sidelined with knee problems

[gnewcomer]

Hello Rip, thanks for the time you dedicate to this great forum and your books BBT2nd and PP 2nd editions.

<lurk mode off>


I'm not sure if I should post this here or in the "Elderly" section


I've been lifting off and on since I quit smoking and started getting out of shape from taking a desk job 8 or 9 yrs ago. I got serious about lifting when my son hooked me up w/ starting strength about a year and a half ago with the linear progression routines and GOMAD.

When I started having some recovery issues I switched to the Texas method was able to make some slow but steady progress on my lifts.

Just over 2 months ago, after a difficult volume day, I woke up the next morning and my left knee was quite swollen and had its bags packed ready to get the !@#$ out.

<Long sniveling story snipped>

Two months later after trying to rehab the knee myself, Ive been unable to put much weight on it let alone any pulling from the floor or squatting without considerable discomfort. Range of motion also is limited, cant lock my knee out 180 degrees straight out, or bend as far is I used to.

After a visit w/ my medical practitioner, he put me on crutches, ordered X-Rays and suggested it could be a meniscus tear

An MRI followed and I got a call from my doctor telling me that I should start taking it easy, and maybe I should reconsider heavy squatting and pulling from floor.



I have an appointment scheduled with an orthopedic specialist in the middle of next month to get his opinion.



I'm pretty well bummed out that it seems almost over night I could go from being damn proud of my lifts to literally having to hobble around in pain.


Below is the clinical readout,



Mark, any input from you or others would be greatly appreciated.



The anterior / posterior cruciate ligaments are intact

The extensor mechanism is intact

This is no evidences of contusion

The lateral collateral ligament intact

There is increased signal intensity along the course of the medial collateral ligament compatible with a grade 2 strain.

There is globular degeneration of the lateral meniscus without evidence of meniscus tear.

There is also significant globular degeneration of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, also without signs of meniscus tear, but clinical correlation is recommended.

There is peripheral migration of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus compatible with degeneration.

The patellar cartilage is heterogeneous in signal intensity compatible with chondromalacia.

There is a very small effusion.

There is a small popliteal cyst.

Impression:

Grade 2 strain of the medial collateral ligament.

Small pop popliteal cyst

Mild chondromalacia

Globular degeneration of the menisci, particularly the posterior horn of the medial meniscus
Clinical correlation requested

49 yr old male
6'0"
217 lbs (from about 180 lbs)

Back Squat 320 lbs
Dead Lift 315 lbs
Bench 225 lbs
OH Press 142.5 lbs
Power Clean 125 lbs


Thanks

GNewcomer

[Mark Rippetoe]

Have you got a previous history of left knee injury?

[gnewcomer]

Have you got a previous history of left knee injury?

no I honestly do not remember any previous injuries to the knees. I'm pretty sure I'd remember anything if it was close to how my knee has been this past few months.

thanks again for your time, it is appreciated

gnewcomer

[Mark Rippetoe]

Well, it didn't get this way overnight. You have an old man's knee there, with a definite meniscus tear that seems to be a flap. Let's see what the surgeon says. Try to get in sooner.

[gnewcomer]

Well, it didn't get this way overnight. You have an old man's knee there, with a definite meniscus tear that seems to be a flap. Let's see what the surgeon says. Try to get in sooner.

Yes I'm on a cancellation list so hopefully I can get in sooner.

I'll post an update with my diagnosis and progress.

Thanks Mark

GNewcomer