Torn Meniscus

[denmother]

So, looks like my over the bars crash while on The Ernie Maxwell trail (STR Idyllwild weekend) has done in my Meniscus. My Orthopedist says (after my MRI last week) that I need surgery. Looks like I will be out for about 2 months. Still working on a surgery date that fits in between May and August races.

Has anyone else had the surgery? Just looking for info, etc. Thanks!!!

[Burner]

oh no!!!

for what it's worth, I tore my medial meniscus once, and opted not to do the surgery, just cortizone shots and it healed fine after awhile. it was a minor tear though.

[surlygal]

Originally Posted by denmother

So, looks like my over the bars crash while on The Ernie Maxwell trail (STR Idyllwild weekend) has done in my Meniscus. My Orthopedist says (after my MRI last week) that I need surgery. Looks like I will be out for about 2 months. Still working on a surgery date that fits in between May and August races.

Has anyone else had the surgery? Just looking for info, etc. Thanks!!!

Sorry to hear this!

So you can still ride? without a ton of pain? until the surgery?

This is just terrible!

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by denmother

So, looks like my over the bars crash while on The Ernie Maxwell trail (STR Idyllwild weekend) has done in my Meniscus. My Orthopedist says (after my MRI last week) that I need surgery. Looks like I will be out for about 2 months. Still working on a surgery date that fits in between May and August races.

Has anyone else had the surgery? Just looking for info, etc. Thanks!!!

Bummer Nancy! Sorry to hear that. I had my left leg ACL replaced and Menicus repaired in Dec 2000. Then had the knee scoped again in March 2002.

What's the damage? Are they removing your Menicus or are they just going to scope it, clean it up, or reattach it?

How's the swelling? Most important thing I remember is to have good range of motion prior to surgery. Because you'll lose some after. Getting the swelling down first helps, also maybe some rehab prior to going under the knife.

Ask away. I'll try to help with some info. if I can.

Carl

[destroyer]

I tore my meniscus and ruptured my ACL. Had the meniscus surgery but I don't have the money or time for the ACL surgery. But I get by just fine without my ACL.

Feel free to ask any questions!

[dirtmistress]

Are you sure you can't heal it with time?
Jeanine's ortho said it doesn't work as well on women.
Hers was also fairly large. She still rides but has the same pain level as before and thinks the surgery was a waste. BUT!! She still rides and then Advil and ice!
A few others we spoke with said it was a miracle cure for them.

[OMR]

I am so very sorry to hear this... you've been riding so well lately ... improving with age... just consider this a temporary setback. I'll add you to my prayer list ... don't knock it, it works!

[sdyeti]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[destroyer]

Originally Posted by dirtmistress

Are you sure you can't heal it with time?
Jeanine's ortho said it doesn't work as well on women.
Hers was also fairly large. She still rides but has the same pain level as before and thinks the surgery was a waste. BUT!! She still rides and then Advil and ice!
A few others we spoke with said it was a miracle cure for them.

It depends on the how bad the tear is and what part. There is 2 parts of the meniscus that have blood flow and can heal. If the tear is small and in one of these 2 spots then it is a possibility. Although the meniscus surgery is quite simple with a quick recovery. Most people are walking fine by the end of the week.

[allison]

Dang, had no idea you were riding injured!!

Hope there's another solution since summer is prime riding time!!

[DBD]

Never had probs with the meniscus but the articular cartilage in my left knee is all but gone.

Lots of ice after a ride, Celebrex(Vioxx if you have any European connections ), rest and maybe a shot or two of cortisone and you should be good to go.

So does this mean I have a bit more time before I have to chase you up any hills on a ride? Hope it heals quicker then you were told.

[CaDownhilldoll]

hey Nancy,
Well that sucks!!! You know I've been there!! When I tore my ACL, I also tore my meniscus,, they stapled it together.. My recovery was aweful!! The PT didn't know they repaired it and had me doing things I shouldn't have too soon.
I rode for about two years and had more knee pain. I ended up tearing my meniscus on the other side. I rode with it for a year like that.. Very painful.. I got weaker by the month... I thought I would have trouble forever with my knee like that. Then I had the orthoscopic surgery done. there was a small tear. Doc cleaned it up and I am WAY better now.. way less pain, gained some muscle back.. I can walk better now and not hurt when riding downhill. I am literally bone on bone. Doc always says to take it easy.. HUH? Even if it hurts to walk, I can still ride..
Hope you heal really fast.. I say surgery sooner the better and get back to healing. At least in the next couple of months after your races.
ps. wish you were coming to Idy!!
Donna

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by denmother

So, looks like my over the bars crash while on The Ernie Maxwell trail (STR Idyllwild weekend) has done in my Meniscus. My Orthopedist says (after my MRI last week) that I need surgery. Looks like I will be out for about 2 months. Still working on a surgery date that fits in between May and August races.

Has anyone else had the surgery? Just looking for info, etc. Thanks!!!

Healing vibes and best of luck. Think Johnnydirt just had similar surgery. hit him up with pm for "consulting". best of luck

[mfoga]

If it can be scoped it can be a quick recovery, sometime 3-4 weeks all depends on your body and how much you rehab. If they have to cut you open to do anything it will take much longer. If you are maybe interested in a second opinion, and if your insurance is taken there I can recommend an VERY good surgeon in Riverside and specializes in knees.

I will some day be joining you as I still think I have a partial tear thats been there for years. Mine doesn't hurt very often, unless I am running so I will keep going until pain becomes an issue.

[Permagrin]

Oh, man, I'm sorry to hear that. Heal up quickly, girl .

[davidB]

I did a number on my knee almost 10 years ago to date. One of 3 things to happen was tearing of my meniscus. In fact, we found the orthopedic surgery shots of it yesterday when cleaning out the garage.

If i had opted to just have surgery on it I believe they told me a month and i'd be fine. The surgery on it left me with 3 small holes (2 of which I can't find anymore) on the front of my knee. Apparently 2 were for the instruments, 1 was for the camera, or something like that. They just scraped out the part that was torn, and that's it. Downside is that the doctor told me i now have less padding between my bones and i'll feel it when i get much older

[KeepsWhatHappens]

That sucks. Sorry to hear that Nancy. Hope the surgery and healing process go quickly and smoothly.

[Man blong Gaua]

Who ever would have known the way you were getting the big air yesturday! Best of luck Denmo. I know you will be diligent in getting back to 100%.

[Shannon]

Oh Nancy, so sorry to hear that! I haven't torn my ACL, but did a number on my deltoid muscles as a result of my crash back in Nov. I'm borderline needing surgery but have read and been told going under the knife would be a way longer and painful recovery. Would PT and time allow it to heal without surgery? Get any second opinions?