Hello and thank you for reading this.
TLDR: had meniscus surgery 30 years ago. I’m 46, in good shape, male. Recently had an event. Knee is worse. Not sure what to do. I will be getting scoped to remove the last of my meniscus but doctor is suggesting an unloader brace as a long term solution. I just can’t do it. I am slightly off alignment so osteotomy might work. He says I can’t have a transplant because of OA and little cartilage. I’m bone on bone but it doesn’t hurt just rubs.
30 years ago I had a majority of my lateral meniscus removed from my right knee. I felt fine until a few months ago while training in the gym. Felt a click. A couple days later I had swelling and had to get it drained. There was blood in the fluid. It swelled a couple more times over the next few weeks but haven’t had an issue in the last three months. I’m walking much better now other than the occasional catching which causes shocking pain when I extend the knee. It comes and goes.
I have seen several doctors and I received a range of opinions. From letting it be to an osteotomy and meniscus transplant. I would like to delay knee replacement as long as possible. I was given an unloader knee brace but to be honest I can’t see myself wearing that for 20 more years.
I have two questions.
1. What would you do in regards to surgery or treatment? I was told by some given the arthritis I can’t do a transplant. I have also read about a new gel meniscus that has been approved in Europe. I’m not saying money isn’t an issue but I am willing to pay for a solution. I currently have an HMO.
2. I have read that an osteotomy will really take a while to recover. Could I get scoped now, get an injection (like synvisc) and enjoy the spring and summer and then get the osteotomy during the winter? Where I live the weather has some serious seasons so I don’t mind being stuck at home during the winter. Will an extra 8-10 month delay on the osteotomy really cause my knee to seriously deteriorate?
I would be so very grateful for any advice or guidance. It’s really difficult to determine what to do.
Thank you.
TLDR: had meniscus surgery 30 years ago. I’m 46, in good shape, male. Recently had an event. Knee is worse. Not sure what to do. I will be getting scoped to remove the last of my meniscus but doctor is suggesting an unloader brace as a long term solution. I just can’t do it. I am slightly off alignment so osteotomy might work. He says I can’t have a transplant because of OA and little cartilage. I’m bone on bone but it doesn’t hurt just rubs.
30 years ago I had a majority of my lateral meniscus removed from my right knee. I felt fine until a few months ago while training in the gym. Felt a click. A couple days later I had swelling and had to get it drained. There was blood in the fluid. It swelled a couple more times over the next few weeks but haven’t had an issue in the last three months. I’m walking much better now other than the occasional catching which causes shocking pain when I extend the knee. It comes and goes.
I have seen several doctors and I received a range of opinions. From letting it be to an osteotomy and meniscus transplant. I would like to delay knee replacement as long as possible. I was given an unloader knee brace but to be honest I can’t see myself wearing that for 20 more years.
I have two questions.
1. What would you do in regards to surgery or treatment? I was told by some given the arthritis I can’t do a transplant. I have also read about a new gel meniscus that has been approved in Europe. I’m not saying money isn’t an issue but I am willing to pay for a solution. I currently have an HMO.
2. I have read that an osteotomy will really take a while to recover. Could I get scoped now, get an injection (like synvisc) and enjoy the spring and summer and then get the osteotomy during the winter? Where I live the weather has some serious seasons so I don’t mind being stuck at home during the winter. Will an extra 8-10 month delay on the osteotomy really cause my knee to seriously deteriorate?
I would be so very grateful for any advice or guidance. It’s really difficult to determine what to do.
Thank you.