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Torn Miniscus in knee
Surgeon said my knee pain was due to a torn miniscus and he wants to do surgery. Not sure if he wants to replace or just cut something. Anyone had a torn miniscus, please reply here as to what it is and what is done. Thanks
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I have a torn meniscus in my right knee, due to injury from a freak accident 3 years ago. I was immediately scheduled for surgery, but the pain subsided right before hand and I got a second opinion and cancelled it. They may repair the tear in younger patients, but with older ones they clean it out. My second opinion surgeon said I would get arthritis in the knee due to the clean out. And, if my pain wasn’t too bad, it was reasonable to avoid surgery
I also have a friend who is trying to avoid surgery. I stay pretty much pain free by working out daily, walking, leg extensions, etc. I also lost a lot of weight. I can barely believe how well I’m doing. But, everyone is different. If I run, the knee will act up. So, I don’t run anymore. Sigh…
My younger brother just had arthroscopic surgery on his torn meniscus. They did a clean out. He had little choice, due to his continued pain. It’s been about a couple of weeks and he’s still feeling some pain. He begins PT next week.
I’m scheduled to have two meniscus tears (one significant, one smaller)in my right knee fixed surgically in October. They won’t repair it, but clean it up. My Mayo orthopedic surgeon said that not fixing it will cause more problems in the future. I guess differing of opinions? Best of luck!
Thanks for your reply. I will have to ask my doctor what he would do instead of a replacement for a torn meniscus. Thanks for giving me3 more info
I’m 56 years old and had torn meniscus and right knee cleaned up when I was 48 years old I definitely think the knee is better than it had been as far as the meniscus tear but I also have kneecap issues. I do agree probably losing weight is good idea if you can, but I have two different types of arthritis throughout my body, losing weight is sometimes difficult but I have lost weight recently. I think also as you get older, you don’t feel like eating as much and during these hot summer months I definitely don’t. Or if I do, I want to eat fruit.
I would say that the meniscus surgery was successful and I did do physical therapy afterward. I believe my left knee has a meniscus tear now and I have not had it done yet. I have so many things going wrong with my body right now and not sure if that’s top priority. Hopefully eventually, I’ll have it done. I would like to avoid knee surgery if I can for as long as I can. Even when I had my right one done, I probably was about 2-3 years out before I had it done. I think my Pickleball That was the last straw. I wish you well with your decision and some cases you can wait. But mine was precipitated by that incident to make me have it done.🙏
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1 ReactionEveryone is different. I know that getting a second option is important to me now. If my pain returns, I’ll definitely return for a review. Just trying to stay injury free.
Hi Maxine,
I've had arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn part of a meniscus. Your surgeon must think the tear is big enough that it will not resolve on its own. These tears can be painful some of the time, although in my case my knee would lock up on occasion.
The procedure is pretty straightforward. 3, small incisions are made - one for the camera, one to inject saline into the knee, and another for the cutting device/scalpel.
I would certainly get a second opinion. I also had serious osteoarthritis and eventually had to have both knees replaced. Just keep in mind if you have osteoarthritis. Either way, it's probably good to eliminate impact (running, tennis, other court sports, jumping rope).
All the best to you friend. Joe
Good advice Celia. I have osteoarthritis in all major joints. I had both knees replaced in 2022 and all is well, though I miss running.
Staying active is the best advice. It seems to make all y other arthritic joints - hips and shoulders - fell better. I work with a trainer and that also helps to focus on the right activities.
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1 ReactionIt is good when these problems start to avoid impact sports, even pickleball. I think the notion that having arthroscopic surgery causes osteoarthritis is a myth. You get arthritis or you don't, but it's not caused or is a result of surgery IMO.
I’m not sure if I have osteoarthritis. Do you recall if that showed up on your MRI?
I agree with you completely regarding surgery causing or not causing arthritis.
My surgeon was very specific that my upcoming surgery will not have anything to do with my arthritis, which is in each compartment in my knee, but is to clean up the significant tear and smaller tear. The arthritis is a separate issue. He said gel injections or PRP is in my future, though.
Have a good day!