Meniscal tears ... Why are they so common? Is surgery always necessary?

Meniscus tears are VERY common... even in people who do not even know it! Not all meniscus tears require surgery. The more you learn, the better off you are. We treat patients, not MRI findings... and your physicians needs to take into account your quality of life and limitations to determine what the proper treatment plan should be for your meniscus tear and knee pain.
Important: I cannot and will not respond to requests for specific medical advice left in the comments section of these videos. Legally I cannot offer specific medical advice to people in this format. If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my website where I share information on various Orthopedic Surgery topics. www.HowardLuks...
The content of this KZbin Channel, / howardluksmd (“Channel”) is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Channel may offer health, fitness, nutritional and other such information, but such information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. The content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained on this Channel. You agree that Dr. Luks is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on his Channel. Dr. Howard Luks makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the content. USE OF THE CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Use this as a stepping stone to improve your discussion with your surgeon. Research is changing every month. The views expressed here may not be relevant in the coming years. This video is for your education only... This is NOT meant as medical advice.
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, or in the comments at the end of these videos. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please talk with your physician or health care provider for your specific orthopedic and medical concerns.

[@pmattoon]

You say the meniscus isn't regenerative, yet mine healed up. It does heal very slowly though. It took me 6 months and I had pain, stiffness and fluid buildup for the first 2 months and I could still feel the meniscus catching as I was walking for the next 4 months. I'm assuming it was a moderate size tear for it to be catching in my joint like that. I hope my story provides words of comfort to those suffering from meniscus tears. The medical community will tell you that the body is weak and that you need their intervention to get better. Don't listen to them. Let your body heal.

[@michellehall7936]

What type of tear did you have

[@injanhoi1]

What steps did you take in the healing process?

[@pmattoon]

FIrst was the effusion and where it really hurt sometimes when I extended it. That lasted 2 months. Then 2-4 months it felt like something was moving in there when i walked. It still hurt sometimes and was sensitive around my kneecap when I put pressure on it for almost 2 years and also when I wound put pressure on my knee when I was doing things like walking upstairs on that knee. It's still not completely back to normal yet. When I walk it's sometimes achy when I extend my knee and when I'm sitting and then extend it sometimes it clicks. Maybe it'll never go completely back to normal, but I'd never have surgery on now.

[@injanhoi1]

I did see an orthopedic surgeon about 8 months ago and he said my cartilage on the back of my left knee doesn't look good. I can only flex my leg right back 85 percent. My right leg is normal and can flex it back so my right foot is touching the buttocks. When I sit down for long periods and get up it sometimes gets achy and numb. Walking for long periods (a hour plus) makes it sore and achy. It hasn't really affected the quality of my life though it's just that I enjoy jogging but can't do that anymore. I recently bought a bicycle and I am enjoying that. I must admit I have been a bit slack with the exercises I am supposed to do to help my cartilage heal. I will work on that harder and give it more time to heal.

[@eanoworro1028]

You misunderstood his point. What hes saying about 'being regenerative' is that itll never go back to 100% , which is what you said.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Great question Rafael ... That's why I always impress upon my students and residents to treat the patients and not their MRI. Many people are walking around with meniscus tears and do not even know it. Most orthopedists would agree.. and the scientific literature supports this. If you are comfortable, then you can delay the surgery. The tears do not necessarily heal.. they simply stop hurting. Yes, the tear can become larger... but this is rare. Good Luck.

[@youubik]

I had a menisectomy when I was 19yrs old. The result was abysmal. The concept of a menisectomy is nonsense. Cutting a a thick meniscus which is a shock absorber, lubricant and most importantly creates a snug fit between the femur and tibia is nonsense, it can't and does not work. The only thing healthy after a menisectomy is the surgeons bank balance

[@2martino3]

Thanks so much! My doctor rushed me through and sent me to get an MRI, I'm seeing him again tomorrow and this info really equips me well to make my next decision. Much, much appreciated!

[@srizki]

Thank you for the video. I just got my MRI report and I got most of the answers from your video. I just searched medial meniscus and the first video was yours and it reflects my report.

[@HowardLuksMD]

:-) thank you!

[@dancewomyn1]

Excellent video! Calm, clear succinct and thorough description of each type of tear, and the causes. Thanks

[@bentonkareem]

I need to find a doctor like you. I went to UM's Sports Clinic thinking they would handle my knee injury professionally, wrong. The cookie cutter doc came in and out in less than 5 minutes recommended an MRI. I went to do the MRI but putting my knee straight created an onset of progressively worsening pain. The clerk for the doc told me to reschedule, I told her the pain was unbearable, and I'll need some form of pain killer to finish, she said she'll call me back. Day later she called and said I was claustrophobic, I restrained from cursing her out, but didn't understand how someone can come to think that a grown man would be afraid to have his leg inside a giant donut. I'm going to a different hospital.

[@k.martin28270]

Sounds like the state run system we have is Spain......except you'd wait 2 years to even get an MRI scheduled

[@laureneisler11]

Benton n

[@notthispage6452]

Thank you for such a complete and informative explanation of a meniscal tear. You have helped a lot!

[@HowardLuksMD]

you are welcome! Thanks for he kind comments!

[@grettagrids]

will continued cortisone shots to my knees cause further damage? I already have "moderate OA" in my left knee and a tear in my right.. but right now I have a subluxing right ulnar never that DOES need repair. Had severe right elbow pain and swelling for 8 months and nothing helped :(

[@edwardmedina6247]

grettagrids

[@lawyerrock9488]

+grettagrids- YES! Steroid injections do break down the cartilage.

[@jeffmurphy181]

After a life time of diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, I got cured with the help of Dr Oyalo remedy whom I met on KZbin. It has wonderful taking his herbs as there was improvement during the process which I felt and after taking his herbal dosage I was completely cured and till now I’m free. Im glad to share this and you can get his herbs too. 🙏

[@HowardLuksMD]

MCL injuries can take months to not only heal... but to feel better. By far, MCL injuries are the most painful ligament injury around the knee. Good luck!

[@lockit5047]

thank you. this is very informative and helpful for us active folks on the 40 and 50 side of life

[@HowardLuksMD]

Jay... It's good that your surgeon repaired your meniscus. Removing it would have put you at risk of developing pain and significant degeneration. It's going to take a number of weeks/months to heal and recover... time well spent to save your knee for years to come. Good Luck! HJL

[@Bintumani88]

Dr. Luks. Thanks for your reply and follow up. I am happy to say the swelling has gone down and the knee is feeling almost normal. I'm working on strength around the knee and generally feeling great! I very much appreciate your feed back. Joel

[@HowardLuksMD]

Hi Richard ... good question! Many people with a meniscus tear have very few symptoms and can put off surgery until their situation changes. Whether or not surgery is "necessary" depends on many variables... and one of them is your quality of life. I hope this helps! Good Luck!

[@twinksTM]

Finally, some one who is not "surgery" happy!! I am a yoga teacher. My medial meniscus was totally removed, authorized by my Mom when I was very young. It's great to find a professional who is encouraging to give the body the chance to heal -at least "fix" it's injuries. My knee has been bothering me lately, (more than 40 years after the surgery). The first Dr. I saw last mnth immediately suggested Knee replacement. When I almost laughted at him, he went on to push injections.Sorry PT IS WORKING

[@jsyazbeck]

great video! I am a 3rd year medical student and was trying to figure out a practice shelf question for my surgery rotation. The clinical vignette you described was spot on. Thanks!

[@HowardLuksMD]

thanks!

[@HowardLuksMD]

standard strengthening exercises typically work well. Quad, hamstring exercises, while avoiding deep knee flexion and turning and twisting. Good luck!

[@michigannabil5850]

Thanks for a great short video. I injured my left knee medial meniscus and was told I should be OK with physical therapy. I cannot wait to get back to soccer but I will definitely remember and respect my age (being a good soccer player tends to make me be rough on my body). Thanks again.

[@4utorres]

My mom has bad knees. She doesn't know what the problem is so she tried to exercise to strengthen her knees, but after a mile of walking she is in too much pain to continue. What types of exercises should she do for strength?

[@dr.samrobertbensonph.d.9987]

A video with self-confidence!!! No better!!! Thank you, Dr. Luks!!!

[@HowardLuksMD]

True Simon... flap tears can be a problem... but luckily very few meniscus tears present as flap tears. The most common type of tear is degenerative fraying. Meniscus tears also behave quite differently depending on age. Young folks tend to get more flap or bucket handle tears than people over 50. So the treatment options can vary.

[@HowardLuksMD]

excellent question... the meniscus has no nerve supply. So the pain associated with a menscus tear is due to irritation of the structures around the meniscus. So, if the tear is small and doesn't move around it will not irritate the structures around it... and you will not have much pain.

[@francescag6889]

If you have a meniscus tear look into PRP (Plasma Rich Platelet) or Stem Cell therapy.

[@marcosjuan3142]

Francesca G true... now we now that but this video is old...

[@HowardLuksMD]

Hey David... Thanks for stopping by... Following that type of injury a meniscus or cartilage injury would be anticipated more so than a ligament injury... but that's what a physical exam will tell you :-)! Good luck --- Feel free to stop back after your visit.

[@Vampiregirlrose]

Thank you, this answered most of my questions and was DEAD on with what is happening with my Left knee. MRI showed the horizontal cleaver tear... pain, turning, STAIRS, giving way a bit. I see the specialist monday. happy that it can be fixed and I can once again be active. People know when I am not walking they know it hurts. I function but added exercise NO NO. and after losing over 100 pounds and with about a 100 to still lose. I need to be active, Thank you again!

[@HowardLuksMD]

Hi Derrick.. If you have a locked knee where you can not extend it.. there is a high likelihood that this is what we refer to as a "bucket-handle" tear of a meniscus. Best to be evaluated and examined sooner rather than later. Good Luck!

[@youubik]

Why are they so common? Because they make a lot of money for surgeons who prey mainly on young people/athletes who dont know better Is surgery always necessary? It does not work, hopefully that answers the question

[@ironworkable]

THAT WAS A GOOD SECOND OPIONION YOU SAVED ME TIME/MONEY AND pain. good talk at firs i thought you were going to be uber boring and after a minute i felt you talking to me. Good job......

[@HowardLuksMD]

I agree with your assesment... it does not sound like a classic case of a meniscus tear. Runners knee is the more likely issue... but only a good exam by an Sports doc and perhaps an MRI can tell you for sure.

[@renrutdrahcir]

Thanks for such an informative video, I had a partial medial menisectom debridement 2 weeks ago.

[@gypsycyn]

Thank you for this thorough explanation of meniscal tears. Very helpful and helps put the mind at ease. :)

[@AdventurewithSimon]

Felicity the problem is that a lot of the tissue in the knees does NOT get any blood flow, therefor does NOT regenerate. Once it is worn out, it is done. In many cases it needs to be removed or will cause problems. I lived 6 years with flap meniscus tears and it was NOT comfortable. She really needs an MRI to see what is going on. You cannot simply "strengthen" or "repair" it with exercise - it many cases only wears out more and more.

[@laural5419]

I had am MRI and it shows a lateral meniscus tear. I don't recall a pop or sharp pain. This happened in the beginning of december. My left knee started swelling, got really stiff and couldn't bend it or straightened it. I am very active and sprint and do weight lifting. I stopped squats, running, lunges, and continued to work upper body and did rowing machine. That made my knee swell again and got stiff. It seems like anytime i try to go back to my regular routine my knee swells up stiffness returns and can't even walk. what exercises can i continue to do while i heal? Should i use crutches? What type of knee brace shoukd i wear? How long do these lateral tears take to heal? I don't want to have surgery but how do i know if i am a good candidate? Please help. Your video is probably the most informative non BS found in KZbin

[@paddybrady5874]

Laura L did you end up having surgery in the end my knee likes your know every time I exercise it swells and cant walk for days 😡😡😡

[@redpig1120]

Hey Doc, just found your videos..great stuff very informative. Thanks. 2 weeks ago, playing basketball, heard a snap, then I turned and heard another click..that was it..left knee in so much pain. Could not walk, emergency room.. 4 days on crutches and difeene meds and I could put weight on it. It’s feeling better but, it’s feels very weak when I do something strenuous. Back to Doctors next week for Physical therapy. I swear I would never wish the pain I had on anybody..it was terrible.. I should have listened to my wife, she said I was to old 50..to be playing basketball with high school kids. On a side not..”why are women always right?? Anyway great videos Thanks again. Love the accent.. I miss Americans. Back in Ireland now.. Have a good one.

[@HowardLuksMD]

"This was so so so so helpful to me" Very kind! Thanks!

[@veenamadhuri3363]

Hi doctor I do have

[@SupaIs1]

@howardslukemd what should one do if they think they have a torn meniscus but doesn't have insurance? Thanks

[@Willtext]

How damaging is kneeling for long periods of time to the knee joint?

[@masiso661]

Dr Howard in this type of surgery it's a local anesthesia or genral? thank very much for your reply and thank you for the information, blessing.

[@jehlu55]

So clear and reassuring! Having just got MRI results that show a horizontal radial tear of the body of the lateral meniscus with associated meniscus cyst, which explains the problems of the last several years, especially when dancing! I shall listen carefully to all advice I'm given and if it does mean having an arthroscopic meniscus procedure I really hope I can hit the Zumba floor again and not literally! Thanks you so much for this video.

[@michellehall7936]

That's what I'm hoping. To hit the Zumba floor again. I have a tear in the posterior horn of the medical meniscus with fluid

[@foody4385hfh]

How r u both

[@HowardLuksMD]

Whether or not a meniscus is going to heal is usually based on where the tear is, the quality of the meniscus tissue and how large the tear is. Some tears heal spontaneously, some require sutures to bring the edges back together.

[@HowardLuksMD]

@jnettle1 you are welcome... I'm glad it was of assistance to you~! I also hope you continue to feel better!

[@greghurley632]

Thanks for the video. I am 51, play ice hockey, soccer, mountain unicycle and bicycle commute. I think I have a medial meniscus issue. I have mild to moderate pain but I think I will give it a few more weeks to see if it gets better on its own before seeking professional help.

[@SouthavenFarmInc]

Excellent comprehensive explaination. Well done & I thank you.

[@HowardLuksMD]

If you knee no longer has an ACL then turning, pivoting and twisting are testing the limits of the knee. Each time you perform those motions, you are pushing the meniscal cartilage and the other structures of the knee to the max... sometimes that will result in tears of the cartilage or wearing away of the cartilage

[@ladidiyo]

Hi, I am 55 yrs old, felt pain in my knee since August 2013. Had Cortizone shot October 2013, pain came back December 2013. Had MRI done Feb. 2014 and it shows: complex tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus with intercondylar fragment, small Bakers cyst, condromalacia Patellae grade II/III., Lateral Patellar Tilt . My doctor recommends surgery for the tear. I would like to get your opinion please. Thank you.

[@HowardLuksMD]

It's not an easy choice when arthritis and a meniscus tear is present. Your doc appears to making the appropriate decisions so far. At this point, if your arthritis is "mild", your symptoms are "mechanical", and the tear is extensive, or a loose flap is present then it is reasonable to consider an arthroscopy... with the clear understanding that the arthritis might worsen.

[@OnRockIT]

Hello Dr.Luks, My MRI reports showed an oblique medial meniscus tear. I am going to visit an orthopedic surgeon in the first week of April to discuss my options. In your opinion, what exercises are good to keep active and not strenuate the knee too much. Also would arthroscopic surgery be avoidable? Thanks for your time. Regards from Toronto, Canada.

[@kk195109]

Wonderful video.I am Endocrinologist 63 yr old.I fell fell down on rt side recently & sustained fracture rt wrist.MRI of rt Knee showed oblique horizontal tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus communicates with superior articular surface. I am biker,runner & play tennis.I am asymptomatic.My Orthopod suggested Arthoplasty to repair tear to prevent further degeneration.I would like to have your opinion.

[@omstygomsty]

Did you eventually end up with surgery in that knee?

[@alexnunez3333]

Thanks Doctor Howard this helped me out alot 😊

[@xPygocentrusx]

I have meniscus tear. fairly servere.the dotor has said so, everything you have explained points to this! I can't stand up on the leg as the knee will not support my weight without failing. I did this dirt biking and was rather abrupt as I thought I snapped my leg at first! he has told me to remain off that leg for six weeks and then look into physio. I would like as much advice I can find to help heal this without having a surgery. any suggestion you have I would love to hear them! thank-you!

[@brightspace1700]

Very informative, my doctor told me yesterday that I have a tear. But because I have Arthritis in that new he says, that it would be a 60/60 chance that surgery would make a difference. So I was referred to physical therapy. No surgery for now. However, I still have lots of questions and concerns.

[@RVBOY2]

If your doctor used the term 60/60 find a new doctor asap. He's clearly an imbecile.

[@nikkiallaireee]

This was so so so so helpful to me. I am 35 and have started working out at the gym. the inner part of my knee is sooo tender to even touch. I can't walk down the stairs easily and when I go to stand up for the first time or now walking I am in pain... I also feel like it is going to just give out on me. I really need to work out because it is summer time and I want to lose weight. I can't even do the eliptical which is supposed to be the easiest on the knee.. I am so sad... i

[@omstygomsty]

Did your knee ever heal or did you end up getting surgery? Why did you have pain coming down the stairs?

[@HowardLuksMD]

True grade 2 tears do not "need" surgery. Was an MRI performed?

[@blakesteele7800]

Good man, lots of intelligent information and advice. Well done Sir!

[@barbaraloomis9168]

Thank you soooooo very much, your video was quite helpful.

[@Belmiciotto]

Hello Dr. Luks! I noticed you didn’t discuss root tears. I imagine they always require surgery especially in order to avoid bone necrosis? Is no weight bearing required for 4 weeks post surgery? I’m an active healthy 64 year old woman and tore my meniscus playing tennis. Any input you can give is greatly appreciated! 💙🎾

[@darwandoo]

Thank you Dr. I have a quick ? Please. I have a medial complex tear and I can't run. What exercises can I do to help my pain symptoms? Thank you

[@HowardLuksMD]

Ricky ... There are many different structures you could have injured. The kneecap - or patella- is one of them. If you feel the patella is no longer centered properly on the knee it would be worth it to have this evaluated. Good luck!

[@egderegor]

Dr. I have been in major pain for 3 weeks. I will do anything for relief I am taking med but I need a cure.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Robert... thanks for reaching out. IF you have knee pain which is causing a feeling like the knee wants to give way then an MRI might be a good idea. In patients with minimal pain, an MRI might not be necessary... but if you have instability then you may injure yourself one day and it is worth looking into a little deeper. Good Luck!

[@youubik]

Stupid advice. You do not need an MRI, you do not need surgery, you need to rehabiltate yourself and give yourself time to heal. These fucker surgeons don't give a damn about your health

[@egderegor]

Thank you Dr. I went to the specialist yesterday. He wants me to get a brace for 6 months ,said I was to old for acl meniscus repair. The acl is an old I have a friend that had acl and meniscus done on both knees he is about 48. He gave me cortisone He said you can not fix an old acl/meniscus. He was very quick and did not answer anything. Can I walk on it. He was very arrogant in a big hurry. I don't know what to do.

[@pharphrom2292]

I am in the us army. Just took a PT test. I had ran about 1/2 mile when it felt like my left knee just gave way. With much pain and effort I finished. I am unable to bend the knee now, way to much pain. The clinic did x-rays and saw nothing, gave me a brace and said it was a meniscus tear to get MRI and surgery. What are your thoughts?

[@jb_nailzz817]

my knee gives out...but i can straighten it out ...stretch and bend it...the only thing i cannot do is walk with it normal...i have to have my knee slightly bend everytime i. Walking

[@akelahoonji]

hi ...i am 40 years of age. I fell down while bowling in a cricket match ..went to visit an orthopedition i was told that i have miniscus tears in both knees so i have to go for surgery. then went for 2nd openion and was told no need for surgery just do physio theray thatn after 6 months if i could not recover i have to go for surgery option . Now its almost 7 months passed .Condition improved but still my heel cant touch my hips. What should i do ???? please can your suggest any option.

[@egderegor]

thank you for your info My MRI says I have Medical compartmental osteoarthritic degenerative changes. Complex tear of the body and posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Chronic full thickness tear of the superior half of the anterior cruciate ligament. Joint effusion. Changes of chondromalacia. I am 57 and have set tile for years. I don't know what to do what do you suggest

[@basittsyyed]

Thanks for the video I have a meniscus tear in my right now I got it from football at the age of 25 and it's been a year or more now, I continued football and squating and many activities after which gave me little pain however recently my side of the knee where the tear is I feel a bump in the bone and it's always hurting what sign may this be

[@HowardLuksMD]

SirJared :-), No one can truly say if tears will become larger or not. There are few if any good studies which followed people with tears and repeated their MRI to see if tears grew in size --- or even diminished in size. Some tears which we know to be repairable (with sutures) we will recommend surgery so that you do not lose any meniscus... however, if your tear will require a removal of the torn piece and you have few if any issues with your knee --- then think twice b4 having surgery.

[@annikaniclasen9025]

I’m 14 and i play soccer. 6 months ago i dislocated my patella, and while my patella dislocated, it ripped of my LCL. 4 months ago i tore my medial meniscus. I’m in pain every day, and i take pain killers. I’ve had 34 doctor’s, x-ray, ortho and PT appointments this year. I have an appointment with my ortho coming up soon, and i’m freaking nervous. I’ll have to get 3 surgeries. One to put my patella back in to place. One to fix my LCL. And one to fix my meniscus.

[@Dstealthsniper]

A bum knee?.. your expertise would be highly appreciated. . Thx

[@gilllie666]

i sustained my injury jumping in basketball, at the moment the knee cant fully contract. I'm getting the MRI today fingers crossed i dont need surgery

[@babarsky3000]

you will always have numbness around your knee and on the side of your knee. I had a medial meniscus repair done, and an acl reconstruction done back in 2010, and i still have no feeling on the side of my leg from the bottom of my knee to about halfway down my leg. Im actually getting anouther surgery done soon for my meniscus for my right knee.

[@Bintumani88]

Hello Mr. Luks, I have had arthroscopic surgery (5/23/13). I have been using an ice wrap on the knee. I still seem to have some swelling around top upper knee and some numbness around the knee where the incisions are. Not much pain, but not full comfort either. The swelling concerns me, right knee looks larger than the left (good knee). Is it to be expected this could be the new norm? Also, knee and leg strength is much diminished, do you have suggestions for a strengthening program? Thanks

[@JohnSmith-of4vh]

Thankyou for this great video. I had 2 MRI scans plus an X-Ray & for a year have had a medial miniscus tear in my left knee. What is your personal opinion on a complex tear, part radial & part horizontal leading from the horn to the root with a 1x1/2 inch cyst on the inside of the knee? This cyst has become smaller & I continue to lead an active life including walking to work (1/2 an hour each way, 4 times a week) & cycling activities ( shopping & on racing bikes). I am still in the care of a consultant but due to Covid have yet to see him in person.

[@ritastutler1470]

I fell ..never had knee problems...lock up..feels like my knee is going forward. Had xrays ..no breaks but possible tear..also said bad arthritis. Why did I not have pain until I guess twisted or tore something. I am used to walking alot...but can not now..ha e a brace and got a steroid shot. The nurse practioner said to leave it for now...no need for mri.

[@jlmalan01]

Hi Dr Luks, injured my knee while carrying a heavy crate about 6 weeks ago. I didn't know till last weekwhat the problem was. My orthro wanted to book me for surgerythe next day. He only spent about 10 minutes checking out my knee. I have instability and a click in my knee. Do you think a second opinion and an MRI is necessary or should I get the surgery as soon as possible

[@stallion5868]

How long does it take to recover?

[@fadumamohamoud67]

Dr Luks, thank You fro making this video and Explanation of meniscal tear.

[@sarasantos6049]

This is my first real injury (knee) in 17 years of playing sports, and I am a bit scared about the possible outcome (haven't had MRI, because the public system in Portugal cuts a lot on more expensive diagnostic exams...). THANK YOU, for sharing your knowledge. Best regards.

[@Aman-fe1gi]

How r u now ?

[@feliciastovall7389]

Hello I had am MRI of left knee. How bad did injure my knee. IMPRESSION: Peripheral tear and separation of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus with subcapsular fluid, soft tissue edema and a larger than 7 centimeter lobulated popliteal cyst Low-grade partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament Partial tear of the posterior tibial insertion of the medial collateral ligament Thanks

[@atlgirl06]

What is the normal down time after meniscus scope sugery?

[@HowardLuksMD]

Arthur.. great question. Stem cell treatments are approved in the US. The difference is that we're not allowed to culture them and allow the number of cells to increase. This technology will probably enable us to slow or reverse the degeneration... but we do not have the research data to claim that ---yet. That said, many people are opting for the treatment now

[@patriciajmatheny]

Thank- you Dr. for making this an understandable informative video.

[@bdavidson222]

Thanks for the great information! What would you suggest be the best recovery methods if you recently agitated or frayed your meniscus. The PT doesn't believe mine is torn.

[@srivatsanguru9768]

sir. I have a bucket handle medial meniscus tear. should I undergo an arthroscopy.

[@dipankarbhattacharya462]

I have an oblique grade 3 medial meniscus tear. Is surgery required? Will there be any future consequences, if I do not go for surgery. male/25yrs

[@vamirtheswaran5585]

my knee ligament is completly tear,i am not able to jump freely, there any problem occurs in future.....

[@karenlynnthorpe]

56 year old female here, i over extended my right knee getting into low car and was in bad pain after that. Been 2 months or more now, saw a doc here, had x rays, only arthritis showed and boney growth. Referred to Ortho and all hes done thus far, is said, lets change your Celebrex(not workin) to Malxocam and change from Biofreeze to Lidocaine gel. Not helping at all, now other leg is as bad as the right one. So much pain, buckeling, getting up, bending, have been walking with cane for month.

[@linsmedia]

Should I challenge my MD's opinion - would arthroscopy help? Thx My lateral meniscal tear of 20 yrs is now compounded by aging (66yrs) & years of karate. MRI shows early osteoarth. MD is reluctant to do any procedure as it may "exacerbate" the arthritis - rec. lubricant injs which have helped + Aleve. Still cannot flex knee & have "snapping" over lat condyle + Pain & continued swelling.

[@rickybulau5766]

If I continue to ice it and don't overuse the knee, how long do the less severe MCL injuries take to heal?

[@HowardLuksMD]

Giving way or instability - -if your ACL and other ligaments are normal --- is an issue that should be addressed to minimize the risk of you injuring yourself falling down the stairs, etc. Good Luck

[@coprb1991]

Meniscus tear 1 , what should I do?

[@kindarosasaki9059]

*FINALLY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL THAT KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKLING...ALL THOSE CRAPPY PHYSIOS ARE USELESS....*

[@robertofigueroa1274]

I recently had Arthroscopy for a pain at the back of my right knee. The pain was sharp usually after walking 100 m. When I was 12 had my knee locking when playing soccer but a few years later the problem disappeared. Now I am 63. My Dr recommended surgery. On surgery Dr found tears of the medial and the lateral meniscus and performed partial medial meniscectomy and repair on the lateral meniscus. Now after watching this video I said myself that probably I made a mistake by getting the scope. I did not report any locking or swelling. Now I am on my recovering time. Could you please give me your opinion on this?

[@mrmikecebu]

Way to replace meniscus pad? i step downstairs with rt leg fall thru on left knee. going up like a push/jump up then normal step with good knee.Hides a little the fact i cant climb stairs as normal. thigh smaller over the years. torn meniscus was removed at in h.s. football. it feels like it would burst sideways if i jumped or tried to run. 20 minute walk&im sore a day. ten-fifteen minutes walk ok.Cant balance n rockey stream.Only inside left weak.my only option partial knee replacement?

[@HowardLuksMD]

Some meniscus tears can heal on their own... typically you will know within 4-6 weeks if it is healing. You will be more comfortable, etc. If you are more than 6 weeks out from your injury, and your pain persists, it is very unlikely the tear will heal itself.

[@HowardLuksMD]

hard to say without examining you... but it is not uncommon for people to develop a cyst (fluid filled sac) next to the meniscus tear... thus we call it a para-meniscal cyst. Have it checked out if it persists.

[@HowardLuksMD]

Many meniscus tears are just as easy to fix as ligament injuries :-) Non-impact, non-pivoting and twisting activities are usually well tolerated until you have a better idea of what's going on.

[@FedeOttalagano]

Very helpful info. Thanks a lot.

[@fcp605]

Good day Sir.Just got may MRI result and diagnosed with an oblique tear on my posterior medial meniscus(left knee).But I can still managed to play basketball twice a week having a little pain after the game (scale of 2 out of 10 pain) with a knee support.And apart from that I can still do wall squat, leg extensions and leg curls with a minimal weight and do a 20-30 min jogging with a scale of 2 out of 10 pain.But my question is do I need a surgery for this tear??Hope to hear it from you soon.tnx

[@grettagrids]

I get cortisone shots in both knees every few months.. as needed ( left knee already had 3 surgeries). I hope they keep helping me..

[@difairhurst]

Thanks for your insights :). I was kind of hoping it would be a ligament that could be fixed and not the meniscus or cartilage. I will find out for sure though next month. In the mean time, do you think low impact training on a cross trainer is permissible (to maintain fitness), if there's no discomfort or pain? Or am I risking further damage to the cartilage/meniscus (if I'v damaged them)? Swimming is something I could do but it's much more convenient to use a cross-trainer for me currently.

[@arthursalcido4732]

Tore my left miniscus in November and my right miniscus in February. Both times they healed in about 2 months. X-rays revealed miniscus degeneration and arthritis. I can walk slowly without pain so I'm puting off any surgery for now. If the use of stem cells are legalized in the future would stem cell injections regenerate the miniscus?

[@iandsouza227]

Hello Dr.Luks, I'm 44 yr old & actively involved in soccer. About 4 weeks back, I twisted by knee while playing & although I could walk (not freely), my knee used to hurt especially while climbing stairs/putting weight on it. I've stopped playing & it's a lot better. I can now climb stairs without much pain. I can also bend my knee freely but the pain is still there especially while getting up from a chair (i have to get up slowly). I am feeling better. do you think I need rest/surgery. Thanks