15F Medial Meniscus Tear

[MarkM03]

My daughter is 15 years old, 5'4", 119 lbs, competitive figure skater. She is not a lifter. Twisted left knee on the ice 6 weeks ago, pain subsided, returned to competition. 1.5 weeks ago noticed swelling and some pain. MRI reveals tear to the posterior medial meniscus root. No other cartilage or ligament damage. Reason cited for swelling and pain is bone on bone contact due to the meniscus not being in place. Recommendation is orthoscopic repair to the root. Rehab consists of straight leg brace, 6 weeks no weight bearing at all, 8 weeks on crutches, physical therapy. 5 - 6 months until she can return to competition. Physician states 90 - 95% successful surgery rate with no further complications and return to 100% capability; poor outcomes are usually due to getting off crutches too early.

She has a competition this weekend, physician strongly recommends against competing.

I'd appreciate any opinions on the surgery idea and the timeline to get back on the ice. Assuming surgery is needed, would appreciate other opinions on rehab plan.

Thank You

[Mark Rippetoe]

In this case, I concur with the guy. I'm sure that will make him happy.

[MarkM03]

Thanks for your time. I'll let her know you agree. Honestly I was hoping you were going to yell at me, tell me to put her on GOMAD, get her up to 155, and start squatting the week she gets off crutches. Would have been tough to convince the wife, but she would probably have gone for it if it would have gotten her back on the ice faster.