Zion's right knee lateral meniscus tear: The surgery, five potential causes, and future risks

Expert analysis by Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT of New Orleans #1 pick Zion Williamson's right knee lateral meniscus tear, including details on the injury itself, the surgery he underwent, five potential root causes, and significant risks moving forward.

[@BoWSkittlez]

Who else is watching this with a torn meniscus

[@3cbperformance]

sorry to hear that mate

[@BoWSkittlez]

@@3cbperformance No worries. I'm post surgery and healing so it's all good.

[@staceywoodsii3016]

Me

[@meezymiami954]

Me I’m gonna have surgery on Thursday 9th of June 2022 I’m nervous as hell

[@rubinturner8233]

Love the beat playing the background. Great information on Zion's injury.

[@3cbperformance]

thanks

[@DK-rk8ie]

This is so accurate. I used to use a ton of shifts and jump stops. Now I have a knee replacement at 35 and potentially needing another within the next few years. It's why I don't think Zion will last long as an explosive athlete.

[@RBK_3]

I had almost all of my lateral meniscus in my right knee removed 12 years ago at the same age as him. I only have some of the horns left. It has been pretty good so far, I am now 32 and had an MRI recently that shows some minor cartridge thinning, which is to be expected.

[@3cbperformance]

Definitely expected and glad to hear you're doing well. The major difference here is that Zion puts a lot of stress on his legs so it never bodes well to have any removed that early. Hopefully the movement mechanics changes can mitigate some of that.

[@dez4three617]

Great video Dr. Raj

[@3cbperformance]

thank you

[@Segobispo]

Been waiting on this video Great vid

[@3cbperformance]

appreciate you watching

[@graphics.c17version]

@@3cbperformance MRI report : grade 2 tear at posterior horn of medial meniscus. Minimal joint effusion. Marrow oedema at medial femoral condyle. This problem recovery without surgery? I need proper advice. Thanks.

[@3cbperformance]

@@graphics.c17version Better question for your orthopedic. I can't tell you that

[@toddmichaelsen788]

How did Lebron avoid bad knees? They are similar in size. I know they move differently. I hope Zion has a long career. Great kid.

[@UtsukushiTamashi]

Todd Michaelsen lebron was a lot lighter than zion during his rookie year. Lebron had gained more weight later in his career so compared to Zion which happened only for a shorter period of time hence not long enough for his body to adapt.

[@jogabonitadefutbol]

They aren't similar in size. Zion is 6'6" nearing 280lbs, Lebron is 6'8" and averaged about 250lbs. Lebron is taller and significantly leaner than Zion.

[@muganthediamondlion7506]

Knee alignment

[@rubinturner8233]

No sir. Zion is at least 30 pounds heavier even though Zion and him both have minimal body fat on their frame.

[@SeedOilFitnessOfficial]

Lebron has Perfect Biomechanics

[@melonusk6120]

what app/program are you using to simulate bones ? ty

[@3cbperformance]

Complete anatomy by 3D4medical

[@melonusk6120]

@@3cbperformance THNAKS!

[@user-fs8hk7qs9d]

I'm playing football on a lateral m. tear (outside linebacker) I just pop a ibuprofen and get on out. I can't really run at full speed but it's good enough. I feel like I should be taking it more serious but why risk being out when I'm playing at a satisfactory level? The only issue is I can barely walk at night when the ibuprofen wears off and it hurts pretty bad on both sides of my knees on the outside.

[@3cbperformance]

That's the "only issue" mate? sounds like a major one

[@user-fs8hk7qs9d]

@@3cbperformance yeah, well it's kind of a trade off. 😅 Pay the price at the end of the night. I don't think I need to see a doctor. Just recover at the end of the night and wait for it to heal on its own. Honestly it might not even be a tear, I'm probably just overrating it.

[@3cbperformance]

@@user-fs8hk7qs9d Difficult to say if it will heal on its own or not without knowing more specifics

[@user-fs8hk7qs9d]

@@3cbperformance welp, as I just came back from practice and broke my ring finger it would appear im heading to the doctor regardless 😂😅 violent sport I'm playing here.

[@3cbperformance]

@@user-fs8hk7qs9d Sorry to hear that mate; make sure to inquire about the knee as well

[@TheSlickrick269]

I tore my meniscus back in may and had surgury in early june. It is now Feburary 27 and I am about 90% recovered. My meniscus tear was bad the doctor told me most meniscus tears happen along the outside of the knee my Meniscus tore straight across. They told me I had two options I could do a full repair which would take at least six months or I could do with Zion did and have some cartilage taken out and return in six weeks but the risk was that I would have any complications five years down the line I decided to go with the six-month option because I want to play professional basketball and 5 years from now I want to still be playing do you have any info about a meniscus tear that tears straight across the middle thanks appreciate it

[@RBK_3]

I had my lateral meniscus in my right knee almost completely removed 12 years ago at age 19 and I still play ball at age 32. It has started to bother me a little recently but was good for the past 12 years.

[@abhishekdas8936]

@@RBK_3 Hi... I'm have undergone acl along with meniscus repair and still find some locking within the knee sometimes....I am still in rehab ...did u have something similar...or should I get worried

[@refurbishedkhuunareacheaph4019]

you know you fucked up if you compare zion with curry! he never dunk and for sure can't jump that high. stop it.

[@refurbishedkhuunareacheaph4019]

still didn't see him get injured? expected return 6-8 weeks. it's now 12-13 weeks! just stop it.

[@3cbperformance]

Part of that extended timetable is because the rehab has focused a lot on changing his movement patterns which can take extra time.