Meniscus Surgery: Should I Choose Repair or Partial Removal? Looking for Guidance
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some guidance or perhaps to hear similar experiences that might help me navigate my situation. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed, so any insights would be appreciated. **Background:** - I’m a 24-year-old female who had a fall over a year ago, landing hard on my knee. Though it swelled for a few days, I managed to walk after about a week. Shortly thereafter, I started experiencing intermittent pain. Since I'm already undergoing physical therapy for another issue, my therapist suggested we address the knee pain as well. Unfortunately, every attempt we made seemed to exacerbate the discomfort. Recently, I underwent an MRI, and the findings were as follows: - **Medial Meniscus Concerns:** The scan revealed a tear on the inner section of my knee, specifically on the underside of the meniscus root; fortunately, the root itself remains intact. Additionally, there’s a smaller tear further along the body of the meniscus, which is less severe. - **Overall Condition of the Knee:** There’s a minor accumulation of fluid in the knee, but everything else—such as ligaments and cartilage—appears to be in good shape for someone my age, with no other serious issues noted. **Recommendations Given:** - During my visit with a physician assistant (PA) who reviewed the MRI together with the surgeon, the consensus was to consider removal of the damaged meniscus portion. **Partial Removal Versus Repair:** - Being young, I understand that cartilage doesn’t regenerate itself, so I inquired about the possibility of a repair instead. I expressed my concerns about the long-term implications, such as the risk of developing arthritis or osteoporosis later in life. - The PA mentioned that if necessary, the surgeon could classify the surgery as a repair, but they expected it would likely just involve cleaning out the area. Their rationale was that due to the size of the tear, a repair might not be warranted. They cited a prior case of a patient with a much larger tear who required surgical intervention on that basis. **Seeking Advice:** - Is it unusual to consider surgical repair for a smaller tear? I felt a bit brushed aside during the consultation, and in the moment, overwhelmed, I merely nodded in agreement without fully processing the information. I'm definitely planning to seek a second opinion, but I would love to hear any advice or thoughts on the matter. I could provide more details if necessary, but I’ve tried to keep this concise. Please let me know if you need any further information to offer guidance. **Summary:** I have two small meniscus tears suggested for surgery, but my doctor indicated that the procedure would likely be purely for cleaning purposes since the root is unharmed. I am concerned that removing cartilage may result in negative outcomes in the future. They mentioned that a repair could be performed if deemed necessary once they assess the situation during surgery, but it’s mostly anticipated to just be a clean-up. Now, I’m wondering if repairing a small tear is common practice and what steps I should take from here. Thank you! :)
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 3:04:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when faced with decisions about knee surgery, especially concerning your young age and the potential long-term effects on joint health. You have a couple of options regarding your meniscus tears, and it's wise that you’re seeking to understand them better.
Main Points:
- Tear Types and Surgical Options: You have two small meniscus tears, and the proposed treatment hinges on whether to repair or remove the damaged tissue.
- Concerns and Considerations: It's valid to worry about future complications such as arthritis, especially given your age and activity level.
Explanation:
- Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in your knee that helps with shock absorption and joint stability. Tears can vary in size and location, impacting treatment options.
- Repair vs. Removal:
- Repair: If a tear can be repaired, it might provide better long-term outcomes by preserving the meniscus. However, the feasibility depends on factors like the tear's size, location, and health of surrounding tissues.
- Partial Removal (Meniscectomy): This is often done when the tear is not conducive to repair or is causing significant symptoms. While it may alleviate immediate pain, it can potentially increase your risk of degenerative changes in the knee over time.
Next Steps:
-
Seek a Second Opinion: This is a crucial step. Consult with another orthopedic surgeon, ideally one specializing in sports medicine or young patients. This can provide you with a broader view on what's possible regarding your meniscus.
-
Discuss Options: When discussing with the second surgeon, ask specific questions:
- What are the long-term implications of both repair and partial removal?
- Is there a chance that the smaller tear can be repaired, even if it's not the standard approach?
- What are the expected outcomes of both procedures based on the type of tear and your activity level?
-
Consider Conservative Treatments: While awaiting your second opinion, continue your physical therapy focused on strengthening surrounding muscles and improving knee stability. Sometimes conservative measures can improve symptoms and delay or avoid surgery.
-
Educate Yourself: Use reputable resources to read about meniscus tears and treatments. Understanding the science behind the procedures can empower you when discussing options with your healthcare providers.
-
Reflect on Your Activity Level: Consider your goals post-surgery—you may want to return to sports or high-impact activities. Communicating these intentions to your surgeon can influence the recommended treatment plan.
By taking these steps, you will be more equipped to make an informed decision regarding your knee treatment. Remember, it's important to feel comfortable and confident in the plan you choose. Let me know if you need any further information or support!
Related Questions
Understanding Mobitz Type II in a Young Patient
My daughter, who is 10 years old, recently underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor test, and the results indicated: - Variability in the first-degree A/V block. - Intermittent Type I second-degree A/V block. - Infrequent high-grade second-degree block, which included consecutive non-conducted beats, with at least one instance of three consecutive non-conducted beats registering a ventricular pause lasting up to 2.7 seconds. The physician noted this as a high-grade heart block. The genetic screening results were as follows: Her genetics report identified a heterozygous finding in SCN5A, Exon 20, c.3635T>C (p.Ile1212Thr), which is categorized as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) with a population frequency not documented in gnomAD. Its rarity is emphasized by the PolyPhen-2 algorithm's assessment, which suggests that the variant is “likely to be disruptive.” As for her current health status, she has been experiencing lightheadedness on 2-3 occasions monthly, along with recurrent chest tightness and abdominal pain. The gastrointestinal distress has persisted for several years, and although we anticipated improvement post-surgery, this was not the case. Initially, we attributed her stomach pain to typical pediatric issues, but post-surgery it continued unabated. The chest tightness and lightheaded episodes have surfaced more recently. A comprehensive evaluation for her abdominal pain was arranged by the gastrointestinal specialist, which included an endoscopy, but yielded no significant findings. I’m growing increasingly worried due to the slow pace of communication from her cardiologist regarding further assessments and explanations of the procedural steps. They expressed skepticism about any connection between her symptoms and the Holter monitor findings, and there’s been no feedback on her genetic testing results. Additionally, there’s been a delay in obtaining the month-long monitor that was mentioned. Should I allow things to unfold on their own, assuming these results are minor, or do I need to advocate more vigorously for clarity? My primary concern focuses on her instances of lightheadedness and chest tightness, while the stomach pain feels secondary to these cardiac issues. What prompted her Holter monitoring was a previous incident last year where she experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain – far exceeding her usual complaints. After investigation, it turned out she had an undiagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia, leading to gastric blockage and gas retention. Her heart was positioned abnormally in her right chest, compressing her right lung significantly while her left lung was completely compressed, with her stomach, spleen, kidney, and intestines also displaced into her left chest. This condition required urgent surgical intervention, and she recovered well. However, during her hospital stay, she was found to have a first-degree A/V block, which later follow-up examinations via a 72-hour monitor indicated ongoing first-degree and some Type I second-degree blocks. The medical team attributed these findings to the extensive surgery, advising regular follow-up appointments, which led us to the recent monitoring revealing new cardiac issues. Regarding her medical background: - She had resolved Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). - A history of idiopathic urticaria. - Sustained orbital fractures at the age of two due to a fall. - Has had an innocent heart murmur since she was an infant. - Short stature has always placed her in the single-digit percentiles (I stand at 5’10”) and was cleared by endocrinology after dropping to the 1st percentile, receiving a diagnosis of constitutional growth delay. - Environmental allergies. - Experienced gross motor delays in early childhood, attributed to hypermobility, which she no longer exhibits. - Diagnosed with ADHD. Overall, she is a joyful child, full of life and personality, without cognitive challenges (she's in a gifted program at her school). I had a normal birth with no complications and carried her full-term. I do not have lupus, despite frequent inquiries regarding this in relation to her A/V block. What are your thoughts on the situation?
Help! My Burn Blister Has Popped!
Hi everyone, I'm a 20-year-old woman weighing 47 kg and standing at 150 cm tall. I don't currently have any health issues, I don’t take medication, and I’m not a smoker. Yesterday, while preparing ramen, I accidentally scalded my hand with boiling water, resulting in a large blister. I had been very cautious to avoid it bursting. Unfortunately, earlier today, my sister unintentionally caught the blister with her nail, causing it to break. I really need some advice on what steps to take next. Can anyone provide guidance? Thank you!
Concern Over Postpartum Weight Loss
I am a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4" and weighing 145 pounds, six weeks after giving birth. At this time, I am not on any medications. I’m wondering if losing 60 pounds within six weeks after delivery is typical. I consulted my obstetrician, but it felt like he didn’t take my concerns seriously. While I didn’t experience preeclampsia during my pregnancy, I did deliver a larger-than-average baby. I am feeling anxious, as I have continued to lose weight unexpectedly—that is, despite not attempting to shed pounds. Just last week, my weight was 155 pounds, and now, it has dropped to 145. Additionally, I have been facing other health issues, necessitating a colonoscopy due to symptoms like rectal bleeding and abdominal discomfort. This continual drop in weight, along with the bleeding and pain, raises alarms for me concerning possible health conditions, including cancer. I am questioning whether this degree of weight loss is actually common after childbirth or if my OB’s dismissal is unwarranted. Unfortunately, I do not have a primary care physician to consult about this situation. It’s worth noting that I weighed 165 pounds before my pregnancy, in case that informs my current circumstances.
Started Antibiotics for Painful Lump on Thigh: Now It's Bleeding and Smelling Foul
Hey everyone, I’m a 32-year-old female. More than a year ago, I discovered a painless lump located beneath the skin on my inner thigh. For an entire year, it remained unchanged in size and didn’t cause any discomfort or swelling. However, approximately ten days ago, it unexpectedly turned painful, became red, swelled up, and felt warm when touched. I visited a physician who quickly glanced at the lump (I believe he didn’t thoroughly assess the extent of the swelling on my thigh) and prescribed a course of antibiotics: Clindamycin and Amoxicillin, along with Mupirocin ointment for topical application. It has now been two and a half days since I began the treatment. Since then, the lump has started to ooze pus, which had not occurred before. On the second day, there was a significant amount of blood mixed with some pus, accompanied by a foul odor. I’ve been placing gauze over it, but it quickly becomes soaked. While the pain persists, it is manageable with the painkillers the doctor provided. Additionally, I’ve started experiencing intermittent dizziness. Is this bleeding and pus discharge typical during the healing process, or should I seek a second opinion? I’m uncertain whether this is a positive or negative development. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Post-ABx Recovery Symptoms After Peritonsillar Abscess (25-Year-Old Female)
Approximately two weeks ago, at the age of 25, I began experiencing discomfort when swallowing along with notably swollen tonsils. Given my history of recurrent tonsillitis, I initially assumed it was a viral infection. However, after a few days of ongoing pain and inflammation that didn't seem to respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, I decided to visit the emergency department for further assessment. I underwent blood tests and a CT scan, which confirmed that I had a bacterial peritonsillar abscess. Consequently, I was prescribed IV dexamethasone, a ten-day course of Augmentin, and high-dose prednisolone before being discharged. By the end of my antibiotic treatment, I felt significantly improved, and the swallowing pain had subsided. Nevertheless, I continue to experience sharp throat pain when I yawn or laugh, along with a sensation of fullness in my ears, as if they were submerged. Is this a typical part of the recovery process? Should I consult an ENT specialist? I am okay with taking my time to heal, but I had initially planned to follow up with the outpatient clinic; unfortunately, their next available appointment isn't for another two months, so I postponed it. If it turns out I need to see a physician sooner, I'm willing to schedule a visit. Thank you in advance for your insights and advice! :)