meniscus surgery..am I completely effed?

Dec 14, 09 9:43

Post #1 of 27 (6363 views)

hey guys, I just had meniscus surgery on friday and saw my dr. this morning. I had a bucket handle tear in the medial meniscus basically that the cartilage was flipping over like a handle and getting caught between the joint.

They ended up having to remove 90% of the cartilage which I nearly died when he told me that, not to be outdone by him telling me I should probably never run again as I will need a knee replacement when I'm older.

I'm 23 yrs old, I just started doing tri's in 2008 and had a good season this past year, and now I'm fearing that my tri career is over as soon as it started. This is seriously the worst day of my life up to this point, I feel like I have no purpose anymore.

He said I can still swim and bike, but running is and always has given the most enjoyment out of anything in my life like I'm sure it is for most of you.

My questions are:

has anyone had this procedure done and what has resulted from it?

does anyone know if there are ANY alternatives to enter a tri race and get through the running leg by some other means? I have no idea what this could be outside of walking it but trying to come up with ideas for this.

I really appreciate any help guys, thanks.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:24

Post #2 of 27 (6324 views)

They don't do cadaver material anymore? I had to have my left knee pretty much completely reconstructed, ACL/MCL/Patellar Tendon/and both menisci worked on and they used cadaver material for the meniscus, but this was in the Army after a parachuting accident, maybe they don't do that in the civi world.

-Andrew Saar
It is better to do the right thing and be paid poorly,
than to do the wrong thing and be rewarded richly.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:33

Post #3 of 27 (6309 views)

I have had medial meniscus torn and repaired on both knees. The last one they took 75% out and said with time I would be bone on bone and need a replacement. Suggested I take up swimming and then he said no body ever does that bcause it is too hard so he said he rather see my cycle. I took up tris so I could minimize my favorite sport (running) and hopefully learn to enjoy swimming (long term solution).

Not good news, but you will have worse days.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:33

Post #4 of 27 (6307 views)

I think you might be able to gut out a sprint. But I wouldn't focus on finishing well...just getting through the races.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:37

Post #5 of 27 (6302 views)

You won't return to your triathlon lifestyle with a knee replacement as they replace the whole joint with titanium or some other material. I believe the knee replacement option is mostly for seniors (i.e.-my grandma) who need only to be able to stand and walk. I don't think I've ever heard anybody come back from a knee replacement to do triathlons again, although I could be wrong. Another option you could consider is a meniscus transplant or replacement. I considered going this route because of pain I was having in my surgically repaired knee that is missing 50% of medial meniscus and did a little bit of research around this forum as well on the internet and found the Stone Clinic in SF, CA (http://www.stoneclinic.com ) Because the pain was diagnosed as an injury resulting from overuse, six weeks rest and a progression back into running took care of the issue so I never got to setup an appointment with Dr. Stone. I don't know where you are located, but I definitely think it's worth getting a second and third opinion on what your options are before you give up.

http://www.twitter.com/okaypatrick

Last edited by: okaypatrick: Dec 14, 09 10:40

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:49

Post #6 of 27 (6291 views)

I had a medial meniscus repair in 2004...lost about 50% of the cartilidge...

I can't say it hasn't affected me at all...I get weird, intense pain right after a hard track workout...especially if it is cold outside...but, overall, no big deal...

I can still handle about 60 miles of running a week...with one track workout and one long (2 hours) in addition to swimming and cycling...I've also been able to handle a a dozen or so ultras (50k to 50 mile)...

My 5ks have slipped for sure...I used to go 15-high...now, more like 16-mid...but, that's prolly just 'cuz I'm an old fart (43).

I bet it's scary being that young with a good bit of the knee padding pulled out...but, I think you'll be OK...Just be an animal on the bike and go w/ minimal run training...

Good luck man...

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 10:58

Post #7 of 27 (6280 views)

time to start loading up on the glucosamine

Ride Scoozy Electric Bicycles
http://www.RideScoozy.com

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 11:19

Post #8 of 27 (6261 views)

There is always this option:

http://www.runnersworld.com/...297--12959-0,00.html

I hope it works out. I've had a knee surgery, but have been able to keep running...that said during the recovery process, I thought a lot about what it would be like if I couldn't run anymore. I am in my late-30's and have a runner all of my life...I started running track in 9th grade so running has been my outlet for 25 years.

I determined that if running was simply not in the cards for me, I would ride more.

__________________
JP

my twitter feed

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 12:03

Post #9 of 27 (6221 views)

Is your articular cartilage okay? If so, look into transplantation.

mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 12:21

Post #10 of 27 (6210 views)

If you are determined and persistent you may be able to overcome this.

You might be a candidate for meniscus replacement: http://orthopedics.about.com/...es1/a/transplant.htm

You also probably won't develop the degenerative arthritic condition requiring knee replacement for quite a while and you will probably develop that even as a non-athlete. It's just that lots of running will accelerate it.
I would suggest that you start to gradually develop a forefoot running style as this will minimize the amount of pounding the knee will take and will give you the best chance at being able to run.
Then just let the pain be your guide.

FWIW, this season I was semi successful in sprint tris without any run training due to an injury.

And many triathlons do have an Aqua-bike category. You basically race to T2 and stop.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mmrocker13] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 13:22

Post #11 of 27 (6187 views)

In Reply To:

Is your articular cartilage okay? If so, look into transplantation.

That's the first question you need to ask...do you have your articular cartilage still. If so, you are in better shape than if you don't. I had surgery in early September and they found I don't and my surgeon suggests rather emphatically that I don't run. And she's a former elite marathon runner. And over three months later I'm still having issues.

And since I don't really want to have a knee replacement in the near future, I'm doing the rehab and holding back like the doc and the PT (who is an expert level mt. biker) say. So no running but biking is good, even encouraged.

Good luck.
clm

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [trackie clm] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 14:14

Post #12 of 27 (6162 views)

X 2 for the transplant. Good luck.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [jyeager] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 14:39

Post #13 of 27 (6146 views)

In Reply To:

If you are determined and persistent you may be able to overcome this.

You might be a candidate for meniscus replacement: http://orthopedics.about.com/...es1/a/transplant.htm

You also probably won't develop the degenerative arthritic condition requiring knee replacement for quite a while and you will probably develop that even as a non-athlete. It's just that lots of running will accelerate it.
I would suggest that you start to gradually develop a forefoot running style as this will minimize the amount of pounding the knee will take and will give you the best chance at being able to run.
Then just let the pain be your guide.

FWIW, this season I was semi successful in sprint tris without any run training due to an injury.

And many triathlons do have an Aqua-bike category. You basically race to T2 and stop.

But be aware that following a sub-total menisectomy, the forces increas HUGELY in that compartment. And the rate of OA in a compartment that has undergone a subtotal is very, very high--some reports say almost as high as 80-100%. And that's in folks with just normal living.

And, as my surgeon told me--once the meniscus is gone, the degeneration increases very, very rapidly

So, if you want to stay active, look in to the transplant NOW and get evaluated. Don't try running on it for awhile to "see what happens".

mmm-mmm-Momo Charms
Handmade beverage charms, jewelry, and miscellanea
http://momocharms.wordpress.com

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 18:38

Post #14 of 27 (6070 views)

Take a look at the Centeno Clinic in Denver. They are using stem cells to re-grow cartilage. It isn't cheap, and it sure isn't guaranteed. I started the process last year and have my stem cells tucked away in cryo for later. You can do phone consulations.

**************
Too f@ckin depressed from various injuries to care about having a signature line.

Sponsored by Blue Shield PPO.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [Aztec] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 19:35

Post #15 of 27 (6040 views)

Wow - cool.

Keep us posted on how that eventually goes! I do foresee stem cell transplantation procedures the future for arthritic conditions.

____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [Aztec] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 19:41

Post #16 of 27 (6036 views)

In Reply To:

Take a look at the Centeno Clinic in Denver. They are using stem cells to re-grow cartilage. It isn't cheap, and it sure isn't guaranteed. I started the process last year and have my stem cells tucked away in cryo for later. You can do phone consulations.

That is awesome. I will personally try and knock up a bunch of chicks so we can continue to supply the raw materials ;)

===============
Proud member of the MSF (Maple Syrup Mafia)

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [CaptainCanada] [ In reply to ]

Dec 14, 09 19:44

Post #17 of 27 (6031 views)

ill help, I think after this past weekend we should have a good start.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [jager66] [ In reply to ]

Dec 21, 09 10:44

Post #18 of 27 (5902 views)

Thanks for all your help guys. I just had a follow up with my dr today and he said the articular cartilage was frayed slightly but it's still in good shape.

The lateral meniscus is 100% okay which was good to hear, I was under the impression that they removed that as well. I think I was in so much shock last week that I wasn't really understanding what was being said at the time.

I'm starting PT tomorrow and hoping to get back in the water as soon as possible/get on the stationary bike (can't ride in north jersey with all this snow for a while). Looking at 2011 to maybe be able to do some sprint tri's I'll have to see where I'm at this time next year.

Good luck to everyone this upcoming season!

-Mike

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 21, 09 16:54

Post #19 of 27 (5842 views)

Meniscus � I had 4 surgeries over the years. Won a few titles after the last one so cycling �often� can be continued with success. I would see a VERY GOOD gate specialist/PT and analyzes your run. See what they think. I am guessing a good PT might be able to help find ways to manage�not fix or make new but manage.

Good luck

Swifty

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 21, 09 17:05

Post #20 of 27 (5833 views)

consult with James Andrews FTW.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 21, 09 17:07

Post #21 of 27 (5829 views)

I had an ACL reconstruction and 2 meniscectomies by 24. I had a sports med doc tell me if I took it easy on the high impact stuff I might not need a knee replacement when I turned 50. It sucks, I can empathize. Quit playing basketball, took up casual cycling a few years later. Last year (10 years out) upped the cycling, started running, learned to swim, and did a half dozen or so tri's. No problems whatsoever with the knee, though I kept the running mileage on the lower end. So, your mileage may vary. Good luck.

-------------------------
http://trirochester.com

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Dec 21, 09 17:23

Post #22 of 27 (5820 views)

mike, i perform meniscus transplants and cartilage regeneration. after reading your post and the subesquent replies:

meniscus transplant, cadaver, is an effective salvage procedure with a limited expected longevity and not intended for long-distance running. That said, I have had pts play college b-ball and do sprint/oly tri. Assess your symptoms after appropriate rehab/rest. In an asymptomatic patient it is very controversial. as mmrocker implies, the theory is appealing but not borne out by literature or expert opinion. Any urban area has several orthopods proficient in this area.

currently the use of stem cells is common for articular cartilage regeneration, not meniscus. The synthetic CMI, collagen meniscus implant, did not have favorable results. Best wishes.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Jun 4, 20 13:42

Post #23 of 27 (2306 views)

mike26 wrote:

hey guys, I just had meniscus surgery on friday and saw my dr. this morning. I had a bucket handle tear in the medial meniscus basically that the cartilage was flipping over like a handle and getting caught between the joint.

They ended up having to remove 90% of the cartilage which I nearly died when he told me that, not to be outdone by him telling me I should probably never run again as I will need a knee replacement when I'm older.

I'm 23 yrs old, I just started doing tri's in 2008 and had a good season this past year, and now I'm fearing that my tri career is over as soon as it started. This is seriously the worst day of my life up to this point, I feel like I have no purpose anymore.

He said I can still swim and bike, but running is and always has given the most enjoyment out of anything in my life like I'm sure it is for most of you.

My questions are:

has anyone had this procedure done and what has resulted from it?

does anyone know if there are ANY alternatives to enter a tri race and get through the running leg by some other means? I have no idea what this could be outside of walking it but trying to come up with ideas for this.

I really appreciate any help guys, thanks.

How is yours holding up? I had near complete meniscus removed on my lateral right knee in 2008. I always had thought it was medial but just got my MRI results back. Had some minor pain in the knee after taking up running last year, kind of a dull ache after and not during the run. Had an X-ray recently and there was no signs of OA. Then had an MRI showed moderate chondrosis in the lateral tibial/femoral compartments. Doc said I could keep running 5-10ks but not to run any marathons.

I still get that pain a bit after but running itself is fine so I think I am going to keep doing 20-40k a week

Last edited by: Rbk_3: Jun 4, 20 13:44

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Jun 4, 20 14:07

Post #24 of 27 (2282 views)

mike26 wrote:

hey guys, I just had meniscus surgery on friday and saw my dr. this morning. I had a bucket handle tear in the medial meniscus basically that the cartilage was flipping over like a handle and getting caught between the joint.

They ended up having to remove 90% of the cartilage which I nearly died when he told me that, not to be outdone by him telling me I should probably never run again as I will need a knee replacement when I'm older.

I'm 23 yrs old, I just started doing tri's in 2008 and had a good season this past year, and now I'm fearing that my tri career is over as soon as it started. This is seriously the worst day of my life up to this point, I feel like I have no purpose anymore.

He said I can still swim and bike, but running is and always has given the most enjoyment out of anything in my life like I'm sure it is for most of you.

My questions are:

has anyone had this procedure done and what has resulted from it?

does anyone know if there are ANY alternatives to enter a tri race and get through the running leg by some other means? I have no idea what this could be outside of walking it but trying to come up with ideas for this.

I really appreciate any help guys, thanks.

My wife is missing her ACL in her right leg, had meniscus surgery (not sure the severity of the tear) at 39yo and ran 8 marathons since including qualifying for Boston in 09. Fiona Oakes is a world class ultra marathoner who set all her records without a knee cap in one leg.

Everyone is different and there is no real way to know how YOUR body will respond to continued running. So give it some time, start running and see how it goes. You won't know until you try.
Good luck.

Re: meniscus surgery..am I completely effed? [mike26] [ In reply to ]

Jun 4, 20 14:45

Post #25 of 27 (2260 views)

mike26 wrote:

hey guys, I just had meniscus surgery on friday and saw my dr. this morning. I had a bucket handle tear in the medial meniscus basically that the cartilage was flipping over like a handle and getting caught between the joint.

They ended up having to remove 90% of the cartilage which I nearly died when he told me that, not to be outdone by him telling me I should probably never run again as I will need a knee replacement when I'm older.

I'm 23 yrs old, I just started doing tri's in 2008 and had a good season this past year, and now I'm fearing that my tri career is over as soon as it started. This is seriously the worst day of my life up to this point, I feel like I have no purpose anymore.

He said I can still swim and bike, but running is and always has given the most enjoyment out of anything in my life like I'm sure it is for most of you.

My questions are:

has anyone had this procedure done and what has resulted from it?

does anyone know if there are ANY alternatives to enter a tri race and get through the running leg by some other means? I have no idea what this could be outside of walking it but trying to come up with ideas for this.

I really appreciate any help guys, thanks.

There are two types of bucket handle tears basically 1. it was a tear that can be repaired 2. it was crushed so bad it couldn't be repaired and had to be removed. Sounds like you had #2.

You're young so you have a few choices but you have a long life ahead of you so taking care of your knee is important.

1. Stop running and either race aqua-bike, or a single sport like cycling
2. Check into a transplant. From what you have basically said you could be a good candidate for a transplant.
3. Run, take the pain and over time.....sooner in your life than you want....you get a knee replacement.

I recommend 1 or 2. Did your ACL tear too?

Our Partners

transition-DOT-area-AT-slowtwitch-DOT-com

Advertise with us

©1999-2024 Slowtwitch, Inc., and Slowtwitch.com
Reproduction of material from any Slowtwitch.com page
without written permission is strictly prohibited.