Connect
Meniscus root tear, 31 years old, no pain
I have been diagnosed with a meniscus root tear. I had an ACL repair 11 years ago. I have been very active and am able to ski, surf, hike and pretty much do anything. The only symptoms I have are swelling maybe once per year. No pain. A root repair has been recommended, but it just seems crazy to have knee surgery when I have great functions and no pain. Basically, I have been told that the procedure is needed to get me to a more appropriate age before I have a knee replacement. I know that I am very young for this, but would like to hear from anyone that may have experience or knowledge.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
If you’re saying they’re indicating you’ll require knee replacement surgery eventually, I’d want my knee to be as stable as possible now so you can push surgery out further. Especially if you’re as active as you say you are. We all grow up and grow older and at for our younger years stunts.
I has torn meniscus at 17 and after 3 months in a cast nothing changed except my leg muscles. Eventually had an open knee procedure in 1969 before scopes were invented for surgery and again 10 years later on the other knee. I’ve had no further issues 56 for 56 years and going.
That’s a tough decision. When I tore mine, I initially had pain, and surgery was recommended. ….a clean up not repair, since I was over 40. Later, as pain subsided I got a second opinion and was told not having surgery was a reasonable decision. It’s worked for me so far.
At your age, I would ask your surgeons about what age they will stop going for repair over clean up. Repair sounds ideal, but you are right about the risks. Can you get 2 or 3 opinions on this? Knee issues are huge and directly impact you life indefinitely. I’d get several opinions.
Root tears are different than other types of tears. I would consider that in your decision making.
A "Clean Up" will end up as arthritis esp if they remove any meniscus. If the tear gets caught, then you may need it to be functional.