What needs doing? Maybe a change of career

I have just Had a mri on my knee. As I recently had swelling and pain. This showed a large lateral meniscal tear, infra-patellar  pad trauma and small joint de-fusion . Any one out there had similar problems? And what options do I have .I am 46 years old, and a dance teacher I've never had problems with my knees.Thanks

[aldunn72023]

All of these can be corrected by surgery, and since you did not tear a major tendon or ligament, you could be back to normal activity in a matter or 1 to 2 weeks. Since it says a large meniscal tear, I would almost bet that your physican is going to want to refer you to a surgeon to have this repaired by arthroscopy. You say you are 46, it could just be the wear and tear from over the years.  There are precautions you can take to prevent this from happening again.  You should speak to your physician and voice your concerns.  He/she can go over different options with you and can give you the information you need to help prevent this.  Many people have this problem and many of them are able to resume normal lives in a very short time.  I wish you the best of luck!

[caregiver222]

My goodness gracious.

You have my sympathies.

You will not be able to "resume normal activity within one to two weeks".

There is a surgical option for repair. I would urge you to go to a surgeon who specializes in this procedure and had done a lot of them. Not one in six months.

If you can, arrange to get what is called a "3T" MRI, which means "three Tesla Units". Most MRI's are only 1 T. The 3T are the latest machines and prove a much clearer image, which will define surgical options.

If you can afford to do so I would get a consult from a specialist in sports medicine. One who deals with professional athletes.

Consult with your physician with regards to obtaining human growth hormone following the surgery. Use of this hormone (there are several) following a miniscal tear repair is controversial, so don't be surprised if he rejects it out of hand.

Do not let a general surgeon touch your knee.