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How Long One Can Delay Surgery For Medial Meniscus Injury?

Posted on Fri, 3 Jun 2016

Question: I'm XXXXXXX XXXXXXX from Saudi Arabia, 72 years old. I twisted my left knee one month ago. I did MRI image and the result was the following; Grade 2 sprain of the middle collateral ligament, Complete horizontal tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, Focal osteo chondral acute injury within the lateral femoral condyle. I'm now taking Rofenac tablets and my doctor suggested a surgery (arthroscopy) or I take my time to decide. If I wait for 2-3 months, is there any harm to the meniscus, and is there a chance that the torn meniscus might be repaired without surgery?
I seek your help and advice.
Best regards. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Meniscus can not be repaired by its own

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case. You can delay surgery or avoid it also. Indication of surgery is locking and pain in knee. So if you have pain during squatting or walking and your knee get locked when you try to straiten your leg , then that it the indication of arthroscopy surgery.

But it is not an emergency procedure, so It can be delayed for three to four months.Meniscus tear does not heal by its own. So you will need surgery to take care of this tear.

Till you wait for surgery, you should avoid stairs, squatting or ground level sitting. Tablet Diclofenac can be taken if pain is severe. Also there is role of steroid injection.It should be given by a orthopaedic surgeon. it can decrease pain. Physiotherapy is also helpful.

I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 days later)

Thank you Doctor.
I would like to know what kind of surgery I need to take care of the tear. Also
what kind of steroid injection I should take to reduce the pain?
Thanks. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You will need arthroscopic menisectomy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Surgery is called menisectomy. It is done through arthroscopy. So its called arthroscopic menisectomy.

Steroid injection contains long acting steroid like methyl prednisone. You can discuss both options with your doctor.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 days later)

Thank you Doctor!
Does ayurvedic treatment(herbal massage etc.) help in my case?
Does the delay( 6 months and more) of the suggested surgery worsen my knee
situation if I walk using a cane?
Will the doctor replace my torn meniscus with another material to fill the space
or he'll remove the torn piece and that's all?
Is walking in office harmful to the knee before the surgery?

Regards. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No role of ayurvedic treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There is no ayurvedic treatment in meniscus problem.Only cure is arthroscopy surgery.No problem if you keep walking or delay surgery for few months.It is not going to harm.There is no need to fill any thing or replace.We will remove part of meniscus which is non functional.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Thank you Doctor,
Since the only cure is arthroscopy surgery, I wish to send you the 2 CDs, X-Rays & MRI, and the medical report via courier service, so that you study my case thoroughly. I need your address, if you please.
Regards. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you can send me MRI report on this site.

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I do not need CD but you can send me MRI report through this site. I can help you in that way. If you want you can come to XXXXXXX also for this surgery.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 hours later)

Thank you Doctor,
I'll prepare the MRI & X-Rays reports and send it to you later.
Could I use a brace for the knee?
It's also a good idea to travel to XXXXXXX for this surgery.
Regards. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Send me your MRI reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can send me your reports. I will studied your case and I can tell you if you can get it done at my centre and how much will be expens.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need menisectomy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There is some arthritic changes in knee joint. Also there is meniscus tear. So you need arthroscopic menisectomy. There is no need of emergency. So you can plan your surgery. In XXXXXXX at my clinic charges will be 1000 US dollers. Hospital stay will be two days. You can walk next day of surgery.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar