Meniscus Tear.

I am 76 and have a torn meniscus in right knee that happened for mo apparently reason about 6 months ago. I have had steroid injection -which helps a lot but you only get a few bites at that apple and then it is cut off to preserve the joint. I am a month after finishing the 3 shot series of Hyaluronic Acid and some movements are certainly better, but overall still very limited relief. I would probably get some relief from prednisone, but I have RA and I need to save that as a potent tool in RA Flares. And joint fluid analysis didn't indicate that the arthritis was a major factor.

So all that said arrive at the conclusion that I am likely facing total knee replacement. And I am not happy about it. I will do the HA series again to satisfy Medicare I won’t have a miraculous cure, but I see it as kicking the can down the road. I too hate being inactive but I have my doubts my walking routine will ever be what it was.

I am 76 and have a torn meniscus in right knee that happened for mo apparently reason about 6 months ago. I have had steroid injection -which helps a lot but you only get a few bites at that apple and then it is cut off to preserve the joint. I am a month after finishing the 3 shot series of Hyaluronic Acid and some movements are certainly better, but overall still very limited relief. I would probably get some relief from prednisone, but I have RA and I need to save that as a potent tool in RA Flares. And joint fluid analysis didn't indicate that the arthritis was a major factor.

So all that said arrive at the conclusion that I am likely facing total knee replacement. And I am not happy about it. I will do the HA series again to satisfy Medicare I won’t have a miraculous cure, but I see it as kicking the can down the road. I too hate being inactive but I have my doubts my walking routine will ever be what it was.

@pb50 Is it just the the meniscal tear-with minimal arthritis according to a standing x-ray? At 70 yo, I had a tear in one meniscus. The standing x-ray & MRI showed minimal arthritis. Went through the cortisone shot, tried 3 months of strengthening with machines at gym focused on my quads/knee extension. I did get stronger but still would get sharp pain and would compensate, i.e. straighten my affected knee out before sit to/from standing. One year after I tore meniscus, I had a partial meniscus removal. It is so much better and I am able to sit normally(without relying on one leg) & go up/down steps normally.

@pb50 So why not limit it to arthroscopic surgery? Or just a partial knee replacement? TKR s are overdoing it with some poor outcomes. Just keep
Up with the HA injections. Pay more out of pocket for Durolane high viscosity single injection shots. Just a torn meniscus does not warrant a TKR.

@dtevis that is great intel.
I have RA and min to mod osteoarthritic changes, sometimes accompanied by pseudo gout calcium crystals
in the joint (tho when they analyzed synovial fluid at time of first HA injection, none showed up then). I had one steroid injection which was Bloody marvelous - for three weeks. HA after 4 weeks post injections is better. Not great. Doc suggests it can continue to improve for another month or so.
I do all those compensatory things you describe to avoid pain. I did just also realize i was toeing out my right foot to lessen pressure on lateral knee - and it began to cause focal hip pain. So damn. I have started walking more slowly and being intentional about keeping my toes pointed north 🙂 and I have setup a place to do exercises PT gave me to do at home.

The pain has shifted to kneecap instead of lateral knee. And it occasionally locks and then pops. Makes me woozy for a few seconds. So this is better but not enough.

I see the doc again in late may and I will ask him about a partial meniscus removal. Thanks again.

@pb50 I was also very careful about what direction I pointed my toes on affected side when walking-so careful about so many movements-was bending at hips/waist to avoid bending knee & tilting body to non affected side when bending. I did choose a doc @ Mayo who is on their 'knee' team. I wasn't sure they would accept me bc of my age as it seemed more sports oriented but they did. I only went to 3 PT prior to surgery & 2 after as I am also very loyal to performing ex given by PT.