Meniscal Tears

One Response to “Meniscal Tears”

1. 

   ReplySlawomir Siemaszko says:

   November 12, 2011 at 9:12 pm

   Hello Dr. Luks
   Let me just say thank you very much for your sincere video , answers and all the posts from others.

   I hit my knee 3 years ago it did not hurt very much so I left it alone. I work physically so I am constantly bruised up, cut ,bang up etc so any problems are usually fixed with couple of Advil pills .
   However since I hit my knee I have a small inconvenience and I am worrying that it might get worse
   I am able to walk, run without a pain the only pain I am getting is when I cross my legs. Also when I ride my bike the knee clicks but no pain
   So it took me a year after the incident to get my first MRI (no insurance paid cash) stating:

   1st Findings: the osseous structures of the left knee demonstrate normal morphology and alignment. there are no focal areas of abnormal bone marrow signal to suggest fracture, contusion infiltrative or destructive process. The patella is well seated in the trochlear groove. No Joint space abnormality. Femoral, tibial and patellar articular cartilage demonstrates no significant abnormality. The extensor mechanism medial and lateral collateral ligaments as well as anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are intact. The lateral meniscus is normal in size shape and signal. the posterior horn of the medial meniscus demonstrates globular areas of increased T2 signal that extends into inferior articular surface suggestive of tear. The anterior horn of the medial meniscus demonstrates no abnormality.
   impression:
   Globular areas if increased abnormal T2 signal extending into the inferior articular surface of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus suggestive of meniscal tear. Mild subchondral sclerosis of the medial tibial plateau , probably on a degenerative basis.

   After 1st MRI I did nothing for another 2 years then I got my medical coverage so i did second mri that is stating:

   2nd Findings: mri of the left knee demonstrated normal joint alignment. There are no fractures or dislocations. bone marrow signal appeared unremarkable. There is a medial meniscal tear involving the midbody and posterior horn, involving the articulating undersurfaces in these areas
   Laternal meniscus appeared intact.
   The acl,pcl,mcl and lcl appeared unremarkable there is a small joint effusion. Extensor mechanism appeared unremarkable. Retinaculum appeared normal. Surrounding soft tissues appeared unremarkable
   Impression:
   Medial meniscal tear involving the midbody and posterior horn into the inferior articulating surfaces. Lateral meniscus as well as collateral and cruciate ligaments appeared unremarkable. A small joint effusion

   So as u see there the mri’s were done 2 years apart and the finding seem the same to me but the join effusion
   My concern is the damage in your opinion is getting worse ? i know that I want to avoid any surgery at all cost .I made it without fine for 3 years. The pain in the first year of the incident with the knee went away but then at work I twisted my leg and it started to hurt again a little from 1-10worst the pain is 2 If i cross my legs or twist my body with feet standing firm to the ground. It started hurting very little when I became active in January
   , I walk 10k a day and if not walking I bike for 20 miles.
   I just worry that by doing so much activity it will get worse
   Is there any pointers u could give me ? the pain is still same as before
   Does it look like the condition of the damage getting worse by You reading the mri?
   Should I do less activity to avoid the surgery or should I just do all as I did and wait and see what would happen?
   Thank you for any opinions u could provide me
   I really appreciate it.