Meniscus :
Frayed medical meniscus - - Posted by hellybelly (hellybelly), 9 December 2004
I've just had a diagnosis of roughening/fraying of the medial meniscus of my right knee. I saw an orthapaedic surgeon yesterday for the results of my MRI scan and he told me there's nothing that can be done in terms of treatment.
I'm not convinced that this is the case, as the previous ortho I'd seen (who'd referred me for the scan) suggested there were surgical treaments available. I'm in the UK, and I suspect the guy I saw yesterday was reluctant to offer treatment for cost reasons, rather than clinical ones.
He has referred me to a knee specialist, but I wonder whether anyone else has had this sort of problem and what treatment they were offered?
I'm a keen runner (or rather, I was before this happened) and the prospect of never being able to run again is not a good one, so I'm eager to get my problem treated but want to be armed with as much info as possible before I see the specialist. I'm also concerned that further problems may develop if it's not treated.
Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer!
Posted by dm (dm), 12 December 2004
I would think that they could do an arthroscopy and use the shaver and clean up the frayed ends, like trimming a thread sticking out from the seam of one's shirt. Maybe they're trying to blow you off as as the damage isn't severe, even though its causing you problems?
Posted by nmcbride (nmcbride), 15 December 2004
Hellybelly,
I would seek another opinion, I've just been in for an arthroscopy to have a meniscectomy and debridement, I KNOW that there are things that can be done, ie trimming, partial removal etc. The only thing that may be an issue is that maybe the extent of the damage does not warrant doing any surgery at this stage? I am also in the UK (Scotland), are you seeing an NHS doc or private?
Natalie.
Posted by hellybelly (hellybelly), 15 December 2004
Thanks for your advice guys, much appreciated. It's good to know there are options that I can discuss when I see the knee-guy.
Perhaps the problem is that the damage is not severe enough to warrant treatment - in that case I'm tempted to start running again so it gets bad enough to fix! (Only kidding). I'm currently getting pain from it maybe 3 days out of every 7 and I can't do any exercise without it being painful afterwards. I guess for some people with the level of damage I've got those would not be major issues, but I lead a pretty active lifestyle so it's having an effect on my quality of life.
Natalie - I'm in Scotland too, in Fife, and currently being seen on the NHS. I would definately consider going private though, if there were treatments I could have that the NHS wouldn't be prepared to pay for as the damage is not that severe.
Posted by heather_k (heather k from wales), 15 December 2004
Im UK aswell,
I have some pretty complex problems which 3 surgeons have been unable to pinpoint the cause of, therefore have been unable to fix the problems!. 99% of the pain and silly feelings are on the medial side.
I do have a frayed edge of the lateral meniscus which in the last 2 scopes both surgeons preferred to leave the frayed edge alone. I dont know the reason behind this. I do have a catching feeling on the lateral side when my knee is flexed to about 120 degrees which my OS felt also in theatre. T
The catching is not usually painful, and when my foot is twisted the only nasty stabbing meniscus pain I get is on the medial side, so the lateral side does'nt really concern me.
Both OS's are sports knee surgeons and both pointed out the frayed edge to me on both scopes, as I was awake and watched. I was surprised that it was left alone, but I left it in their hands as they are the experts and not me!. They said the tear was'nt large enough to be a tear so called it a frayed edge. Its a nice clean cut on the free edge and I expect it will get worse in time - who knows??.
Maybe there's method in their madness and maybe your OS is the same.
It wouldnt hurt to get a 2nd opinion though. If you want it in a sensible time scale then you will probably have to pay for a consultation, then you can switch back to long waiting list of the NHS for the op, if needed.
Good luck,
Heather 
Posted by nmcbride (nmcbride), 15 December 2004
Hellybelly,
You're not that far from me, I'm in Livingston! If you decided to go private I would certainly recommend it, I was going to have to wait for 8-10 weeks for arthroscopy but went private and was offered a date 3 days later, I had to turn that one down though as I couldn't make it but was then seen within a fortnight. I can give you the name of my surgeon if you want it, just IM me for any info. Good luck.
Natalie.
Posted by hellybelly (hellybelly), 15 December 2004
How frustrating that your doctors have been unable to fix your problems, Heather. You may be right that there's actually nothing that can be done about my particular knee trouble.
Thanks Natalie, I'm seeing my GP next week to talk about what to do next, as I've discussed going private with her in the past. I may get back to you for more details on your surgeon if she thinks going private is a good idea.
I did wonder whether physiotherapy might help, to help avoid putting too much strain on the damaged area. It's not been suggested though, so maybe not.
Thanks again
Helen
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 15 December 2004
PT could maybe give you some pain relief with ultrasound, acupunture or even laser treatments. These treatments are effective in the short term and maybe since you have early stage damage, it might be really beneficial for you and calm down your knee problems.
Please don't wait until you get major knee issues before you get it looked after. In the long run it is not worth it. Your doctor could give you a slip for PT sessions and their pain treatments might really help you.
Good luck to you.
Updated Sun Sep 7 2008