Question: Help with MRI results. I just had an MRI done of my right knee. The result is a full thickness radial tear of the posterior horn medial meniscus involving the root ligament. The meniscus body is minimally extruded with intrameniscal degeneration in the anterior horn and body. Minimal subchondral reactive marrow signal noted at the posterior lateral tibial plateau. Diffuse low grade chondral thinning of the medial femoral condoyle and medial tibial plateau. Small areas of moderate chondral thinning are noted in the medial patella and mild thinning is present at the torch lest groove. Patellofemoral alignment is maintained. There is small joint effusion without soft tissue fluid collection. Fat pads are within normal limits and no implication thickening. Are you able to interpret these findings? How serious is this. I am a 50 year old female. Was told I needed surgery and not having it means pain won't go away, could tear more and 20 years from now probable arthritis. Asked me when I wanted to schedule and I never thought to ask if it could be postponed for several months because I am in middle of refinishing my front porch. My knee has always kinda bothered me but was at work and heard a pop a few days ago. All I did was stand up from a kneeling or squatting position. I couldn't walk the first few days and was given an immobilized. Now I can walk although I waddle and have a sense that the knee is not as stable. I stopped using the immobilizer as it was uncomfortable. Is it reasonable to postpone the surgery because of other commitments? What type of pain meds are typically prescribed for the condition my knee is on now? I was never offered anything for pain. Thanks much

Thanks for your quick reply. Would this be considered a work related injury. I was told to fill out an incident report and report it to employee health. I did not do so because I figured this could have happened at the grocery store if I was kneeling to get something off the bottom shelf. My employer also has a history of getting rid of employees injured on the job so I told my doctor it was not work related. Do you agree that I had pre existing problems that contributed? Does my MRI show degeneration typical for a 50 year old and or is there anything else of concern based on the MRI.

You have been most helpful. One last question is if the degeneration means I have osteoarthritis? Thank you for your help.