what are the chances....

[afahis]

of suffering additional injuries/arthritis down the line after i've had a medial meniscectomy(i think about 20%). All i read is that there is an "increased" chance. Is there a % of people who get arthritis after these surgeries. It seems that a meniscectomy is usually first on a list of 6 surgiers people have had. I'm also only 17 so i have a lot of time for my knee to degenerate. Any feedback would be appreciated

[kneesurgery]

I have no medical information but I think that the answer you would get is it all depends.  

That everyone is different and if two people same age and build had the surgery, there arthritic conditions could be completely different.  

The amount of meniscus taken out will have an effect, the amount of activity you continue with will have an effect, being overweight has probably the biggest effect.  Genetics also plays a role in arthritis.

If you take all the proper precautions after surgery then you might never have to worry about it.  The two biggest would be good diet and lots of exercise.  Strong legs will be important in protecting the knee.

I dont like hearing about this being first on a list of surgeries.  As if I should expect 5 more knee surgeries in the future.  Lets think positive.  

[blackbeltgirl]

Positive thoughts are good.  I had a partial menisc.. at 17, and I'm having another one at 30.  But I have no intention of ALLOWING my body to have complications or recurring injuries.  (Hey, positive thinking and luck have kept other injnuries from repeating themselves, why not?!)

Good luck.  And don't live the rest of your life waiting for arthritis.  Just heal, and live.

[Amanda]

Blackbeltgirl
Thank you for your post.  I have recently had about 60% of my meniscus removed (over 2 surgeries) and I spend a fair bit of time worrying about the consequences of it all (arthritus, joint space narrowing etc) and get my self pretty depressed about it all. It is nice to have some positive thoughts sometimes.  Even if thats all they are.
AManda