Complications with meniscal cartilage repair...

[jaykay]

Hi,

I have had ACL reconstruction (patella tendon autograft) on my left knee along with meniscal cartilage repair on the medial side (inside of my knee).

Surgery happened over 5 wks ago and knee was healing fine. I graduated to a single crutch (from two) and was putting wt on both legs and was undergoing gait training at physical therapy.

Since today morning, I have been experiencing SEVERE pain in the inside of my knee; somewhere around the same location where the plastic biodegradable arrows were inserted to 'staple' the torn meniscus cartilage.

I shall be going in for an MRI today and a consult with the surgeon tomorrow.

This is most disappointing. I underwent this elective surgery so that I could get back to tennis with a vengeance in a few months and my healing process seems to have regressed.

Has anyone experienced this kind of pain 4-5 wks AFTER meniscal cartilage repair? What should I be expecting - what's in store for me?

Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[El Diablo]

Recurrences are unfortunately common. I had a medial meniscus repair 6 years ago and consequently spoke to alot of people about it. An othopod colleague told me about half of patients have some kind of recurrence eventually, though this is rather quick and needs attention from your doctor. I gave up all impact exercise other than tennis (no additional running), confining myself to a bike, elliptical, etc. and that's worked out quite well.

 

[jaykay]

Thanks El. You inspire me... I infer that it is not the end of the world, hopefully, and there is a tennis life after all these surgeries, I guess. I just had my MRI today and will be meeting my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. We'll see how this goes...

If you don't mind me asking, how old are you, El? [I am in my early 30's and a strong 4.0+]

Do you take any other special care / follow any other special exercise regimen, besides steering clear of impact sports?