Meniscus :

One year after meniscectomy - - Posted by CalifGirl (CalifGirl), 6 January 2005

I had "grade three" tears in the lateral and medial menisci. In Nov, 2003, I have arthroscopic surgery to trim the menisci. I have recovered well from the surgery and can walk around sort of OK. The pain has gone from excruciating (pre-surgery) to discomfort.<br><br>

I do not feel as if I will ever be back to "normal".<br><br>

After walking for a while, I have to sit and rest the knee. I am still limping a bit. The OS told me, last February, that my X-rays show that my knee is "bone on bone". <br><br>

I am beginning to think I will need a knee replacement. Does anyone have an idea of how long past a meniscetomy I should wait before seriously entertaining the idea of a knee replacement? I am 50 years old now.<br><br>

Thanks<br><br>

California Girl
Posted by masterknee (masterknee), 11 January 2005

califgirl
Guestion for you did you feel like your kneecap was out before sugery the long it is the worse I feel.  Very strong  pain meds strongest and it still hurst.  I hurt on inside of knee and on the knee cap cannot walk on it.  My MRI showed on seven Dec that I had a terribly torn medial Miniscus.  What did you find will have sugery in feb. Pain what was it like post op verse per op.
Posted by sienna (sienna), 12 January 2005

California Gril,
Do you know how much meniscus was removed?  If your os is saying that you have bone on bone, then I'm guessing a reasonable amount.
There are a few options before even considering a tkr.  For starters, I would suggest that you go to pt and get some strengthening exercises to build up your knee muscles.  This will help keep the space in your joint better.  Also, cycling and swimming can help with this strengthening.
You can also ask for an unloader brace.  I don't know too much about them except that they help to redistribute the pressure of weightbearing across your knee away from the damaged side.
Also, there are some really good nutrition supplements like glucosamine with sulphate that can help as long as you aren't allergic to shellfish ( darn I am so that's out for me).

So there are a few options you can consider and follow up  to put off the tkr.

Good luck.
Posted by CalifGirl (CalifGirl), 12 January 2005

Master Knee, My pain before surgery was terrible. I took COX-2 inhibitors and had to walk with a cane and a brace. Now, a year after surgery, it's more like discomfort than real pain. However I am still limping and not walking "right". I am taking no medication. I can sleep in any position and don't need a pillow between the knees. I am much much better but want to be "perfect"! CalifGirl
Posted by CalifGirl (CalifGirl), 12 January 2005

Sienna, Thanks, I will look into glucosamine. I have been exercising. I am willing to try a bit longer, however I have a feeling I'll need a partial knee replacement in another couple of years. My physical therapist says I'm about as good as I'll ever be. I'll tell you this: I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. CalifGirl in Soggy, Wet SoCal
Posted by masterknee (masterknee), 12 January 2005

Califgirl
Thanks what I was wondering is did you have pain behind theknee cap and also at the side of the knee.  I take major pain killer 5 times a day to control  the pain.  When I am up I have to take more than when I am sleeping I need just one at night.  Did this type of pain show similar to yours also along the MCL.

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