Hi I'm new to posting on here, but I've gotten a lot of good info so far!

Last May I had a knee injury skiing. Lots of swelling and pain, but I wasn't too upset because I knew I had all summer to rehab before ski season this year. MRI in june said this:
"There is minimal anterior substance signal present in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus extending to the meniscocapsular junction without definite linear tear noted"

OS said that if it was a tear at all, it was so minor that surgery wouldn't help and PT would solve the problem.

After 5 months of PT I was still having pain w/ stairs, full flexion and I couldn't run. I went back to OS and he gave me a cortisone shot. Nothing changed.

Now it's mid december and the beginning of real ski season, I have been skiing a little with some pain but full functioning of my knee. I went to Canada for a week of pretty intense skiing and on the second day fell and had a little hyperextension/twisting of the knee. After that it was too weak/painful to ski on.

Not much swelling, but a lot of dull throbbing pain in the area of the posterior horn, as well as sharp pains when fully flexed. Mainly it feels weak.

OS said if it didn't get "better" to schedule a scope. Well, it got way worse, so I went ahead and scheduled one for a few weeks from now.

What I really want to know is if the original minor tear could ahve really healed on its own? Could the MRI have been off? Could I have just reinjured it skiing? Is it really a mensicus tear or could it be alignment/soft tissue stuff?

My OS is skeptical that he will find anything when he looks in there, but I am out of options.

Thanks in advance for the help
Nikki

Nikki-

I agree that you are doing the right thing by having it scoped.  Like Christy said, MRI's aren't always going to show if there is a tear.  I also had a tear in my meniscus that my GP missed, I continued working out and made it worse.  Let us know how it goes and what they find.


Jordan

Nikki, all the advise given is good. The only thing that sounds bad is your OS. Sorry to say that. I suppose it's too late to get a second opinion and find a surgeon that isn't so skeptical going in.
You have to feel confident in the one doing your surgery! Have you checked into your OS's background and success rate. Any complaints against him?  It's your knee and you want it done correctly. So you are entitled to know how capable your surgeon is.

Were you seeing a PT all of the 5 months? If so,They should have seen some improvement sooner than that. And sent you back to your OS for further examinations. Running on a meniscus tear is not only painful but most likely making it worse. And twisting your knee ,,,, OUCH!
My OS said it's like a torn piece of paper. If you keep flexing and torqueing , you can keep tearing it. Hppefully you will be able to head off trouble and get it taken care of.
In the meantime, avoid deep knee bends, squatting. Please let us know how it goes. Ron

Nikki, are you in the USA? If so what state are you in?  on this site there are surgeons listed according to area. Here is the link,
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/html/names/names_menu.html

It would be interesting to see if yours is on that list. You don't have to say here but just look it up for your own curiousity.

See if they will give you a copy of your scope on DVD or at least pics afterwards. I sure hope they find what is causing your pain.  And hey, don't know if you cross country classic or skate ski at all. It won't torque your knee as much as downhill. So if you can't downhill ,look into my now favorite form of exercise.  There is always something to look forward to right?

Anything bothering you before or after surgery . There are many here to help you. By the way, if you do want to personal message anyone you have to get a dozen posts before you can do do that. So you can go to a game part on this site and get that in quick .
Send some snow to MN would you!! we are on the bare minimum now in the Northeast part of the state. Ron

thanks i really appreciate the support!

aince i scheduled my surgery from my ski trip in canada, i haven't actually spoken with my OS, just his nurse, she is sweet though. i go in the day before surgery for pre-op, which i think is with my surgeon. i haven't even spoken with him since last appointment when he said "maybe" we should scope it if the pain didn't go away "eventually".

i was told that at pre op we'll discuss crutches and recovery and stuff (i mightnot need them...)

i'm a little nervous because it is winter break and i'm still at college while everyone went home. my roommate is coming home the day after my surgery and she will take good care of me. as for the day i get home, i have a few people that i kind of know who have offered to help me out. thanks for all the advice, anything helps to ease my nerves 

I heartily agree with Jordan!! I was going to tough it out on my own. But my Mom insisted on coming to stay for 2 days. My pain meds needed to be changed the next day. and it was good having her to make some meals and keep the ice packs coming. 

If you do need crutches be careful on ice and snow. If you come from outside onto a tile or wood floor make sure the tips have the snow out them before you proceed or they will slip !
And for outside ice it would be good if you had the accessory of a fold down ice claw tip to dig in.

Make sure you have either sweats or athletic pants with zip down legs to wear for a few days too. 
Oh yeah, I was wrong about the number of posts you need to be able to send a Personal Message, it's 21 not 12.
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=103.0;topicseen
Sorry Ron

Isn't it great to be through all the pre-surgery anxiety?  I think the anticipation of the surgery is far worse then actually dealing with recovery.  At least now that you are recovering you have something to work for and you know what you are up against.  I can't help you with what the doctor said, but let me know when you go in for your pre-op.
Take it easy, and don't push yourself.
christy