MENISCUS TEAR FULL THICKNESS

[laco2425279]

I’m hoping someone may be able to help please?! Just come back from the docs this morning and they have said I’ve got a full thickness meniscus tear!

Does anyone have any experience of this or know anything about this please? I’ve been referred to a consultant because gp thinks I need surgery but was wondering if anyone has not needed surgery?!

[LouMumsnet]

Sorry to hear this, @laco2425279 - we really hope that someone with experience of this is along soon to offer support and advice. Until then, best of luck with it all - take care.

[Borington]

I had a meniscal tear about 12/13 years ago. Not sure if the size or thickness. I think mine was on the edge, so like a small tear.

It was fine for ages, but then did start to cause pain. I had keyhole 2 years ago to tidy the meniscus up and it’s been great since then (once I recovered from surgery). They did find arthritis in the joint when they did keyhole.

Have you had an MRI? Could you try physio at the same time as waiting to see a surgeon? There may be non-surgical recovery too (I did a few rounds of physio on my knee which was helpful - also helpful to be fit ahead of surgery).

[BeetrootBasil]

Is this the knee? I had a right knee miniscus tear ten years ago.

Went to doc, knee was clicking, sent for MRI, had surgery 3 months later. Surgeon said it was quite a nasty tear. He clipped it together rather than trimmed it (possibly to do with my age, I was 30 at the time and very active). It was a long recovery including crutches and a knee brace for six weeks and physio for months but absolutely fine now.

[Elouera]

I had one 2yrs ago, but unsure of the degree. I had physio to strengthen the leg, which only help marginally. I kneeled on my bed 8mths later, heard a 'snap' and incredible pain. A further MRI showed osteoarthritis. (age 41). No idea whether I damaged the meniscus further or what happened? I was told that unless the knee is locking and showed loose bits floating about, there was no point doing an arthroscopy to 'clean it out'.

I've seen 2 orthos (Uk and Aus) and both agree that I will need a knee replacement, but to hold off as long as possible due to my age. I use an offloader brace, which takes the weight off the affected side. Its meant I can walk again, work and have a life. At 1 point I was in absolute agony, not sleeping, strapping a hot water bottle on my knee at night and even keeping the leg completely still was dreadful.

Hopefully yours doesn't progress to osteo arthritis though. Physio might help strengthen it, and yoga/pilates can help with core strength. Also ask consultant/physio about any specific brace that might help if you have pain.

[digerd]

I had an outer and inner cartilage tear in 2000. By 2003 it suddenly became worse and had an MRI scan. For some odd rreason for the next 3 years I heard no result from the hospital until a new GP arrived and he chased it up and I went in for an Arthroscopy in 2006 which was kehole surgery. When I came round a DR came and sat with me and explained that it was much worse than 3 years ago. -and I had arthritis in the bones of the knee too- nothing to do with the delay
However, I am still OK wiith that knee, not that I can say the same about my lower back
For the previous 6 years I could not sit on my heels while gardening and had bent forward with straight legs hence the damage to my lower back.
I did leave the op for 6 years but was pleased I had it fixed eventually.

[MrsElijahMikaelson1]

How old are you if that’s not a rude question? Only because arthroscopy is not the best treatment (they say if you’re over 35! but I think that’s harsh) according to research. A lot of meniscal tears are caused by osteoarthritis though and an arthroscopy is not always the best treatment if there is arthritis present, as it can inflame it and make the pain worse-often the best treatment is an injection, physio and good insoles in your shoes.

[IamEarthymama]

I fell down the stairs and tore my meniscus last year as I crashed into the stair gate.
The worst pain I have ever suffered in my life, including childbirth and peritonitis.

I had physio and took anti-inflammatories, which helped as did a knee support.
I am riddled with osteoarthritis and psoriasis and am sure that those conditions exacerbated the pain and prolonged the recovery period. I hated going to bed as it hurt so much and I still can't walk up and down stairs properly.

Poor you, I hope it eases, please have physio or what ever treatment you are offered and don't feel guilty about CV, this is a priority too.