Torn Miniscus in knee

Hi.
So, it sounds like you had something that I too experienced, smashed knees into concrete. Concrete is unforgiving and why they still use it in some settings is mindboggling.

I will mention something else, and I will defer to professionals for help.

Consider an anti-inflammatory diet (if inflammation is a factor) AND consider getting into a pool to move and exercise. You are on terrain that is unfavorable to your knees. If you are having a "clean out"- have them define what that means. Is it removing the offending part of the meniscus or ALL OF IT. If you have a substantial part of the meniscus removed, you are likely to face more significant issues (also due to the terrain you are on) that may lead to knee replacement. I think you had a specific type of tear (bucket handle- gets caught). Was it reparable? Did you consider a second opinion?

Best wishes for you on this journey!

Ann Marie

I had a torn meniscus. Surgeon went in and shaved a bit off the meniscus. Not a big deal surgery. Went great and took away my knee pain completely.

Yay! Thank you so much!!

Funny story…our close friend is a retired veterinarian and his specialty was dog knees. They are very close to human knees. He read my MRI and after PT and an injection he recommended surgery for clean up. So he was my first opinion. The Mayo surgeon was my second opinion. At my young age of 64, it will be a shave of the torn meniscus, no repair. Too old for that. I really like my surgeon and the Mayo. So off I will go to get cleaned up and back to the hills. Time will tell where it will lead me. 🌻🌻

Hi.
Where are you located?
I work at Mayo, Jacksonville, and see both the medical orthopedists and the surgeons. I like my doctors but speak up when I think that I need to.

At our young age (I am right behind you) the shave is your best option especially if it is causing issues. Just be diligent with the exercises they give you. Your muscles keep everything in place! "Motion is lotion." It's better when it is moving freely.

I watch a lot of VET shows, so see the similarity. The difference is that humans are more involved (and we come with some baggage). A clean out would be welcoming arthritis and knee replacements sooner.

Best,
Ann Marie

I don't think he wants to shave my knee at age 88. I think I should ask him. The pain is excruciating.

Hi Ann Marie,

Yep, I'll keep on moving. My surgeon was happy that I'm still walking and staying active. I did ask him if I was buying myself a knee replacement sooner rather than later and he disagreed. He said that if I didn't do this surgery that I would be getting a knee replacement sooner. Heyjoe mentioned that he didn't believe surgery caused or didn't cause arthritis. The way the doctor made it sound the arthritis is a separate issue from my injury altogether. My First Line of Defense Veterinarian 🙂 also agreed with the doctor.

P.S. The vet said that where the menisci are removed, if it's not too much, the fibrocartilage can fill in the gap. I hope so!!

That is great to hear.
I had a hamstring surgery but one of my knees is "talking".
I thought the surgery was a cakewalk. Not as bad as I thought.
I am considering the option of snip and trim.
Glad to hear your doc wasn't thinking you were heading to knee replacement.
I do believe the meniscus irritation might cause more issues.
Malalignment more problematic.
Besides, I don't call them "replacements". They are prosthetics.
Best,
AMS

Hi Maxine.

You're 88!?! Wow, good for you!

If the Dr says you have a torn meniscus, that can usually be treated through arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique. The Dr can remove the torn part of the meniscus and can also assess the overall health of your knee.

All the best to you! You are an inspiration!

Joe