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Torn meniscus - to repair or not to repair?
Hello, this is my first rodeo in the knee department. Been through it with my husband - both meniscus repair and then, ultimately, a full knee replacement.
I injured my knee in a fall last summer and I have arrived now with two tears - this is, partially, what my MRI says: Chronic appearing horizontal tear of the posterior horn and body of the medial meniscus extending to the tibial articular surface with intermediate signal granulation tissue within the defect. Small 9mm parameniscal cyst along the anterior horn. Mild peripheral extrusion. Horizontal tear of the body of the lateral meniscus extending to the femoral articular surface. The report goes on....
I received a cortisone injection as a "quick fix" and will have a follow up consult with the PA in a few weeks. I was also offered a surgical consult which I did not take at that time.
So, of course, I've been reading Dr. Google and getting a lot of input from friends and family. The general consensus is that I have only masked the pain with the injection and it also doesn't help with healing the tears and can possibly slow healing. That I should get a surgical consult and see if the tears can be repaired.
I am happy that my knee is feeling better and I can get back to walking and my busy day, but I don't want to injure myself more under the comfort of the cortisone, but I am not opposed to surgery.
I would love more input from anyone that has experienced this. My main question is: can certain meniscal tears heal themselves without surgery?
Thanks so much!!
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Thanks to everyone for their responses. I appreciate it!!
What did you decide to do?
Surgery - meniscectomy. I’m scheduled for the 2nd of October.
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1 ReactionI also have the exact same tear, it’s been like this for two years now! I opted to not have surgery and I’m actually doing better now! I have a friend who also has the same tear and he opted to not do surgery and he’s fine said it hasn’t bothered him in over 14 years so I do think the pain can come and go. I also have two tumors in the knee and my orthopedic oncologist is happy to just do an X-ray every couple of months which I feel very confident in this dr so I’m going with his recommendation, he is the head of his department at Yale Hospital I figure he didn’t get there just by looks alone.
Best of luck with whatever you decide
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2 ReactionsThank you!
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1 ReactionMy brother is struggling with significant pain weeks after his surgery. I’m really concerned.
I just saw this so forgive me if it has been answered. I had three arthroscopic surgeries to repair torn menisci and remove a cyst. I never thought to ask the surgeon if they would resolve over time.
I'm no Dr, but if the injury is causing your knee to lock up occasionally, or the pain persists beyond one cortisone shot, I'd probably get it repaired. I'm also no radiologist, but it sounds like there's more than one tear, and one extends down to the tibial plateau. So trimming off that torn cartilage will likely eliminate any pain.
I don't know if a torn meniscus can be repaired.
So some questions for the surgeon - 1) can the tear or tears be repaired?, and 2) if not, is the procedure to remove the torn menisci necessary - that is, will they dissolve over time, and how long?, and 3) is there any osteoarthritis or other disc degeneration present?
Not much of an answer, but some torn menisi tears will dissolve or be worn off. That's probably a painful process and could take some time.
I added the third question because if you do have osteoarthritis, you'll probably need to get your knees replaced at some point. Certainly not now while you still have menisci and other articular cartilage, but at some point it may be necessary.
My advice is always the same whether it's to get a scope to repair torn menisci or cartilage, or whether it's to replace the knee - does it significantly impact your activities of daily living (ADL)? I was a runner so I had the surgery so I could return to running. That said, it was never the same. I had osteoarthritis and had both knees replaced in 2022 when I was 67 because it did affect my ADL. Now I feel great, but I spin instead of run. I was also a runner in my 30s and 40s and (foolishly) completed over 20 marathons. Not recommended. But the osteoarthritis arthritis did me in.
All the best to you, and please let me know what you decide. Joe
(FWIW - cortisone injections in my knee never worked very well at reducing pain. And after a TKR(s), no running is recommended.)
Sounds like you have a very good Dr. Good for you, that's vital.
And your frioends' experiences confirm what I have suspected, that torn menisci can resolve over time. I think the torn part just wears away. Always best to avoid surgery if there is another option, like time!
Sorry, just saw this. Im certain your Dr believes this tear will not resolve if left alone. So good luck! This is a minimally invasive surgery if an arthroscope is used. Do all the rehab suggested to avoid any scar tissue from forming. You'll be fine! Joe
Hi Joe -
Thanks for replying - I always enjoy your encouragement! Yes, arthroscopic surgery. One tear is significant and will not heal on its own. I'm walking two to three miles a day on hilly terrain pulled by two rowdy cattle dogs to stay in shape. It hurts, but I'm wearing a silly brace (more for reminding me not to twist than for any actual help) until surgery. I'm pretty compliant so I will do all the suggested rehab. Ready to have this behind me and get on with life!!! Thanks again 😊