Knee Injury MRI Findings
Hi everyone, I’m sharing my child’s MRI findings regarding a knee injury to determine whether physical therapy might be sufficient or if surgery will be necessary. She is an 18-year-old female with no history of medication use, smoking, or alcohol consumption. The only previous medical issue was a right knee injury from three years ago, for which she underwent physical therapy but didn't have an MRI at that time. Although the knee improved after therapy, she continued to experience issues such as occasional swelling and unusual clicking sounds. Recently, about two weeks ago, while getting up from the sand at the beach, she placed her full weight on the injured leg. At that moment, her knee made a cracking noise, accompanied by immediate pain and swelling. A physician conducted an ultrasound examination on-site and identified a meniscus tear, leading to an MRI being requested. Now that I have the results, I’m left wondering if surgery is anticipated. Her follow-up with the doctor is scheduled for two weeks from now. Thank you for any insights you may have. I will share the report in the comments.
Answers (1)
7/1/2025, 9:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your child's situation regarding her knee injury. Understanding the MRI findings is essential to determining the next steps, whether that involves physical therapy or surgery.
Main Points:
- A meniscus tear can often be treated with physical therapy, but certain factors could lead to surgery.
- Your child's age and activity level are also important considerations in treatment.
Explanation:
The meniscus is a cartilage that acts as a cushion in the knee joint. A tear can happen due to sudden movements, like the weight-bearing incident at the beach. Symptoms like swelling, pain, and clicking sounds are common and indicate that the knee's function might be compromised. Treatment plans for a meniscus tear vary depending on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as the patient's symptoms and lifestyle.
For active individuals, especially young people who may wish to return to sports, surgical options (like a meniscectomy or meniscus repair) might be considered if the tear is severe or if conservative measures do not alleviate symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on her pain levels, swelling, and any further changes in mobility. This information will be useful during the follow-up appointment.
- Maintain Rest and Ice: Encourage her to rest the knee and apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Prepare for the Follow-Up: Make a list of questions for the doctor, including concerns about the MRI results, expected recovery time, and whether surgery might be necessary based on the findings.
- Consider Physical Therapy: If advised, beginning physical therapy could help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stabilization before a decision about surgery is made.
By taking these steps, you can be proactive in her recovery and gather information to make informed decisions during her upcoming doctor's visit. Let me know if you have any more specific questions or if you'd like to share the MRI report for more tailored insights!
Related Questions
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?