knee meniscus tear, can't take antibiotics

[nancy1215]

Am age 65.  Diagnosed with tear in posterior horn of medial meniscus extending into inferior articular surface, plus some arthritis.  Ice, heat, NSAIDs, hydrocodone don't help.  Cortisone shot helped a little.  Pain puts me in wheelchair if I walk much, and walking was my life until 12/08.  Had recurrent C. difficile colitis for 8 months in 2005 - 06, so am at risk of another recurrence if I need antibiotics.  Are there other treatments besides surgery?

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Arthroscopic surgery will probably give you the most predictable result.  Arthroscopic surgery can be performed without antibiotics at the discretion of your treating surgeon.

If surgery is not an option, I recently saw a brace, known as the Unloader Lite, designed to take a small amount of stress off the medial compartment, and ease the symptoms of a torn meniscus.  At present, I have no real experience with this brace.  Remember, it is by no means a cure, it simply controls the symptoms.

[PIGLET2911]

A related discussion, medial meniscus was started.