meniscus arthoscopic repair

[MazdaMatt]

Has anybody had this procedure done? My mother has been limping around for years and finally someone wants to do something about it.

I'd like to know how your surgery went, what the doc prescribed for rehab, what you did for rehab and anything else you want to throw in.

Thanks for any comments!

[Bill McG]

I had a meniscus removal/repair last July. I had a pretty severe tear and had it operated on close to the time of injury. The procedure was fairly quick (30 minutes so I am told, as I was put out) and I was back on my feet in a day or two. Once the stitches came out I started back into exercise by riding a bike and swimming. 4 weeks after surgery I returned to full activity (grappling and lifting). So far so good.

The doctor recommended to go to a rehab place. I spoke with several friends who are MD's or therapists to get their opinions. After doing so I decided to forgo formal therapy and do my own. It included more bike, swimming, easy rowing and movements/stretches to regain range of motion. It was this same doctor who also advised against squatting.

Hope this helps

[MazdaMatt]

Bill, your input is greatly appreciated. It seems like a pretty straight-forward procedure with very little risk, very clear reward and a reasonably short recovery time. I'll just have to make sure that my mother goes through with whatever exercises she's given and hopefully some biking or something as well. She's got an elliptical, would that be a good way to get it moving again?

[Bill McG]

Elliptical should be fine. Based on my experience, you want to minimize the impact to the joint, so the Elliptical should do.

Hope your mom fares well.

[MazdaMatt]

Hope your mom fares well.

Thanks for the well-wishes. She's slated to have the surgery done in 2 weeks.

[pkelly54]

MazdaMatt, I hope your mom's operation was a success. I know this is a late post but it might be useful to you. I had arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus in both knees, although two years apart. The first knee to a while to heal, I think it was some arthritis in the knee. I was 54 at the time - five years ago. The second knee healed faster. What I learned was low impact exercise is very important. Bill McG's suggestion of elliptical or a bicycle is ideal. I rediscovered weight training and would suggest that for your mom. I think the weight training tightens up the muscles supporting the joints and aligns the joints better and reduces joint pain. Like all weight training this will take 3 to 6 months but it worked wonders for all my joints. I hope it works as well for your mom.

[MazdaMatt]

Thanks for chiming in, pkelly. She has definitely improved since the operation. She healed VERY quickly according to the schedule her doc gave her. She did the basic physio-type exercises for a couple weeks, then back to normal life. She doesn't exercise, but does work hard around the house (my parents are chronic renovators).

Any attempt on my part to encourage exercise is just "nagging". No matter what approach I take.

[BillBrownley]

At one point there was a belief that high revolution low resistance cycling actually helped rebuild cartilage. Like over 100 rpm, but very low resistance. Essentially high speed spinning. Don't know if this was just a fable or not. I used it with both of my knee issues--along with lots of other stuff--mine have healed well, although no way to tell what worked.