Knee Surgery: How bad is it, and how long until recovery?

[Mike03]

It's beginning to look like I might have to have knee surgery to repair either a ligament or the meniscus.

How big a deal will this be?

If I opt for surgery, how long will it take to recuperate, and how long will I be unable to exercise or do physical things?

[Greyskye]

1. .

My messed up knee would like to know what the consensus is as well. I'm tired of it going out on me every couple years, and putting me flat on my back for a couple weeks until I can walk on it again.

:hi:

[triguy46]

2. I had a left medial menisectomy in fDec. 1999

I was the first case, 6:30 AM. I was home at 11:30 and went out side to pick up pecans at 11. No probs. If this is all you're having, expect good results and no real pain.

[NC_Nurse]

3. Depends on how much damage, how they do it, etc.

If they use a scope and don't open up your knee, it's a much faster recovery.
Usually only a week or two recovery if it's not going to require a lot of work.

If they have to open up the knee and do major work, could be 6 weeks and
more discomfort, more physically therapy...

[NJmaverick]

4. knee surgery varies so much, even arthoscopic

It's really hard to say how bad or how long it can take to recover. It can be a very minor thing and you can be back in a few weeks, or it could take months to regain full strength. How old you are and your physical considition can also be a factor. There is an issue of what they are trying to accomplish. If they are dealing with lost cartilage, there is not much they can do (other than micro fracture surgery which has huge recovery times). I they are repairing a torn ligament, the recovery is usually a bit more straight forward. There is no easy answers and I will tell you many surgeons will tend to soft sell how bad it will be, so you will go for the surgey.

The best advice I could suggest is find a good ortho doctor. One that specializes in knees (they all say they do everything, but most have an area they are best at). Talk to friends, relatives and anyone else who can help you identify the best doc for you. I have terrible knees the first ortho doc was terrible. The second one specialized in knees and he was great.

[soleft]

5. Have you had an MRI? Alot will depend on what needs repair

There's a big difference if it's the ligament or if its the meniscus. And it also varies alot what type of repair is done on the meniscus.

If it's a torn ligament - like the ACL - it's a much bigger deal. I don't believe it's done arthroscopical. They actually take the ligament from a cadaver and replace the damaged ligament. It's several weeks,or longer, on crutches and then possibly 8 months of rehab. At least one person I know when to PT for 8 months.

Sometimes depending on your age and what type of sports you play, they don't replace the ligament - you just have to wear a serious stabilizing brace.

If it's the meniscus, that's usually done arthroscopically. But what they do depends on the damage, and again, your age and activity. If it's a slight tear, they may just remove the damaged part. I had a scope for a meniscus tear in November, and I was walking in 3 days. I'm finishing PT actually tomorrow, and will be playing when the softball season starts in a few weeks.

Sometimes they choose to repair the tear - and if they do that, it's 4 weeks on crutches. Repairing the tear as opposed to removing part of the meniscus gives you more cartilege, and thus less chance of getting arthrisitis later on.

Do you by any chance live near NYC. If so, I highly, highly recommend the Hosptial for Special Surgery. They're the team doctors for the Giants and the Mets, and they are the best.