op.
I had an MRI done; bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus(w/fragment in intercondylar notch)ACL is lax but intact, I also have a bakers cyst. R.I.C.E. helps, until it flares up usually if I squat too far(or try to sit on my heels when I kneel). I want to get surgery done asap... but have a snowboard trip booked in whistler... is it too risky to go and postpone surgery? Are there certain positions I should avoid? Your thoughts would be appreciated greatly. I've already paid for my trip :(
@dinslo This is not a good situation, you knee is "locked" with a piece stuck in the middle and that may be masking an ACL tear. I would ask you Surgeon to write a note that you cannot travel or snowboard because of your knee injury and see if you can get a refund for a medical reason. In short, it would not be wise to test you knee's limits any more.
i just done this surgery on my left knee on 25hb september which means 2 weeks ago..can anybody tell me how long do i have to take to fully recover and be able to play again ?
@qitto21 in general healing takes more time than you like. I protect my pts from running, jumping, twisting and squatting for 4 months. They can prep for sports after that and return when strength an endurance allows. Healing is inversely proportional to age, size of tear and time from injury. So younger patients with small tears who have not had multiple injuries to the same knee do the best.
@qitto21 thanks..btw.i work as an aircraft maintenance crew and my job needs a lot of movement,climbing etc..i do scare if the wound does not fully heal when i need to go for work..even today i missed my favourite rugby match..sigh
Hi, I have complex degenerative tearing and maceration of the medial meniscus with associated medial compartment severe osteoarthrosis per MRI report. I am also a senior. Am I a canditate for orthoscopic knee surgery?
@deemecat2 - This is a common question and there has been some controversy about the answer. In general, advanced arthritis is not typically helped by arthroscopic surgery. When there are mechanical symptoms related to torn cartilage and loose fragments in the knee a scope can help those symptoms only. There is a chapter on locking buckling and giving way in the "Knee and Shoulder Handbook for all of us" on Lulu.com explaining mechanical symptoms to help you sort this out.
i suffered a miniscal ter as well as an acl tear playing rugby at the end of july and i was informed that the tears are severe and i will require surgery to repair my miniscus and reconstruck my acl, i was told my surgery would be in the new year and that i would also not be able to play rugby or any sports for the remainder of that year, this of course was quite upsetting. is this a true statement of how long it will take to recover my knee enough to play rugby?
@perkinator24 Rugby is one of the toughest sports and therefor the hardest to get back to. Most knees take a full year to recover. Rehab with pre sports prep can stat at 6 months, sports specific training at 9 months at Return to sports between 10-12 months with an ACL brace on would be the earliest for rugby.
@DrAReznik i have also heard rumors that i wont be able to play again because it has potential of reoccuring is this true? because they are going to take out a part of my hamstring and i cant see that being good for the strength of my leg will my leg be just as strong with the hamstring replacing my acl?
@perkinator24 Graft choice is always a challenge. You can use hamstrings or patella tendon. Auto graft or allograft - they each have pros and cons. The best choice is often what you surgeon has the most comfort with. There is some data to suggest that taking the hamstring (one of three tendons on that side of the knee) can cause some weakness there. Most people still do well and return to sports.
@DrAReznik I have had both knees done and for the same reason ..my left they used my patella tendon and my right the hamstring.
In my opinion the ham was alot harder to rehab from...extreame weakness and pain.
using the patella tendon on my left didnt seem to bother me....doctor didnt even tell me he had to do it on the left....i didnt know untill a later checkup.....
as far as ability the left os also the better limb because of that and the right gives me problems every day.
About two weeks ago I started to hear a squiky sound coming out of my left knee. I don't have any pain, some swelling from water retention but not that often, just normal daily activities. Today I was told it is the meniscus but nothing I can do just let it take its course. Is there anything I can do to prevent my meniscus from wearing out soon.?
Thanks for the video it gave me hope for when the time comes, (many year down the road) and I'll have to get surgery.
Hello, I am interested in hearing about the efficiency of the surgery 1 year 2, 5 years etc, down the road. Does the meniscus in fact heal itself properly when sutured? Also, what are your opinions of the success patients like Jonathan Bornstein, the US soccer player who used PRP to heal his torn meniscus?
@ich1banGT1 - the result relate to size of tear, location and age.
The best results are with red on red tears, that are small in a younger age group.
There are the rare tears in those under 18 years old that are partial tears in the red on red zone and only seen on an MRI with almost no symptoms, they can heal. These can be followed clinically for improvement. But,the vast majortiy don't heal.
I had this bugger of a surgery done about five months ago. My knee isn't doing badly, but folks, if you get this done, follow your doctors order very closely and keep up with the allowable exercise regimen. It sincerely pays off! I have 138* bending and -8* in my straightening. The exercise will serve your repair very well!
@st0n3d2own Please see randleflag2 comment. "Freaking out" does not help you prepare yourself for a good result. Ask questions to help you understand the post op care. Take two deep breaths, read your doctor's instructions and then follow them.
Thank you for your detailed video. I'm 44 and had the exact repair done in your video: medial meniscus with a bucket-handle tear, 5 sutures. Seeing it done was very helpful as are all your replies. My post-op so far is leg braced to: 0° 1 week, 0 - 80° 2 weeks, 0-90° 6 weeks and then sans-brace. I was cleared to start PT after 7 weeks. Now at 11 weeks, I have close to 90° of flexion. Every day I see small improvements. Any words of caution regarding PT?
@randelflag2 It sounds like you had a large tear and you are doing well. Contnue the therapy as instructed. If there is no swelling at this point continue to increase you range of motion. If you still have some swelling, I like to add an anti- inflamory drug to reduce it to help increase the ROM.
The surgery requires and anesthetic, surgery center and a surgeon. You would have to contact the local surgery, surgery center and anesthesiologist to know the full amount.
I had my surgery on 8-3-10 and I got the reciept from my insurance company and I believe the total cost was about $61,000 But, I also had ACL Reconstruction too.
@prespa1000 So this is a very interesting question. These supplements have been shown to be better than placebo in decreasing pain in osteoporosis arthritis but it has never been proven they repair cartilage. Most are food supplements and contain building blocks for cartilage repair and that is the most that can be said about them.
They cannot ever truly resolve a mechanical problem like a cartilage tear. Tears (ligaments and cartilage) require more direct approach.
i might need this surgery, say i get it.......later on is this gonna slow down my speed? i play softbal and i run the bases. i was wondering does this effect the way you run?
Hi Dr.I'm 26 y old & have a complex medial meniscus tear.I had knee popping on both legs since a teen when i contract my legs or squat. I assumed it was my knee anatomy as i had no pain. My right knee doesn't pop anymore but for a year now my left knee is getting worse and i feel pain on the back of my leg after phy activity. The surgeon is not sure how much he can repair? What are my chances of arthritis. What if i insist on repair? What will happen if the repair fails and how will i know it?
Like all things in life - the cards are dealt and you must turn them over to play them correctly. Only some tears can be repaired and the determination of the status of your meniscus can be made by looking in with a scope. Then your surgeon will have to make the decision what is best for your knee. You cannot force the hand of your surgeon and expect the best results.
i know there is a greater risk of early arthritis if i get it shaved down, but im active and do lots of wakeboarding, longboarding, and cross country running, will having it shaved down negativly effect these activities? ive missed cross country and track already, is it worth missing most of summer training as well as possibly next years cc season if it doesnt heal again?
At age 16 I would recommend that if the meniscus can still be repaired I would do it. You are way too young to not give it another try if possible. Missing a summer now is nothing when compared to giving up all sports in you twenties because your knee is not able tolerate it any longer. Also you must take the time off after the repair. Follow the precausings carefully. You cannot fool anyone by cutting the time short. After all it is your knee.
im 16, in good shape 145 lbs, i had posterior horn of my medial meniscus repaired in september, along with a ACL reco, i developed lots of swelling last month, had an mri and was told the meniscus hasnt healed correctly/is retorn, my question is weather i should have them try rerepairing it (this would take me out of yet another sports season) or have them shave it down?
Just had my bucket tear repaired January 21st. They also found something on my underside of the patella and shaved it off. I'm a singer, and the next day i was on stage performing. The big problem I'm having is my thigh hurts and has bruising. Don't quite know why. The knee is doing great! This surgery is a godsend! No knee pain, and I haven't had any severe pain post op. I get to a level 5 on the pain scale every once in awhile. I guess I picked a good surgeon!
this sounds great but I have to caution you that you may risk your result if you continue on this path. If the tear as repaired (not simply removed), the tear will take 4 months to heal and now you are relying on the sutures alone. They will fail in time and at this rate before the meniscus heals. You feel great now, but you cannot fool mother nature! See if you have restrictions you need to follow. My guess is you are not and you are risking a poor outcome in the long run. Please be careful.
Urboitee - Both of these comments are an indication of very unrealistic expectations. Surgery is never 100% pain free, the vast majority have some discomfort that is controlled nicely with local placed during surgery and oral pain meds. Repairs take at least 4 months to heal. My pts can walk partly weight bearing with a knee immobilizer brace and crutches in a few days and progress from there. Protecting a repair is important for good healing. If the meniscus is removed the recovery is faster.
just got mine repaired at surgery today hurts alot surgery is like 40 mins recovery hurts i still cant walk its swollen and the worst be scared be very scared truth
if the meniscus is removed you have almost no recovery time.. if you stitch it together again though you are looking at almost the same time for a repair of the ligamentum cruciate ant/post (that is the ligaments inside the knee articulation that makes a "cross like" structure!) which is about 6 months!
so i would not be very surprised if you cant walk after one day :)
I am having this surgery done in a week...it will be my second, if anyone can tell me how the second time is and how painful...it will help. I had it scoped once in college, but I am now a bit older and out of shape...can anyone give me some words of wisdom?
I have to get this done to my knee, and I'm really scared for the pain afterward, can you tell me how long a repairing and a replacing meniscus surgery usually is? Also can you tell me how much the pain will be hurting after the surgery! Thank you...
There are many factors in post op pain, one is anxiety about the surgery. This always increase pain sensitivity. In general (only for my patients, since technique varies greatly) I don't use a tourniquet, use local before incision and after, both long acting and short acting local, with long acting and short acting pain meds in the OR. Most of my pts stay comfortable post op. Meniscus tears surgery can be in the one hour range pending on removal or repair. You are asleep or sedated with local.
Most patients are not that uncomfortable after, I use a long and short acting local as well as short and long acting pain relievers before the surgery is over. Taking you pain pills before the local wears off is key.
good to se the reapir , rathar than cutting out the precious carltlidge, altho some ppl fine the stiches irrating and get them taken out. , let shope this guys caltidge knits back together,
hi DrAReznik...for the past few months m having knee cap pain of my right knee and whenever i flex my knee with force or walking up stairs there's crunching sound form my knee cap....the pain worsens if i climb up stairs.....can u help me? wat u shud i do?
Hi Dr. Reznik, i started playing tennis a month ago and after three weeks i started feeling a little pain in my knee, went with a Orthopedic and told me i had a little injury in the middle meniscus, and told me i had to rest, then i went with another doctor and told me i have to stay home, if i can walk perfectly is it extremely necessary to stay home??
As always a good exam is the key to the best diagnosis. If your knee is found to be stable and the signs of a meniscus tear have resolved then you can slowly return to activity. As a rule, most minor knee injuries resolve in 4-6 weeks. Those knees that remain painful, swell, lock, buckle or give way should be re-evaluated for a tear and treated appropriately.
If you have no symptoms, no swelling, no locking, no pain then certainly light activity should be fine.
I just had my sugeroy 12/30/11. And they told me i had a lateral meniscus tear, and that ill be on crutches for 4-6 weeks. And then to Physical Theropy. After my weeks on cruthes and phusical theropy will ibe able to go back skateboarding because i used to before my sugeroy and idont want to stop. I am 14
megatron2015 1 week ago
This is very interesting. I tore my meniscus about a week ago, and although it is a relatively small tear, I might need surgery. I am 17 and and Track and Field is very important to me. If i had surgery in the next week, would I be able to High jump and pole vault in 8-9 weeks?
AlexDJulian 2 weeks ago
I'm 24 and I just torn my meniscus, the Dr gave me medication - flotac (diclofenac) - is this correct? I mean, can someone heal an injury or knee pain that's been constant for 10 days with medication? to be honest i kept running 5 miles for 4 days with the knee pain...I regret this very much
megahugo 3 weeks ago
@megahugo Nope, youll have to go with surgery, the sooner the better the chances for you to take up with running again.
Shemafied 2 weeks ago
@megahugo @megahugo provided there is no fracture, dislocation, gross instability or a locked knee, the basic treatment for all acute injuries is rest, ice compression and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Running on the injury is not going to help. If the knee does not respond to 4-6 weeks of the standard simple treatment a good exam by an Orthopedic surgeon is needed. He or she may then decide the next best option and may include an MRI or a diagnostic arthroscopic exam.
DrAReznik 2 weeks ago
It's been a while since surgery now.But where I have favored my other knee,my good knee is always sore,and popping in the back.
123100ambie 4 weeks ago
I was 12 when I tore my meniscus and 17 when I finally got surgery on it, and it still hasn't healed right.
smartcookie2011asap 1 month ago
@smartcookie2011asap My knee hasn't been straight since.
123100ambie 4 weeks ago
sucks i got a torn meniscus and im only 14. Football
TopZAirborne 1 month ago
How long dies the surgery take? And can I wear sliding shorts?
CWilliamslll 1 month ago
@CWilliamslll Usually 1 hour of surgery time. Some time to go to sleep and wake up
Prep time before and recovery room after
Figure 4 hours +\- in total
DrAReznik 1 month ago
My mom has to get some kind of knee surgery and I think it is something like this I was wondering if it will harm her in any way
airsoftcentral11 2 months ago
Ssspongebob and ClydeFromSouthPark thanks! ClydeFromSouthPark when you had yours could you wear underwear? And does an ivy hurt?
MissyFizzle 2 months ago
@MissyFizzle lol. Yes and its not bad at all. I had my surgery on monday and im 15
ClydeFromSouthPark 2 months ago
I'm 13 years old and I just found out I tore my meniscus. I am a dancer and it's about the most important thing in my life! I am having surgery this tues and am scared out of my mind. Not so much on the surgery but if and when I can dance again. I just have one weird question. Can I wear underwear in surgery hahahaha?
MissyFizzle 2 months ago
how long does it take to be back to normal after surgery? and after surgery will the knee ever be 100% or will u live with a bad knee the rest of your life?
jhfjhgtf 3 months ago
@jhfjhgtf it depends. But you can usually fully recover, with therapy. But you may have a bit more trouble than those who haven't suffered the injury.
Ssspongebob 2 months ago
I had my right medial meniscus repaired about five years ago. Within a few weeks I was 70% to 80% recovered, but that last 20 percent took about a year or so. Eventually it felt (and worked) like new -- much better than before the surgery. Physical therapy strongly recommended. I just had my left knee done a couple of days ago. I'm not looking forward to the recovery, but in my experience this procedure is definitely worth it in the long run.
MichaelRoney 3 months ago
Meniscus repairs heal better with smaller size tears, younger patients, better blood supply tot he area torn - these are all factors in the sucess rate. Sometimes even the best repairs don't heal or only partially heal needing a revision. best of luck- DR
DrAReznik 3 months ago
i had the same surgery back in Feb of this year...and i still had really bad pain after 8 months..... i went back to my doctor and it turns out that im going to get another surgery sometime this month or next month
pinaybabe94 3 months ago
i had my left knee arthroscopic surgery on 11 aug ,but i have still pain in my knee while walking. so i want to know how much time it will take to get better, so i can go back to my work.
simsmusic100 5 months ago
I have arthroscopic surgery this friday on 8/13/11 i'm so so soooo scared!
antonellamarieeee 5 months ago
@antonellamarieeee - please talk to your doctor before hand all your questions- let them know how you feel- ask about your concerns beforehand not after - you will feel better- Being very nervous pre- surgery will not help you after. Many of you concerns may be not hard to address and the answers may surprise you in a good way.
DrAReznik 5 months ago
I'm having Arthroscopic surgery on my medial meniscus (Left Knee). How long is the expected recovery time before I can play tennis ?
Thanks for posting the video.
tranquility4all 5 months ago
I tore my acl and meniscus,and i'll tell you,it's one of the worst expiriences i have EVER had in my life.... Monday it'll be 6 months since i had surgery... I'm just now starting to feel back to my normal self again... But it takes alot of time.. my knee isn't fully straight anymore... and surgery took WEEKS to get over. :/ Gl to anyone who has the surgery.
123100ambie 6 months ago
@123100ambie in general 6 weeks for a simple removal of a small fragment- 4 months for a repair of a larger tear - before then you will risk re-injury before it is healed.
DrAReznik 5 months ago
@123100ambie i done the exact same thing first 2weeks i couldnt move at all
wizzy1223 1 month ago
I tore my acl and meniscus,and i'll tell you,it's one of the worst expiriences i have EVER had in my life.... Monday it'll be 25 months since i had surgery... I'm just now starting to feel back to my normal self again... But it takes alot of time.. my knee isn't fully straight anymore... and surgery took WEEKS to get over. :/ Gl to anyone who has the surgery.
123100ambie 6 months ago
From what you are saying this is a very difficult problem to solve. It sounds like you may have reflex distrophy or Arthrofibrosis of the knee and each can be rare complications of any knee surgery. If it is the first then medical treatment may help with physical therapy . If it is the second, you may need an exam under anesthesia, manipulation and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions to try to get things back on tract.
DrAReznik 6 months ago
@DrAReznik Hmm okay.. well thank yew :)
123100ambie 5 months ago
Comment removed
123100ambie 6 months ago
I have torn mine dancing and my doctor wants me to have surgery ASAP since this is my senior year and I have several auditions coming up. He said depending on where my tear is, (I have an MRI tomorrow), I could be up walking and marking my dances somewhat within 2 weeks. How true do you think this is?
musicfan809 6 months ago
@musicfan809 - A repair takes 4 months to heal - a partial removal will feel better quickly buy I usually don't recommend going back to heavy activity (Dancing is heavy activity) for at least 6 weeks. Going back too soon causes swelling that delays healing even longer.
DrAReznik 6 months ago
I had this surgery Friday. I feel like shit but I know I'll be okay in a few months. Dr. Hadesman is awesome
kingreese79 6 months ago
I've been to 3 doctors who all said tendinitis. I've done the RICE treatment and physical therapy. It's been 5 years and I still can't play sports and my knee still swells every few months. It hurts so bad. I don't know what kind of crap doctors I've been seeing but I'm starting to think i might need surgery.
TheEricaJennings 7 months ago
so I am not sure what you mean by key hole procedure. was it for the knee cap or meniscus transplant?
DrAReznik 7 months ago
I have been out of football for the last 10 months, with medial meniscus strain. I had key hole surgery in april and i am supposed to be getting back to football in a few weeks time but i still feel my knee is strong enough yet and the doctors here are pretty useless..any advice?
Scriiblaa 7 months ago
Doctor, I am a 21 year old athlete and have been recently diagnosed with Osteochondritis dessecans in both knees, realistically, what are the chances of my knees fully healing without the possibility of arthritis in the future
jorgeeluis89 7 months ago
@jorgeeluis89 OCD heals better in young groups - it depends if the pieces are loose and if there is fuild underthem on MRI
I would get an MRI and review the results with you MD.
DrAReznik 7 months ago
i will soon have to go through this and im 13 i did it playing baseball
mrtubestreak 8 months ago
I twisted my knee thinking there was another step when coming down the deck steps onto cement. It was the worst pain ive ever experienced and my knee is constantly swollen and i cant straighten it. The pain is on both sides of my knee and on the back of my knee. My knee clicks now when i try and flex it and it burns like crazy could this be due to a torn meniscus?
brahmancheerleader1 8 months ago
@brahmancheerleader1 - this sounds like a true mechanical injury to the knee. If the knee is swollen and "locked" (cannot be straightened) a torn cartilage (the common term for a torn meniscus) is very high on the list of things that could be wrong. It sounds like you need to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon as soon as possible.
DrAReznik 8 months ago
@brahmancheerleader1 it could be your ACL also
Brandon951024 7 months ago
Hey im 13, And no one belives me about my pain. I have been searcihng and i think i may have a partial minescus tear but it just started hurting, i do play sprots soccer, basketball, and do karate. It wasant like at once i twisted and started to hurt it just randomly started to hurt. Its my right knee and it is on the left side
when i tap my knee a little bellow the kneecap and to the left {near my other leg} thats where i get the most pain any thoughts Oh and i am a bit overweight for my hight
senad2134 8 months ago
@senad2134 You need to discuss this with your parents. There are many things that can cause knee pain in a growing child. If you have pain, it would be wise to ask your parents take you to the doctor for an examination. That is the best place to start not the internet.
DrAReznik 8 months ago
@DrAReznik No i know i have schudled an appoinment i was just wonderig if you know whats wrong
senad2134 8 months ago
Doctor, I recently have re-injured my knee (had femoral pins put in 94') have had mri& xray looking at my medial meniscus for a tear but has a lot of interference due to the pins. should i push for a scope surgery ??? Thanks.
lederyl 8 months ago
@lederyl - If you have pain, locking or giving way and swelling that has failed non-operative treatment a diagnostic scope is the best way to see and resolve the issue. An MRI is often no too helpful is there is metal in the bones near the knee. The judgement has to be made on a good history and physical exam.
DrAReznik 8 months ago
@DrAReznik
Thank you very much for getting back to me. I've been working on it in physical therapy home&clinical, but I definitely have pain locking out. There is a spot on the inside of my knee that really gives me pain when i put pressure on it, and when try to stretch the inside thigh. Diagnostic Scope I think is called for.
Thank you
lederyl 8 months ago
Ive a torn meniscus that extends across two surfaces and shows as a new tear on the mri. they suggest surgery and say that the only thing stopping me from falling over is my strong leg muscles. I have a dilemma though as I have been going to a chiropractor and ive noticed a big difference with my knee since. the mri shows that it will not heal itself but its better than its been in a year since i developed the problem with it. Should i get surgery? I teach martial arts.
johnbelfast2 8 months ago
Thumbs up for HBK
Super90007 8 months ago
How long do these kinds of surgeries usually take?
Thekzace 8 months ago
@Thekzace- It varies a good amount. Shorter when there is a smaller tear, knees with some natural laxity. Longer when there is a larger or more complex tear, if you add a fibrin clot or platelet enriched plasma to promote healing and knees that are tighter than average. In my practice, it is an out patient surgery with minimal blood loss using a light anesthetic supplemented with local anesthesia.
DrAReznik 8 months ago
hi i m zia from pakistan i want to ack about the knee pain bcoz my mother has pain in both knee she cant bend or walk upstairs or difficult her age is near to 60 i m very worry about her pain,plz telll me what i do r we need knee replacement or a knee caliper will usefull for us plz telll us some sugestion plzz. AWAITING UR POSITIVE RESPONCE
ziasaab1 9 months ago
@ziasaab1 It is impossible to make this type o judgment without a examination and Xrays- This is beyond whta can be done on line. See needs to see a local orthopedic surgeon for a consultation.
DrAReznik 9 months ago
Dr. can a 40% meniscectomy after 3 years ever heal. I can't walk more than 2 miles without some pain or ride bike for 10 minutes?
MrDsd123 9 months ago
@MrDsd123 - this is a more complex issue pending your age, weight, varus or valgus knee (bowing of your leg) and the condition of the rest of the cartilage in your knee. For long walks with underlying varus other things may help. I would need to know more to best help you.
DrAReznik 9 months ago
I tore my meniscus playing basketball for school and they repaired it so now im out for 7 to 12 months -____________________-
FBKing94 10 months ago
I have torn my acl and damaged my meniscus.
Apparently as much as 40 percent of it was shaved out during my acl reconstruction.
Will i still be able to skateboard with good physical therapy and a knee brace?
I'm not worried about the acl injury, what worries me is the meniscal tear.
regardless of how much it hurts, i'll still skate.
I would just like some medical advice my doctor didnt give me.
thank you.
liquidskatesword 10 months ago
@liquidskatesword As always if you are young and active you should worry about both an ACL and meniscus tear. The vast majority of my patients return to full sports after an appropriate repair and reconstruction including skateboarding if all goes well. If you are still unstable after an ACL tear that is not repaired you are at increased risk for further meniscus tears and arthritis in the long run.
DrAReznik 10 months ago
@DrAReznik Thank you very much.
I'm on the road to recovery and plan on waiting the full nine months.
This injury has made me want to change my major to become a physical therapist actually.
I just want to skate as much as i can before i become too old to do so.
I think it is possible if i take my recovery time seriously.
Thank you for your input.
liquidskatesword 10 months ago
My meniscus is torn i have had surgery on it 2 times already and it keeps re tearing. If i turn myself in a chair using my leg to push out it locks up on me and the pain is unimaginable when u have to extend it to get the meniscus back in place
wrathchild111b 10 months ago
@wrathchild111b again pending your age a followup MRI arthrogram is indicated and possible revision surgery. If it did not heal twice it may need to be removed. There are some newer technologies down the road. If you are very young some would consider a meniscus transplant but the long term results of that surgery are less clear now (based on new data presented at the 2011 AAOS in San Diego).
DrAReznik 10 months ago
I cannot walk without pain, I have to have something done. I do not know what that means, but I have to end the pain. Cannot bend, to walk upstairs, also received my MRI from cervical today.C6-7 : left posterior ridging and bulge and hypertrophy of the left uncoverterral joint with left foraminal stenosis... lots of other disc herniations, etc..
FAITHGREIS 11 months ago
@FAITHGREIS Spine issues can complicate knee problems - however this is out of the realm of this blog. You will need to see a spine expert for this issue. Weakness and loss of sensation and burning pain are all signs of a significant neurological or spine problem and they need direct prompt attention. They cannot be wished away or ignored.
DrAReznik 10 months ago
I have a tear of the posterior horn of the medial mesicus, mild sprain of the ACL, and small knee joint effusion and small baker's cyst. I feel athroscopy surgery would be my best bet since walking is extremely painful. Can you help me ?
FAITHGREIS 11 months ago
@FAITHGREIS It does sound like you may need something done. The question I would have is what is a mild sprain of the ACL? In the ACL there are measures of instability as compared to the other knee. It is the difference between your knees that helps to decide the injury type and th treatment choices,
DrAReznik 11 months ago
I have a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, mild sprain of the ACL and small knee joint effusion and small baker's cyst. Due to motor vehicle accident on 12/21/10. Walking is painful, I feel athroscopy to repair it would be my best bet.. Can you help me ?
FAITHGREIS 11 months ago
Just had my arthroscopy done on my left knee for a meniscal tear 2 days ago. Apparently it was difficult to do because the tear was hidden behind a ligament...
drxtreme4738 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i twisted my knee and i heard a pop snowboarding and now i cant fully extend my knee or it will feel weak and hurts and i have to limp on it. Im getting something called an MRI and if it shows that its torn i need surgery but it has not happened yet.
Do you think it is a Torn meniscus?
Please answer thanks :)
xFuZioNzHD 11 months ago
i twisted my knee and i heard a pop snowboarding and now i cant fully extend my knee or it will feel weak and hurts and i have to limp on it. Im getting something called an MRI and if it shows that its torn i need surgery but it has not happened yet.
Do you think it is a Torn meniscus?
Please answer thanks :)
xFuZioNzHD 11 months ago
Thank you for being so helpful to people like me.
lifeisuseless 11 months ago
So im wondering does the symtoms and diagnosis match up? Also, why have i got 3 incision areas, and finally will i be able to play football again? i'm 20 years old and the initial injury occured around 2.5 years ago when i landed fairly orthodoxly on 1 leg after jumping to kick a ball. My recovery so far has been good with little pain and i am able to walk short distances comfortabley after being on crutches for the 1st 3 days.Thanks if you could do you best to answer these queries Dr.
davidmillar1990 1 year ago
Hi, i had this surgery carried out on my right knee on wednesday. Before surgery my knee had very audible clicking when bent and i could not play football (soccer to americans) as my knee would not be very restrained in the sense that it would seem to majorly disclocate / "pop out" and subsequent swelling would appear along with extreme pain and stiffness. After the arthroscopy the docter told me i had a bucket handle tear on the medial meniscus.
More on next message..........
davidmillar1990 1 year ago
i did this today and it seems good :)
TheGlueFace 1 year ago
had this done on 12/28/10. also will need acl recons soon. i opted to have acl recon on a 2nd surgery cuz i didnt want to rush into something that intensive. im able to do limited walking but dr. said to only toe touch with crutches. did not give me brace. i want to do more and not use the crutches at all. post op pain was pretty painful for 4 days, not sure why but dr. did cut me open about 2 1/2" incision + 3 arthroscopic holes still some pain. thinking of switching to diff surgeon for the acl
stevecsulb10 1 year ago
@stevecsulb10 - sounds like you had an inside out repair. This is a very good technique but requires a posterior incision to "tie the knots." FYI - Pending your age and level of ACL instability the chances of retearing the meniscus may be higher if the ACL is not fixed,
DrAReznik 1 year ago
I'm getting this surgery o_o
ThexShanny 1 year ago
PLEASE HELP i am having a lot of pain in my knee and don't know if i should get an MRI done. It cracks frequently when i walk and it hurts whenever it is fully extended and i put all my weight on it(This has beengoing on 4 1 month). I was in a car accident about a 3 months ago and suffered a broken pelvis and sacrum i was on crutches for a month and a half and about a week or two after getting off of them i realized a sort of tightness in my knee and then it began to pop and hurt when i walked
CallMehParker 1 year ago
@CallMehParker So here your history is brief but the major trauma to your pelvis is important in considering your problem. We all must remember the hip and knee are joined by one bone the femur. Hip and knee pain can be confused. First I would go back to your trauma surgeon, be examined again and get new xrays of your hip, knee and back. If they find nothing then maybe an MRI of your knee is in order. It is more likely the problem is from the trauma and not a torn cartilage.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik Thanks a lot I am going to get an appointment scheduled for sometimes this week. Hopefully it will be good news
CallMehParker 1 year ago
@CallMehParker You Should Go Get That Checked Out
EW271983 11 months ago
Hello Dr. I had a MRI done on my right knee last year after I was feeling some pain in my right knee when I got up from a crouched position. The MRI result was i had a small Degenerative type tear posterior horn lateral meniscus. Small Joint effusion decompressing as described above with notch synovitis. Very minimal chondrophathy. It's been a year now and I haven't worked out my legs since, I've been afraid of damaging my knee. Should I have surgery on it? I'm 26.
Mabus71 1 year ago
@Mabus71 I like to see and examine pts like you. if you still have swelling or mechanical signs on exam then yes, if not then trial of sports may be OK. The MRI is a year old so not that helpful now. If you are still afriad to try you knee out then your body may be telling you something.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik thanks for the reply Doctor. I think I will gradually begin lifting very minimal weights during my leg workouts and see how it goes, if the pain returns I will probably go see my sports medicine doctor again. There is no swelling really ever since the initial tear but I know sometimes when I do cardio I feel it a little. I'll keep you posted thanks again, not many doctors take their time to do things like this online, I commend you for that :)
Mabus71 1 year ago
I had about 250lbs. of equipment force my right knee to the left while it was bent, then twisted it. This happened in January 2010...it's now December 2010 and I finally got an MRI done. Got the written results, but I have no idea what any of it means.
I was TOLD that a small, triangular piece of tissue pops in and out of place, damaged cartilage on my patella, and "signs of beginning damage to the inner meniscus".
I was recommended a scope. How exactly would this kind of injury affect my life
Axlgrease89 1 year ago
I go tomm to see about my knee doc, im suspecting that this is my problem. it isn't thru the roof pain, but it is getting worse and worse, i injured it this past summer riding my motorocycle i was dragging my feet doing prob 30mph, and went down into a small dip in the road and jammed my leg and it twisted and caused this pain, i ignored it thinking it would get better, it has its good and bad days, mostly bad now. but this is the exact pain and symptoms i have and the pain is right in the area
mikells43 1 year ago
I had this surgery in early May. I was JUST released 100% by the Doctor in December.
After surgery the knee did not hurt at all. Surgery is a breeze no need to fear it. If you have a desk job you COULD go back to work w/in 2 weeks. If any kneeling or lifting required...be prepared to be off work at LEAST 3 months. (or you'll fuck your knee up further).
DrAreznik's advice in this video are spot on.
RapIsDeadly 1 year ago
Doctor, i would say about once every two months my knee will just randomly LOCK up and hurt like nothing i have ever felt before, this is when it is not extended, but together. then when i try to extend it comes the torturous pain. This has been going on for about 5 years so i went to an orthopaedic surgeon and she just told me it had to do with growth, but now i still get it every once in a while and when i do its torture. Now i started feeling general pain in my knee for two weeks.what do i do
justinangelo7 1 year ago
@justinangelo7 - It sounds like you may have an OCD lesion, locking knee or a chronic ACL tear now with a MMT, you can read about it on my web site togct, there is more information in my book "the Knee and Shoulder handbook" see LULU see spotlight/rezex. I posted a video on ACL exam a few days ago on youtube see drareznik (my channel) that you may find of great interest. Look at that first.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
Doctor, i would say about once every two months my knee will just randomly LOCK up and hurt like nothing i have ever felt before, this is when it is not extended, but together. then when i try to extend it comes the torturous pain. This has been going on for about 5 years so i went to an orthopaedic surgeon and she just told me it had to do with growth, but now i still get it every once in a while and when i do its torture. Now i started feeling general pain in my knee for two weeks. what to do?
justinangelo7 1 year ago
getting this done on tuseday
CeleronicProductions 1 year ago
i had this procedure on monday and im in so much pain
justabbey 1 year ago
I had this surgery like a month ago.. I can walk im not supposed too.. didnt really hurt at all only first couple days
mod3rn3pic 1 year ago
@mod3rn3pic - It is important to follow the doctors instructions. The tear takes at least 4 months to heal and the sutures are only so strong. You can tear the sutures before the meniscus heals and then the surgery will need to be redone or worse the meniscus will not be repairable and need to be taken out. .
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik I never said I was walking D:
mod3rn3pic 1 year ago
@mod3rn3pic see my two new videos I posted last night, you may find them of interest.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
i had surgery on my knee for a meniscus tear back when i was in 3rd-4th grade. its been years but last night i kneeled down and my "bad" leg made this huge crunch sound? i was like omg what the hell is that. ever since then my knees been popping not very loud, but i can feel the pop. its kind of swollen now. i just fear its the same problem. i cant afford another doctor bill. times are tuff right now and hospitals are getting mean lol they want their money, i can only give 20-50 bucks a month
michael70h7 1 year ago
@michael70h7 - Sorry to hear of your problem - many teaching hospitals have resident clinics- so have a good policy on ability to pay- some don't - still that may be your best option.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik well the swelling problem has subsided a bit unless im on the leg a lot during the day. idk. its still not healed though. yesterday it was throbbin pretty good though. im going to wait it out maybe i guess. it just seems like doctors i got can never figure out my problems lol so idk if i should go and then end up with no results but if it doesnt go away in the next few days, maybe week im gonna go. im gonna get fed up with hobbling around and wearing out my other leg.
michael70h7 1 year ago
had this exact thing done to me today
mrchewy55 1 year ago
I just had this surgery today and my knee hurts like hell
crh2010 1 year ago
I had an surgery for medial meniscus lats week cause a had locked knee couldn straigth it for 6 months i still having hard time what can I do?
jessy1319ful 1 year ago
^ months is a long time. The knee will take a long time to recover extension for two reasons. First the structures behind the knee will shorten over time and they take a long time to stretch out again. Second, the muscles have "learned" they the knee will hurt it extended so they fire or control the knee blocking extension. This has to be "unlearned.' That is very hard to do after six months of being stuck.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik see my video on the "locking Knee" for more info. Also my book is available on Lulu.com/spotlight/rezex and that will show pictures of different tears and how they are treated.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik thanks so it seems that will take time to stretch my knee but it will
jessy1319ful 1 year ago
I have to apologize for using your video for asking a question that's a little out of the topic, concidering the large amounts of viewers interested with this. I have a torn meniscus from more then an year and a half. I will get surgery after 2 months and I am strongly concerned if anyone who's been in the same situation can tell me how is his knee now. I pray to God to help me get my knee strong as before again, but I am low on hope right now. Please reply. Thank you :)
ELGekp 1 year ago
@ELGekp The outcome is related to the size of the tear, your age, the location of the tear and how long you had the tear. The smaller the tear, the younger your are, the closer the tear is to the blood supply and the shorter time to repair the better off your are. Most do very well but it is very important to protect it for the first four months post op.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
Thanks for the prompt reply... Its a bummer.... But I'll take your expert word and avoid the trip
dinslo 1 year ago
Thanks for the prompt reply... Its a bummer.... But I'll take your expert word and avoid the trip
dinslo 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
btw fantastic video Dr. Reznik!
dinslo 1 year ago
Comment removed
dinslo 1 year ago
I had an MRI done; bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus(w/fragment in intercondylar notch)ACL is lax but intact, I also have a bakers cyst. R.I.C.E. helps, until it flares up usually if I squat too far(or try to sit on my heels when I kneel). I want to get surgery done asap... but have a snowboard trip booked in whistler... is it too risky to go and postpone surgery? Are there certain positions I should avoid? Your thoughts would be appreciated greatly. I've already paid for my trip :(
dinslo 1 year ago
@dinslo This is not a good situation, you knee is "locked" with a piece stuck in the middle and that may be masking an ACL tear. I would ask you Surgeon to write a note that you cannot travel or snowboard because of your knee injury and see if you can get a refund for a medical reason. In short, it would not be wise to test you knee's limits any more.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
i had locked knee for six months i had surgery last week Im hoping to move my leg again can anyone tell me what to do
1319jesus 1 year ago
@DrAReznik a had locked knee
1319jesus 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i had locked knee for six months i had surgery last week Im hoping to move my leg again can anyone tell me what to do
jessy1319ful 1 year ago
i just done this surgery on my left knee on 25hb september which means 2 weeks ago..can anybody tell me how long do i have to take to fully recover and be able to play again ?
qitto21 1 year ago
@qitto21 in general healing takes more time than you like. I protect my pts from running, jumping, twisting and squatting for 4 months. They can prep for sports after that and return when strength an endurance allows. Healing is inversely proportional to age, size of tear and time from injury. So younger patients with small tears who have not had multiple injuries to the same knee do the best.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@qitto21 thanks..btw.i work as an aircraft maintenance crew and my job needs a lot of movement,climbing etc..i do scare if the wound does not fully heal when i need to go for work..even today i missed my favourite rugby match..sigh
qitto21 1 year ago
Fabulous video - Thank You!!
medvideoful 1 year ago
@medvideoful thank you!
if you would like to learn more
See "The Knee and Shoulder Handbook for all of us"
At Lulu.com/spotlight/rezex
DrAReznik 1 year ago
Hi, I have complex degenerative tearing and maceration of the medial meniscus with associated medial compartment severe osteoarthrosis per MRI report. I am also a senior. Am I a canditate for orthoscopic knee surgery?
deemecat2 1 year ago
@deemecat2 - This is a common question and there has been some controversy about the answer. In general, advanced arthritis is not typically helped by arthroscopic surgery. When there are mechanical symptoms related to torn cartilage and loose fragments in the knee a scope can help those symptoms only. There is a chapter on locking buckling and giving way in the "Knee and Shoulder Handbook for all of us" on Lulu.com explaining mechanical symptoms to help you sort this out.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
i suffered a miniscal ter as well as an acl tear playing rugby at the end of july and i was informed that the tears are severe and i will require surgery to repair my miniscus and reconstruck my acl, i was told my surgery would be in the new year and that i would also not be able to play rugby or any sports for the remainder of that year, this of course was quite upsetting. is this a true statement of how long it will take to recover my knee enough to play rugby?
perkinator24 1 year ago
@perkinator24 Rugby is one of the toughest sports and therefor the hardest to get back to. Most knees take a full year to recover. Rehab with pre sports prep can stat at 6 months, sports specific training at 9 months at Return to sports between 10-12 months with an ACL brace on would be the earliest for rugby.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik i have also heard rumors that i wont be able to play again because it has potential of reoccuring is this true? because they are going to take out a part of my hamstring and i cant see that being good for the strength of my leg will my leg be just as strong with the hamstring replacing my acl?
perkinator24 1 year ago
@perkinator24 Graft choice is always a challenge. You can use hamstrings or patella tendon. Auto graft or allograft - they each have pros and cons. The best choice is often what you surgeon has the most comfort with. There is some data to suggest that taking the hamstring (one of three tendons on that side of the knee) can cause some weakness there. Most people still do well and return to sports.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@DrAReznik I have had both knees done and for the same reason ..my left they used my patella tendon and my right the hamstring.
In my opinion the ham was alot harder to rehab from...extreame weakness and pain.
using the patella tendon on my left didnt seem to bother me....doctor didnt even tell me he had to do it on the left....i didnt know untill a later checkup.....
as far as ability the left os also the better limb because of that and the right gives me problems every day.
discoveryman 1 year ago
can medial meniscus heal itself? without going to surgery?
unidamark 1 year ago
About two weeks ago I started to hear a squiky sound coming out of my left knee. I don't have any pain, some swelling from water retention but not that often, just normal daily activities. Today I was told it is the meniscus but nothing I can do just let it take its course. Is there anything I can do to prevent my meniscus from wearing out soon.?
Thanks for the video it gave me hope for when the time comes, (many year down the road) and I'll have to get surgery.
Regards,
EYEONTHEHORIZON 1 year ago
@EYEONTHEHORIZON wait till u tear it in half then u half to go get surgeryy!!!!!!
LexieGirl12343 1 year ago
Hello, I am interested in hearing about the efficiency of the surgery 1 year 2, 5 years etc, down the road. Does the meniscus in fact heal itself properly when sutured? Also, what are your opinions of the success patients like Jonathan Bornstein, the US soccer player who used PRP to heal his torn meniscus?
ich1banGT1 1 year ago
@ich1banGT1 - the result relate to size of tear, location and age.
The best results are with red on red tears, that are small in a younger age group.
There are the rare tears in those under 18 years old that are partial tears in the red on red zone and only seen on an MRI with almost no symptoms, they can heal. These can be followed clinically for improvement. But,the vast majortiy don't heal.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
I had this bugger of a surgery done about five months ago. My knee isn't doing badly, but folks, if you get this done, follow your doctors order very closely and keep up with the allowable exercise regimen. It sincerely pays off! I have 138* bending and -8* in my straightening. The exercise will serve your repair very well!
lifeisuseless 1 year ago
im gonna have to get this surgury pretty soon and after watching this im freaking out now.
st0n3d2own 1 year ago
@st0n3d2own Please see randleflag2 comment. "Freaking out" does not help you prepare yourself for a good result. Ask questions to help you understand the post op care. Take two deep breaths, read your doctor's instructions and then follow them.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@st0n3d2own i got this surgery done 3 days ago and it was a walk in the park,i had it done 8 years ago and got great relief from it
irish440v8 1 year ago
Thank you for your detailed video. I'm 44 and had the exact repair done in your video: medial meniscus with a bucket-handle tear, 5 sutures. Seeing it done was very helpful as are all your replies. My post-op so far is leg braced to: 0° 1 week, 0 - 80° 2 weeks, 0-90° 6 weeks and then sans-brace. I was cleared to start PT after 7 weeks. Now at 11 weeks, I have close to 90° of flexion. Every day I see small improvements. Any words of caution regarding PT?
randelflag2 1 year ago
@randelflag2 It sounds like you had a large tear and you are doing well. Contnue the therapy as instructed. If there is no swelling at this point continue to increase you range of motion. If you still have some swelling, I like to add an anti- inflamory drug to reduce it to help increase the ROM.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
how much is the average knee surgery repair??
my left knee is very weak. and it gets locked up when i play sports.
swiffstep 1 year ago
The surgery requires and anesthetic, surgery center and a surgeon. You would have to contact the local surgery, surgery center and anesthesiologist to know the full amount.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
@swiffstep
I had my surgery on 8-3-10 and I got the reciept from my insurance company and I believe the total cost was about $61,000 But, I also had ACL Reconstruction too.
MORPHEUSou812 1 year ago
As far as i know meniscus cartilage does not regenerate?
However, I've seen many over the counter supplements that
claim to rebuild cartilage, how true is this claim?
Also, does it make sense to postpone the operation and not lose
part of my meniscus and wait for any new developments in this area
and the invention of new techniques. Do i risk more damage this way?
prespa1000 1 year ago
@prespa1000 So this is a very interesting question. These supplements have been shown to be better than placebo in decreasing pain in osteoporosis arthritis but it has never been proven they repair cartilage. Most are food supplements and contain building blocks for cartilage repair and that is the most that can be said about them.
They cannot ever truly resolve a mechanical problem like a cartilage tear. Tears (ligaments and cartilage) require more direct approach.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
i might need this surgery, say i get it.......later on is this gonna slow down my speed? i play softbal and i run the bases. i was wondering does this effect the way you run?
TheBadFunnies 1 year ago
Hi Dr.I'm 26 y old & have a complex medial meniscus tear.I had knee popping on both legs since a teen when i contract my legs or squat. I assumed it was my knee anatomy as i had no pain. My right knee doesn't pop anymore but for a year now my left knee is getting worse and i feel pain on the back of my leg after phy activity. The surgeon is not sure how much he can repair? What are my chances of arthritis. What if i insist on repair? What will happen if the repair fails and how will i know it?
prespa1000 1 year ago
Like all things in life - the cards are dealt and you must turn them over to play them correctly. Only some tears can be repaired and the determination of the status of your meniscus can be made by looking in with a scope. Then your surgeon will have to make the decision what is best for your knee. You cannot force the hand of your surgeon and expect the best results.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
when i was 16 i had mine taken out cause it got completely torn lol
Toast579 1 year ago
@Toast579 Mine just happenned..can u still do sports??like football(soccer)??Really need to knw plz help..
555discovery 1 year ago
@555discovery yes but i prefer no to because it gives me alot of trouble and hurts afterward
Toast579 1 year ago
@Toast579 Yes was the answer I was expecting..lol..thx a lot..the pain I don't mind at all but not being able to play..it's gonna kill me..;))
555discovery 1 year ago
i know there is a greater risk of early arthritis if i get it shaved down, but im active and do lots of wakeboarding, longboarding, and cross country running, will having it shaved down negativly effect these activities? ive missed cross country and track already, is it worth missing most of summer training as well as possibly next years cc season if it doesnt heal again?
nhills93 1 year ago
refer to other comment as well*
nhills93 1 year ago
At age 16 I would recommend that if the meniscus can still be repaired I would do it. You are way too young to not give it another try if possible. Missing a summer now is nothing when compared to giving up all sports in you twenties because your knee is not able tolerate it any longer. Also you must take the time off after the repair. Follow the precausings carefully. You cannot fool anyone by cutting the time short. After all it is your knee.
DrAReznik 1 year ago
im 16, in good shape 145 lbs, i had posterior horn of my medial meniscus repaired in september, along with a ACL reco, i developed lots of swelling last month, had an mri and was told the meniscus hasnt healed correctly/is retorn, my question is weather i should have them try rerepairing it (this would take me out of yet another sports season) or have them shave it down?
nhills93 1 year ago
Just had my bucket tear repaired January 21st. They also found something on my underside of the patella and shaved it off. I'm a singer, and the next day i was on stage performing. The big problem I'm having is my thigh hurts and has bruising. Don't quite know why. The knee is doing great! This surgery is a godsend! No knee pain, and I haven't had any severe pain post op. I get to a level 5 on the pain scale every once in awhile. I guess I picked a good surgeon!
Rahbilio 2 years ago
this sounds great but I have to caution you that you may risk your result if you continue on this path. If the tear as repaired (not simply removed), the tear will take 4 months to heal and now you are relying on the sutures alone. They will fail in time and at this rate before the meniscus heals. You feel great now, but you cannot fool mother nature! See if you have restrictions you need to follow. My guess is you are not and you are risking a poor outcome in the long run. Please be careful.
DrAReznik 2 years ago
day 7 pain pain pain your all doomed
urboitee 2 years ago
Urboitee - Both of these comments are an indication of very unrealistic expectations. Surgery is never 100% pain free, the vast majority have some discomfort that is controlled nicely with local placed during surgery and oral pain meds. Repairs take at least 4 months to heal. My pts can walk partly weight bearing with a knee immobilizer brace and crutches in a few days and progress from there. Protecting a repair is important for good healing. If the meniscus is removed the recovery is faster.
DrAReznik 2 years ago
just got mine repaired at surgery today hurts alot surgery is like 40 mins recovery hurts i still cant walk its swollen and the worst be scared be very scared truth
urboitee 2 years ago
if the meniscus is removed you have almost no recovery time.. if you stitch it together again though you are looking at almost the same time for a repair of the ligamentum cruciate ant/post (that is the ligaments inside the knee articulation that makes a "cross like" structure!) which is about 6 months!
so i would not be very surprised if you cant walk after one day :)
Jo1986ta1986 2 years ago
I am having this surgery done in a week...it will be my second, if anyone can tell me how the second time is and how painful...it will help. I had it scoped once in college, but I am now a bit older and out of shape...can anyone give me some words of wisdom?
SANFRANCISCOBRONX 2 years ago
usually there is very little difference between the first and a later scope. see the comment below about the post op pain meds.
DrAReznik 2 years ago
I have to get this done to my knee, and I'm really scared for the pain afterward, can you tell me how long a repairing and a replacing meniscus surgery usually is? Also can you tell me how much the pain will be hurting after the surgery! Thank you...
leonidasfan300 2 years ago
There are many factors in post op pain, one is anxiety about the surgery. This always increase pain sensitivity. In general (only for my patients, since technique varies greatly) I don't use a tourniquet, use local before incision and after, both long acting and short acting local, with long acting and short acting pain meds in the OR. Most of my pts stay comfortable post op. Meniscus tears surgery can be in the one hour range pending on removal or repair. You are asleep or sedated with local.
DrAReznik 2 years ago
Most patients are not that uncomfortable after, I use a long and short acting local as well as short and long acting pain relievers before the surgery is over. Taking you pain pills before the local wears off is key.
follow your MD's recommendations closely
DrAReznik 2 years ago
good to se the reapir , rathar than cutting out the precious carltlidge, altho some ppl fine the stiches irrating and get them taken out. , let shope this guys caltidge knits back together,
improm2u 2 years ago
hi DrAReznik...for the past few months m having knee cap pain of my right knee and whenever i flex my knee with force or walking up stairs there's crunching sound form my knee cap....the pain worsens if i climb up stairs.....can u help me? wat u shud i do?
anaphylaxis123 2 years ago
i have the same symptoms,what was ever said about yours? im scared to death now after seeing this video im gonna have to have surgery!
Hhotmama26 2 years ago
Hi Dr. Reznik, i started playing tennis a month ago and after three weeks i started feeling a little pain in my knee, went with a Orthopedic and told me i had a little injury in the middle meniscus, and told me i had to rest, then i went with another doctor and told me i have to stay home, if i can walk perfectly is it extremely necessary to stay home??
licandres01 2 years ago
As always a good exam is the key to the best diagnosis. If your knee is found to be stable and the signs of a meniscus tear have resolved then you can slowly return to activity. As a rule, most minor knee injuries resolve in 4-6 weeks. Those knees that remain painful, swell, lock, buckle or give way should be re-evaluated for a tear and treated appropriately.
If you have no symptoms, no swelling, no locking, no pain then certainly light activity should be fine.
DrAReznik 2 years ago
Hi Dr. Reznik. While bowling, upon release of the ball (I throw hard), my left foot failed to slide and instead stuck. All my weight & in