Conflicting Surgical Opinions on My Knee Injury: Seeking Guidance
I’m reaching out for advice as I find myself in a dilemma involving two surgeons who disagree on whether I should undergo ACL or meniscus surgery. A bit about me: I’m a 34-year-old man, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 180 pounds. In my younger years, I was a collegiate track athlete specializing in hurdles. After my athletic career, I transitioned to working as a chef, which means I'm on my feet for long hours. In 2022, I began experiencing intense, pinching pain deep within my right knee. An MRI revealed that I had a ganglion cyst attached to my ACL. After having it surgically removed, I felt significantly better following about three months of rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the relief was short-lived, as I started feeling pain again later that year. Another MRI indicated that the cyst had returned, now larger at approximately 18x17x21mm. My doctor recommended the same surgery, which I underwent last August. He mentioned that he had been cautious during the first surgery to avoid damaging the tendon but was more thorough in the second procedure. Initially, I felt fantastic afterward. Regrettably, within two months, the pain resurfaced. I had an MRI this past Monday, which revealed that the cyst had reappeared and was roughly the same size as before. The sample from the prior cyst biopsy showed no harmful or cancerous cells. During a recent consultation with my doctor, he informed me that the cyst is situated within my tendon. This location is the reason it continues to reemerge and suggests that further excision may not be effective. His only suggestion now is to proceed with a complete ACL reconstruction to eliminate the cyst from the tendon. Seeking a second opinion, I visited The Stone Clinic in San Francisco, where another diagnosis pointed to a posterior medial meniscus tear as the underlying issue contributing to my condition. However, I’ve consulted with three other radiologists who reviewed my MRI and did not find any signs of a meniscus tear. The image from the second clinic indicates the presence of the meniscus tear, but the other specialists insisted that there’s nothing unusual in the scans. This issue is quite pressing because the ACL surgery is covered by my insurance, while the meniscus surgery suggested by the clinic would be a costly $10,000 out of pocket. I would appreciate any insights or experiences you may have regarding this situation. Additionally, if anyone is familiar with Dr. Kevin Stone from The Stone Clinic, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 6:20:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
You're facing a complex situation with conflicting surgical opinions regarding your knee injury. The primary concern is addressing the recurring ganglion cyst within your tendon and the potential implications of your ACL and meniscus conditions.
Key Points:
- You have recurrent ganglion cysts in your ACL tendon, which have been surgically removed multiple times.
- One surgeon recommends ACL reconstruction, while another suggests addressing a possible meniscus tear.
- Insurance covers ACL surgery, but the meniscus surgery is costly.
Explanation:
Ganglion cysts can be persistent and difficult to manage, especially when located within a tendon. Your history as an athlete and your current job as a chef put significant stress on your knees, which may contribute to ongoing symptoms. The inconsistency among radiologists regarding the meniscus tear adds complexity to your decision-making process.
It's vital to carefully weigh your options, considering both the potential for relief and the implications of each surgery. Here’s how you can approach this situation:
Next Steps:
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Seek a Third Opinion: Given the discrepancies in the diagnosis of the meniscus tear, it may be beneficial to consult with a surgeon who specializes in knee injuries and has experience interpreting MRIs. A fresh perspective could shed light on the situation.
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Consider Non-Surgical Options: Before committing to surgery, you might explore physical therapy focusing on strengthening the muscles around the knee, which can sometimes alleviate pain and improve function without further invasive procedures. This could also buy you time for more evaluations.
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Assess Long-Term Goals: Think about your lifestyle and what outcome you desire from surgery. If your work demands being on your feet for long hours, weigh how each option may impact your daily activities and overall quality of life.
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Gather Detailed Imaging Reports: Obtain and review detailed reports from all imaging centers. If there are discrepancies, ask for second reads at different facilities, including those specializing in sports medicine.
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Discuss with Your Current Surgeons: Bring up concerns regarding the potential meniscus tear with both surgical teams. Ask them to explain their reasoning behind their diagnoses and treatment suggestions. This dialogue may offer deeper insights into the best path forward.
Remember that making a decision about surgery is significant, and feeling confident in your choice is crucial for your peace of mind and recovery. Stay proactive about your care and don’t hesitate to seek out resources or opinions that help clarify your situation.
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