Meniscus :

Meniscus Tear Again? - - Posted by Brianito (Brianito), 21 January 2005

  I recently had a second MRI after switching O/s's for a second opinion. First doctor was a Workers comp doctor.  
  The first MRI was only on my left knee and the following surgery procedures were done 8/18/04.
PROCEDURES  
1. Partial medial and lateral meniscectomy, left knee.  
2. Chondroplasty of inferior facet of patella.   3. Lateral release ofpatella. .. .  
4. Synovectomy of medial and lateral patellofemoral compartment  
 [bThey did not MRI the right knee with the left the first time[/b].
   
  Second MRI and reading in december 2004.
1. LEFT knee GRADE II signal in Medial Meniscus and GRADE I signal Lateral meniscus. Small joint effusion.
2. RIGHT knee GRADE II signal in both Medial and Lateral Meniscus.

  I injured both knees while struggling with a inmate who had battered me at work and as I was attempting to restrain him.  I Picked him up twisted on left knee with both of us landing on concret floor.  At 45 years old I gotta stop this I see. Oh well my questions is.

  What does a Grade II or I Signal mean. The doctor said it appears i have a tear in both knees and some fraying? Just more physical therapy 3 times a week. Does anyone have further information or experiances in this area. Ive been out of work since jube 2004 and I want to get back will this heal soon. [/b]
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Posted by blackbeltgirl (blackbeltgirl), 21 January 2005

I'd recommend this book:  What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Knee Pain and Surgery : Learn The Truth About MRIs And Common Misdiagnoses--And Avoid Unnecessary Surgery

Apparently "torn meniscus" is easily misdiagnosed from MRI, and there are a number of different physical tests and x-ray views that can help out.

But if it truly is a tear in the meniscus, I'm not sure why they'd have you spend time and money at PT.  It can make the muscle strongere, but it  can't heal the tear.

Good luck.
Posted by kythreas1 (kythreas1), 26 January 2005

MRI diagnosis post menisectomy are notoriously difficult to interpret.
At your age and mine a lot of tears are degenerative and actually don't do too well with surgery. Osteoarthritis sets in much easier.

Grade 1 and 2 tears are the milder form as opposed to grade 3 + tears.

I wouls stick to physio and hold on 6 months before contemplating further surgery.I am in the same boat and waiting.

Philip

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