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Torn Miniscus. Is It Possible For A Bone To Swell? How Long Does It Take To Heal?
Hello, about 2 mnths ago I messed my rgt knee up with torn medial miniscus, stretched LCL, ACL , extensive bone marrow edema and non displaced subchondral fracture to lateral tibial plateau. Its doing pretty good but the laterial part of tibia is still swollen hard like the bone is swollen, still some discomfort there. I go back to my orth next week for follow up to see if subchondroplasty is necessary as well as fixing torn miniscus. Is it possible for a bone to swell and how long does it take to heal and treatment options available?
Tue, 10 Sep 2013
Hi and thanks for the query,
The knee is one of the most complex and precious joints in the body. Duration of healing after surgery for a torn meniscus depends on the degree of the tear and any associated lesions. the surgical technique also has a role to play. when the intervention is early, it is expected that healing should be complete in three months, which of course is the case in mild to moderate cases.
It is not unusual for the bone to swell. Treatment usually involves local therapy with topical anti inflammatory drugs, ice packs in case there is pain and elevation of the limb above the height of the head while lying down. Symptoms generally regress significantly with time and become generally ok by the end of the third month after surgery. Thanks and kind regards. Wishing you good health.
Bain LE, MD.
The knee is one of the most complex and precious joints in the body. Duration of healing after surgery for a torn meniscus depends on the degree of the tear and any associated lesions. the surgical technique also has a role to play. when the intervention is early, it is expected that healing should be complete in three months, which of course is the case in mild to moderate cases.
It is not unusual for the bone to swell. Treatment usually involves local therapy with topical anti inflammatory drugs, ice packs in case there is pain and elevation of the limb above the height of the head while lying down. Symptoms generally regress significantly with time and become generally ok by the end of the third month after surgery. Thanks and kind regards. Wishing you good health.
Bain LE, MD.
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Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Yes, bone can swell out in case of bone tumours but not in your case of trauma. The swelling that you are feeling at the level of the fracture could be due to CALLUS (new bone formation) which will remodel itself over a period of time.
Any fractured bone in the lower limbs will take around 3-4 months to heal so as to allow you full weight bearing on the leg.
For any displaced fracture, the treatment of choice is by open reduction and internal fixation either by plates & screws or nails. Meniscal tears are usually addressed by Arthroscopy.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Yes, bone can swell out in case of bone tumours but not in your case of trauma. The swelling that you are feeling at the level of the fracture could be due to CALLUS (new bone formation) which will remodel itself over a period of time.
Any fractured bone in the lower limbs will take around 3-4 months to heal so as to allow you full weight bearing on the leg.
For any displaced fracture, the treatment of choice is by open reduction and internal fixation either by plates & screws or nails. Meniscal tears are usually addressed by Arthroscopy.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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