OT. Need advice: Medial meniscus tear in knee.

Robert in Md · Jul 2, 2011

Hello. Guys , I am 68 years old and have a Medial meniscus tear in my right knee. My knee hurts every step I take. Doc wants to remove the tear Arthroscopily. I need advice will this operation stop the pain . I can't get a straight answer from the doctor. From what they say the recovery time could be 8 weeks. I recovered from a four way heart bypass faster than that. Has anyone every had this operation, I am undecided about this.
Thanks Robert in Md.

caterpillar guy · Jul 2, 2011

I had my left knee done in February. I was back to work in the truck 2 days later . I would not suggest that though. Yes it will take about 6-8 weeks. I still have some issues with it. Mine is bone on bone and will get worse as time goes on. If your doctor wont be straight with you about questions GET ANOTHER DOCTOR. Or at least a second opinion. By the way I"m only 52.
If you live near Lansing MI I would see Tod Harburn.

Ron A Anderson · Jul 2, 2011

A friend had it done and the pain got worse and he ended up with a total knee replacement. They dig around and remove cartilage. That is not a good thing as it is the only thing separating the joint and then you end up with bone rubbing bone which causes arthritis.
I have a lot of friends who had the new knee joint put in and they get along pretty good with no pain. But the rehab has its moments. If you do it be sure to follow instructions in the healing process. It hurts but you won't limp afterwards.

KL in Wi · Jul 2, 2011

From what I was told, nothing is certain. I had both knees scoped. One about five years ago and one about seven years ago. Neither one was really good after that but, better than before and four years ago I had my right knee replaced. Neither knee is what I would call good. A fair amount of pain in both and I cannot totally trust either one not to crap out on me. I am one of the unlucky ones. I know others who have been scoped and have had excellent results. Every person is different. As far as I'm concerned, if the doc says you need it, do it. It sure won't make it any worse and, you may do wonders for you. I would say that you have nothing to lose and hopefully a lot to gain by doing it.

Rich Iowa · Jul 2, 2011

My good friend who I've adopted as my "2nd dad" had a meniscus tear. He's in his early 50s and had the surgery done last fall. They had him do physical therapy for a while, sorry I don't recall how long, but he occasionally has knee pain still and has swelled up couple times. Another friend's daughter had the surgery couple years ago and after the surgery and physical therapy she doesn't have much if any problems.

Age may play a factor, or maybe Danielle listened to the doctors while Steve was hell bent on going back to work and going on his mule deer hunt last fall and pushed a little harder than he should have.

bcvining · Jul 2, 2011

I had the same surgery last year. I missed a couple of weeks work. I did therapy myself at home.I have not had any problem with it since. I will be 60 the 13th of this month. JRV

Cliff Nelson · Jul 2, 2011

I had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus in 1997. the meniscus had doubled up so I could not straighten my knee. Off work for 10 days with no pain after that. I was only 30 at the time but would do it again if needed. I would definitely talk to a different doctor if you are not satisfied with his answers. I was referred to a sports medicine clinic with my knee. Very happy with doctors there.Good luck.

Owen Aaland · Jul 2, 2011

I had surgery in Jan '71 to repair a bone chip, torn ACL, torn MCL, and torn cartilage. Over the year it has always given me some problems but six years ago it got so bad and swollen that I couldn't use my leg at all. Doc wanted to do knee replacement at that time but I opted to try Hyaluronan injections instead. The first series (five injections) of Hyalgan® injections lasted for six months. The second series worked for nine months and the third time lasted 2 1/2 years. Two years ago they switched to Synvisc® which uses three injections. They have lasted a year between problems. I just started my third time with the Synvisc®.

I realize that my knee is messed up much worse that yours but I really don't like surgery if I can avoid it. As long as the injections keep working for me I'll stick with them.

Unfortunately the injections don't work for many people. My sister tried it for cartilage problems and had no relief at all. She ended up with a replacement knee.

LJS30 · Jul 3, 2011

Robert I believe I am very well qualified in terms of experience when it comes to knee surgery/injuries. However when I give you this advice consider I am a bit younger then you at 37. Furthermore I am not sure of your activity level so keep that in mind also. I was doing a lot of mixed martial art training at the time of injury and was in great shape before my surgery.
A medial meniscus tear will never heal on its own and the constant impingement of your joint has and will throw off the alignment of your hips, knee, back, neck, etc.... I had a medial menisectomy about four years ago and it has turned out great. I tore my meniscus and let it go for two years and it got bad. My surgeon went in, trimmed the dead mensicus, and cleaned out all the arthritis damage while he was in there. You know what? I still work out five days a week, do a lot of work on the ranch, and it was the smartest thing I could have done. Most horror stories from knee surgeries are because guys do NOT follow the proper rehab procedures and either push themselves too quick or not quick or vigorous enough. The surgery is cake and the recovery is a bit painful but I'm sure you can gut it. In about two weeks I was walking laps around my ranch, icing, and elevating the injury. With this surgery you MUST baby it the first week but then start pushing it flexibility wise after that. If not you will lose flexibility and get scar tissue.
So, with that said do the surgery and your knee, back, feet, and overall body will thank you later.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 3, 2011

(quoted from post at 19:22:54 07/02/11) Hello. Guys , I am 68 years old and have a Medial meniscus tear in my right knee. My knee hurts every step I take. Doc wants to remove the tear Arthroscopily. I need advice will this operation stop the pain . I can't get a straight answer from the doctor. From what they say the recovery time could be 8 weeks. I recovered from a four way heart bypass faster than that. Has anyone every had this operation, I am undecided about this.
Thanks Robert in Md.

Wife had the operation a little over a year ago. She was in a little pain the first couple days but got better pretty quick with the physical therapy. bugs her a little now and then with drastic weather changes but nothing to speak of. age was 43.

Dave

Dave2N · Jul 3, 2011

Robert-

I too am 68 and ten years ago I had arthroscopic surgery on the right knee to to repair both sides- the lateral and and the medial minisci (I think that's the right plural term.) Constant pain before surgery and relief was almost immediate after surgery. The orthopedic guy also kind of "Dremel tooled" out a bunch of arthritis while he was working.

For me, it was hugely successful and I have heard basically the same thing from others. It's an easy surgery-I went in to the hospital ant 6:00 AM and at 1:00 PM my wife and I were having lunch at Arby's.

This surgery certainly won't make your pain any worse and my guess is that you will be a lot better after.

My advice based on my experience-DON'T wait to get it done. I waited too long. The sooner the better.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Dave2N · Jul 3, 2011

One other thing--if you decide to do it, religiously do ALL of you physical therapy.

And-as dave2 says below re: his wife's surgery-there are times that the knee will ache. For me, over three hours on the concrete of the shop floor makes it ache (no pain) which is my knee's way of telling me to get off of it for awhile.

Dave2N · Jul 3, 2011

Bingo!! You said what I was trying to say above but you said it much better.

BarryfromIA · Jul 3, 2011

I was having trouble with arthritis in my right knee, and then due to an accident had to have torn parts removed. While in there they cleaned up the arthritis. After therapy and recovery it has been very good but not perfect.

showcrop · Jul 3, 2011

I have had arthroscopic on other joints I was able to go back to work the same day after a shoulder repair about ten years ago. Definitely better than conventional surgery! I expect that you doctor is giving good information, you are just probably just trying to pin him down too close on the timing. The recovery time depends on YOU and how well you follow the PT instructions.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 3, 2011

I'm 61, had it done just last Aug. Between the arthritis and what was removed in the repair/clean-up the doctor said 75% of my cartilage is gone. It was extremely sore the first 48 hours. However the knee is about 90% better than it was.

northvale · Jul 3, 2011

had my knee repaired when I was about 35. Pain went away quickly and I was up immediately, but it took about 1 year for the feeling of a 'loose' joint to go away. I'm 47 now, play adult soccer and run regularly with no brace. I'd say its better than new.

Robert in Md · Jul 3, 2011

Thanks guys for all the replies,
The doctor we met with Friday is probably an excellent surgeon but acts like an arrogant b---hole. Going to call Tuesday for another doctor in the same firm for a 2 nd opinion . The nurse at the office says the other doctor is just as good but Friday was his day off and everyone likes him....she says its the doctor she would have to do her knee.

I really appreciate all of your advise and will probably have the operation.

Robert in Md.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 3, 2011

do exactly what and how much they tell you afterwards. If they don't tell you much, start googling...... Keep it working.

Good Luck

Billy Shafer · Jul 3, 2011

I had it about 15 years ago. I was back home the same day of the operation. Didn't take that long. Of course it depends on what more damage you have if any. Eight weeks is about what it took me to get back to walking again. I was told it takes along time. Because it is a joint and joints take time to heal. Due to the constant movement.

I have not had any problems with pain.But sometimes I do get a little pain that goes away. Not often though. I have bone cancer so that is where most of my pain comes from.

The operation is not that bad and like I said you should be back home the same day. He will most likely give you a crutch to use. So use it. I was told to move my leg every day as much as I could to keep the knee from going stiff. Just don't over do it. You may end up with a slight limp. But at our age that seems to be normal. Nothing to be afraid of. Have it done and then take it easy until you heal.

He will most likely give you a scrip for some pain killers. For after the pain killers from the operation wears off. Take them TRUST ME. I thought I was a tough guy until the operation meds wore off. Then I found out how wrong I was.

chuck t · Jul 3, 2011

I am a physical therapist and see this stuff all the time. At your age you PROBABLY have significant arthritis in addition to the meniscus tear. Get the surgery; at the time the doc will clean out the junk floating around. The surgery may help a lot, may do nothing, and will not make you worse unless you get a complication like infection or blood clot. If the menisus is causing most of it you will do a lot better. Minimal work to be done after arthroscopy. If it's arthritis it may not feel better. Next step then is knee replacement. Both of these procedures and done every day across the world because they help people. There are potential complications. If you can't do the things you want to do because of pain, take the step and get the operations or operations. Millions have survived and prospered after them. (do not compare the heart surgery, 2 completely different things)

Bob N.Y. · Jul 3, 2011

I am a few years younger, but I went through the same thing about 3 years ago. My knee was really tender right after the procedure, but now you would never know I had been hurt.

wolfman · Jul 3, 2011

At 67 yrs old last Sept, tore the meniscus in right knee. Extremely painful, couldn't sleep; Went to orthopedic guy, he gave knee a shot of cortizone; slept that night; Doc said i should have orthoscopic procedure and I'd likely be back to see him in 8 weeks, I couldn't give up a week or two to heal, so I limped all winter. This is 10 months after the tear, still don't kneel on that knee, have some pain each day, but I'm throwing hay like an idiot. Should I have had the surgery? Did pressing on work? I dunno.

elmersooner · Jul 3, 2011

the arthroscopy will do two things 1. allow the doc to view the inside of your knee so he can have a good idea what he can or can't do. 2. remove any floating debris that affects your range of motion. I believe the doc isn't telling you a definite answer because he can't tell you until he knows what he has to work with. CT scans and MRI's are good tools, but nothing beats actually taking a look. chances are at your age there will be arthritis, depending on how bad the damage is determines how much the procedure will or won't help. unfortunately if it is bone on bone there are only two treatment options synvisc which is a injection of chicken cartilage (the jury is still out) expensive. or knee replacement. if you wait too long you may cause damage to your other joints from walking wamperjawed, then you may have to have a hip done also--kinda like having a front end out of alignment. hope that helps.....RN that likes to farm.

Inno · Jul 3, 2011

Had a medial meniscus tear in my left knee fixed through arthroscopic surgery about 5 years ago. Prior to surgery I could walk ok and then all of a sudden it would just lock up and I couldn't put any weight on it. Had MRI etc. and went for surgery.
Went in at 7:50AM, walked out of the hospital at around 11:00AM. That was a Friday, back to work Monday. Yes it was tender and swollen for awhile and I could not kneel on it for the better part of a year. The improvement was WELL worth the surgery. I was 33 at the time so age might play a part.
I'm sure the doc. you talked to couldn't tell what was going to happen for you because he hadn't seen your knee from the inside. A neighbor up the road had one done two weeks ago and the doc. saw things once inside that he couldn't see from the MRI. She has been walking and riding a bike, slowly but doing it.

OT. Need advice: Medial meniscus tear in knee.

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