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Experiences with fixing Torn Meniscus tear as a Senior Citizen

Posted , 2 users are following.

Dianne-Sheyenne
Dianne-Sheyenne

Merry Christmas everyone!

I am helping someone who is nearing 80. He believes he has Meniscus Tear. However it has gotten worse.

He is scared of going for surgery due to COVID risk (yes, he is fully vaccinated, yet to take booster shot)

He is looking for solution where Surgeon can fix knee in his office.

So far we found

  1. Repair of Meniscus tear. Can Doctor do this in office? Will Doctor even recommend sewing up the Meniscus because patient is old?

  2. Partial removal of Meniscus. Can this be done in Doctor's office?

  3. Complete removal of Meniscus. Can this be done in Doctor's office?

Patient loathes surgery. Some people say that torn meniscus may be manageable with 4 to 6 weeks of Physical therapy, but even he feels that the knee is so bad, that it needs surgery.

Patient does Recumbent bike and ices knee 1 to 2 times a day. And we saw some stretches/strengthening on YouTUBE, but still knee is paining.

Patient has high threshold for pain and intolerance (quit 35-years of smoking, cold turkey back in early 1990s), but this pain is too much.

We hear of Doctors who will push cortisone shots which may or may not work. Worse, we hear of Doctors who push unnecessary Surgeries just to make money (usually for their Hospitals).

Some people say that torn meniscus may be manageable with 4 to 6 weeks of Physical therapy, but

Please share your experiences and guidance.

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • barbara66703
    barbara66703 Dianne-Sheyenne

    Edited

    try therapy it takes several months to become manageable. If there is a possibility for new shoes walking heel to toe no shuffle or bumping. work on a good gate . don't wear old shoes it will promote same gate with injury. use a cane or walker until knee is able to support full weight. there are therapy exercises designed to help strengthen knee muscles and leg.

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