Meniscus Tears-risk for repairing vs risk for not repairing?

Posted by evw100 @ew100, Jun 30, 2018

My MRI just confirmed that I have radial tearing into the medial meniscus on my left knee! I suspected it over 18 months ago when I first experienced my left knee pain when I took my evening walk. I'm very confused about what I was told and read about treating meniscus tear for seniors. I'm 77. There are risks involved for both repair and left it alone! If you have meniscus tear, would you share your experience? I'm grateful for your answers! EW

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 30, 2018

@ew100
I have no actual experience of knee problems but my dear friend has. She fell and tore hers and a doctor wanted to repair it but she had concerns and got a second opinion. That doctor told her she would regret having it repaired. He told here to have a knee replacement but I believe she had bone on bone problems too. But she was afraid to have the replacement and had the meniscus surgery and has regretted it. More pain after the surgery than before. Also Osteoarthritis is a more common side effect with repairs.
From what my friend and I have read over the years a total knee replacement is a far superior treatment just like the second doctor said many years ago.
Good luck EW

Jamie Olson | @jamienolson | Jul 1, 2018

@ew100 Hello and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for starting this topic of conversation.

You may find this older thread helpful to read- regarding members talking about torn meniscus. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/torn-meniscus/?utm_campaign=search

Is there anything that you have found helpful for pain relief?

evw100 | @ew100 | Jul 12, 2018

In reply to @jamienolson "@ew100 Hello and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for starting this topic of conversation...." + (show)

Hi Jamie Olson: I do not take any pain pills! My primary doctor ordered 6 physical therapy sessions and I'm now on the 3rd session. I can walk around the house but not my usual 1 hr evening walk around my mobile home park! All the old posts that you sent did not say if they had the torn meniscus repaired or just lived with the tears! I just want to be sure that repairing the tear will not cause more pain instead! That's why I posted my question, but I only received 1 reply and still wasn't sure if he said it help or didn't help! I was hoping to hear more from others' experience so I can feel more at peace about my decision. Thank you!

EES1 | @ees1 | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @jamienolson "@ew100 Hello and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for starting this topic of conversation...." + (show)

I’m 63. Two meniscal tears on one knee plus osteoarthritis. Terrible pain. Ortho surgeon offered shots or arthroscopic surgery or PT. Had second opinion at Mayo. Two wonderful docs said if PT works don’t do shots or surgery. Studies show Many many times surgery provided same results as PT. I’m completely pain free with only pt and watching my actions like no big twisting, running, etc. I wish you well. I wanted to stay away from anyone digging into me as long as possible.

evw100 | @ew100 | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @jamienolson "@ew100 Hello and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for starting this topic of conversation...." + (show)

Dear @jakedduck1 & @ees1: Thanks you both for your responses! It seems like repairing torn meniscus is not a sure thing to stop the pain! Right now, either the PT does help or someday it just less painful. I hope when I see the orthopedic surgeon on Aug 8, I'll be more informed to make the right decision! I don't want anyone to dig into me either!