Meniscus :
Should I ask for a repair instead of remove? - - Posted by cjones (cjones), 16 December 2004
My OS is going to remove a tear on Jan. 14. I didn't realize there was an option to have a tear repaired. I'm 26 years old so I still have a lot of time left on this earth. I would rather have the tear repaired (if medically possible). Should I call my OS and ask him if he is willing to do this if possible? I know recovery is longer but I would think repairing it would be much better in the long run. I may be completely wrong since I know nothing about this stuff. Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by andrewc (AndrewC), 16 December 2004
It totally depends on the location of the tear in the meniscus & what type of tear it is.
It is certainly worth mentioning that you would like a repair if at all possible and then you willl have to leave the decision to your surgeon.If you are awake during the surgery (like I was) then it will give you the chance to see exactly what is done too.
It is better if at all possible to keep your meniscus intact but recovery from a repair (depending a lot on the size and coplexity of the tear) is a lot tougher most of the time. As I can confirm as I have had one!
All the best
Posted by cjones (cjones), 16 December 2004
Thanks! I talked with the my OS nurse today and she said he had ordered a repair kit to be available in the OR. Thanks for your help.
Posted by SallyW (SallyW), 16 December 2004
He might not be able to do a repair - it depends on the location of the tear. Part of the meniscus has very little blood flow, so a repair wouldn't heal. A smaller area - about 1/3 (I think) has blood, so a repair would heal there.
During the preop visit with my ortho, I just asked him to do "whatever" to make my knee work well, even if it meant a longer recovery time. I didn't want to sign a limited authorization and then have him find something I hadn't authorized him to fix! You might do that...although I think most docs will do whatever they deem medically appropriate for you - the authorization gives some leeway for that.
Posted by cjones (cjones), 16 December 2004
Thanks Sally! I didn't realized you could authorize them to do only certain things. The nurse said he will do a repair if it is medically possible. I will not see my OS until the day of surgery. They said if they get behind schedule he may not have a chance to come out and see me before hand so I wanted some clarification before hand. I told her I wanted the doc to do whatever he thought was the best thing for my knee.
Posted by mochi227 (mochi227), 31 December 2004
yah it's all about location, location, location. if your tear is in the vascular area (nourished by blood vessels) then a repair is possible and i'd say MUCH BETTER! If it's in the avascular area (no blood supply), then removal is the deal....meniscotomy.
good luck! i go for my surgery Jan 20th. I have a good size tear in my lateral meniscus, although seeing all these detailed explanations in people's sigs is making me call my OS tomorrow so he can tell me EXACTLY where my tear is and how big it is.
I have baker's cysts too.
Updated Mon Dec 1 2008