Meniscus :

50% medial & lateral removal outcome query - - Posted by suek (suek), 20 January 2005


Hi, I am new to this site and am looking for a bit of info on my recovery.
In sept 2004 upon rising from a full squat my left knee locked then crunched quite sickeningly, went through the usual A&E, saw consultant and started PT on NHS then became disillusioned when I realised that as I was coping on a stick I would wait anything up to 12months for a MRI and up to another 12 months after that to see consultant again and get something done, so I paid myself, as in meantime my other knee was doing some severe aching because of doing all the work.
Anyway I had a partial meniscectomy on my left knee at end of November 2004 where I had 50% of both my medial & lateral removed, plus some "tidying up " around kneecap. Was a bit shocked to find out about the lateral involvement as MRI had only indicated a tear on the medial.
Started physio 2 1/2 weeks after op and am doing pretty good, (I think) especially as there is still some residual swelling and whilst I'm trying to avoid living on painkillers it gets quite painful at times.
What I want to know and cant seem to tie either the consultant or physio down to, is what level of recovery can I expect in the joint. So far I can, during physio, get nearly full straightening and it is falling straight more on its own now. But the bending is still fairly painful and am ony getting 75% full bend (not sure what that is in degrees).
I am not dissatified with the outcome, as prior to the op I couldn't really walk any distance without a stick, but want to be realistic in my expectations of the final outcome. I know it will never be as it was, but what can I expect, I am also quite freaked out by the fact that many of you appear to have problems, and I'm not just talking arthritus as I know that is a foregone, with retears etc, I'm assuming that the best way to avoid such problems is to keep the muscles as good as possible is this true?.  
Posted by bwalling (bwalling), 20 January 2005

It is not uncommon to return to normal levels of activity.  I had 40% removed from my medial meniscus on Dec 28th, and I am close to returning to soccer (football).  I walk, do stairs, stand/sit, and squat without pain or restriction.  I can jog without pain.  I jump on the trampoline with my daughter.  A round of golf (walking, no cart) causes mild discomfort.

I'm young (2, and I was very active prior to injury, which I'm sure is related.  A lot of it is in your mind as well.  You must be fully convinced that you will return to normal, and you must remain positive.  As you experience any setbacks (pain, stiffness, tightening), you must view them as an expected part of your progress.
Posted by suek (suek), 20 January 2005


I wonder whether its the fact that I also had lateral meniscus removed or that I'm a tad older (44!), behind the fact that whilst you had your op after me you are further along the road to recovery. I am walking ok, not totally pain free, some days better than others, can manage stairs, stand/sit. Can't imagine I will return to jogging (they kind of put me off that at the hospital as nearly everyone asked me whether I did this) but will probably switch to swimming.
Trying my best to be positive and not let my knee put me off doing things I really want to, but a bit of a wimp as this is first injury I have ever sustained and I have always tried to keep myself fit and slim as I know excess weight is not a friend to the legs as you get older, my mom suffered terribly with arthritus in both knees and I am only now beginning to start to understand what she went through.
Thanks for your reply, hope I catch you up on the recovery ladder soon.  
Posted by pegleg78 (pegleg78), 22 January 2005

I had both my madial an lateral meniscus removed after multiple tears. I had continual problems, (pain and swelling) I ended up having a medial and lateral meniscus transplant which has helped a lot.
You are still very early in your rehab, give it time, it can take up to 1 year for recovery.
Good luck,
Melanie
Posted by sienna (sienna), 24 January 2005

Hi Sue,
Yes you are fairly early in recovery and you are a little older (not much  )  and this will have some bearing on your recovery.  Having said that there is no reason why you can't get back to a reasonable level of activity.  Switching from running to swimming is an excellent idea.  Running is terrible on knees as you know.  

You will need to try to get your knee as strong as possible to help stave off joint space narrowing.  There are some braces out there that also help with this.  Cycling is also good for this.  

Are you in hte pool for hydrotherapy yet?  It is a most wonderful way of doing pt.  Much more supportive of your whole body while still giving you a good workout.  There is a thread in the 'struggling with rehab' section that talks about exercises you can do in the pool.  I think it called 'aquatic classes'.  

With the pain, it is important for you to keep on top of it.  Pain actually causes more probs with the knee particularly if it is interfering with your sleep.  When you sleep, your knee tries to heal.  If you are in pain then you can't sleep properly.  There is nothing wrong with taking painkillers to take the edge off or help you get a good night's sleep.  You know it will be short term so you needn't worry bout an addiction.  
Also, icing can help reduce pain and swelling.  I still ice my knee more than a year on (don't take that the wrong way, I have other issues).  Ice  can b e very soothing and is also very good for your knee.

Finally, give yourself some more time to recover and be patient.  You are well on your way and as long as you see improvement, you're okay.

Take care and let us know how you go.
Posted by suek (suek), 24 January 2005

Thanks to pegleg78 & sienna for the feedback and advice, especially as you both seem to have more problems than I have had.
In many ways it is comforting just to know that full recovery can take quite some time, especially as I think I'm doing quite well so far.
If my knee is painful at bedtime I am taking painkillers to help me sleep through, especially now I'm back at work, it was one thing to get up at 3am and watch a bit of TV when I could catnap through the day but that just doesn't cut it when the alarm goes off at 6:40.
The NHS hospital I am having PT at does not have the facilities for hydrotherapy and it looks as though they might cut me free in a few weeks anyway as the therapist says I'm doing the work on my own anyway. I will check out the any exercises I can do while I am swimmimg.
I already do quad exercises using ankle weights of either 2.5 or 5 lbs, do these help stave off the joint space narrwoing you speak off, as no-one has yet explained this issue to me.
The bending is already getting better and I am determined to push it as much as I can, as I do believe that there is life after 40  
Thanks again for the advice, hope you are both OK
Suek

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