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[REGGAB]

Let's say a man has had some chronic knee pain for say......4 years.  It gets worse as time passes.  The knee locks after strenuous activity, and keeps him awake at night after a long day of doing whatever it is he loves to do.  Suppose the knee sounds like a worn out socket wrench ratchet and grinds every time it is moved.  Factor in possible falls upon rising in the morning coupled with immobility unless furniture has been arranged to facilitate initial movement.  Let's say it's not related to an accident or injury, but rather just years of wear and abuse........say.....that which is endured by an Armed Forces Servicemember over a two decade career.  Suppose the man goes to an orthopaedic surgeon and after an examination is told he has possibly torn his meniscus and it is possible his ACL is partially torn.  If the MRI reveals this to be true, and surgery is recommended and performed, what is the typical recovery period?  In other words, how long would the man be "down" and not able to do the things he normally does even when he had severe knee pain?

[naitram]

you talking full knee replacement?

[naitram]

some reading material

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_replacement

[REGGAB]

some reading material

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_replacement

YIKES

I think I'd have to suck it up and drive on if TKR was the only option.

[Keats]

I have had no less than 3 friends that have had this surgery done in the last few  weeks
recovery is amazing to me. Some slow and some really fast
All have said they wished they had done this earlier after the rehabilitation.
right after the operation I am not so sure everyone was in agreement though.
lots of rehab and pain

[1abastarsmda]

Hypothetically, how old is this man and other than the knee, how physically fit should we assume him to be.  My neighbor has his done a few months ago, and he spent about a week sitting around the house and he took his therapy very seriously.  He's back out playing racketball again already and coaching basketball.  I was amazed at how quickly he was back at it full grind.  He's about 52.  My uncle, on the other hand, was in his 80's when he had it done, and I don't think he ever recovered entirely and he fought about having to go to therapy.  He still ran 10 miles/day up until almost the day he died, but after the surgery, he pretty much looked like he was walking and flailing his arms.  So, what I'm saying is I don't think there is one general answer can be given to that question.

[sportygordy]

Let's say a man has had some chronic knee pain for say......4 years.  It gets worse as time passes.  The knee locks after strenuous activity, and keeps him awake at night after a long day of doing whatever it is he loves to do.  Suppose the knee sounds like a worn out socket wrench ratchet and grinds every time it is moved.  Factor in possible falls upon rising in the morning coupled with immobility unless furniture has been arranged to facilitate initial movement.  Let's say it's not related to an accident or injury, but rather just years of wear and abuse........say.....that which is endured by an Armed Forces Servicemember over a two decade career.  Suppose the man goes to an orthopaedic surgeon and after an examination is told he has possibly torn his meniscus and it is possible his ACL is partially torn.  If the MRI reveals this to be true, and surgery is recommended and performed, what is the typical recovery period?  In other words, how long would the man be "down" and not able to do the things he normally does even when he had severe knee pain?

Hey HML, - I'm in the same boat you discuss. I've been through two surgeries to repair torn meniscus and now dealing with major Osteoarthritis and the pain associated with it. Total knee replacement is my only cure at this point. Only problem is, my doctor is wanting me to hold off for 10 years due to my age. They claim if i go for the replacement now (at 54), i will be in for another within my life span and the second replacement surgery has a much higher risk factor then the first. Don't ask me why, but that's what they tell me. Pain and activities is always an issue so my doctor started me on Celebrex about 6 months ago. Due to the risk of Celebrex, he has me on 30 days and off 30 day's. Since I've been on this medication it has made a big difference keeping my pain level low and allowing me a more active life style. If 'one' has not tried this medication to control Osteoarthritis pain, i highly recommend 'one' to try it. And I recommend 'one' has a doctor that understands the complications of using Celebrex over a long period of time. In other words, 'one' should not take this stuff in moderation over longs periods of time.

[Fired00d]

Let's say a man has had some chronic knee pain for say......4 years.  It gets worse as time passes.  The knee locks after strenuous activity, and keeps him awake at night after a long day of doing whatever it is he loves to do.  Suppose the knee sounds like a worn out socket wrench ratchet and grinds every time it is moved.  Factor in possible falls upon rising in the morning coupled with immobility unless furniture has been arranged to facilitate initial movement.  Let's say it's not related to an accident or injury, but rather just years of wear and abuse........say.....that which is endured by an Armed Forces Servicemember over a two decade career.  Suppose the man goes to an orthopaedic surgeon and after an examination is told he has possibly torn his meniscus and it is possible his ACL is partially torn.  If the MRI reveals this to be true, and surgery is recommended and performed, what is the typical recovery period?  In other words, how long would the man be "down" and not able to do the things he normally does even when he had severe knee pain?

Henry,
Haven't had a chance to look at the links Neal provided, but from your post sounds like something similar that I suffered w/my knee. I had really bad torn meniscus in my knee that I actually have had it 'scoped twice. If this is what the surgeon is saying can be done ('scoped) then it's not that bad. Barring any complications it will be in/out surgery and you'll walk out the hospital on crutches. Within a couple weeks you'll be back to a semi-regular lifestyle. You will require some physical therapy just to get range of  motion and strength back in the joint.

Now if the knee has to be opened up to repair the recovery will be a little bit longer. This will be mainly because of the procedure and all the surrounding area (tissue/muscles) that are disturbed during it. At the extreme end of this is the total knee replacement which would require more recovery time.

I have noticed and was advised when my meniscus was removed that I would develop arthritis in the joints as I got older and this has been true. I get the aches in it occasionally, but it doesn't lock up anymore.

Good luck on whatever you decide and let us know when you are going to have it done.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[mav7266]

Henry,

Don't know exactly how old you are, but I am 51 and already had one knee replaced from bike wreck in 05, but it is doing great. Was suppose to have the other replaced in December 08 (bone on bone) but due to family emergencies postponed for another year. Many years of Football was not to kind to my knees and I was not going to be laid up for about 8-12 weeks when riding season was just around the corner.
Just got back from the doctor today and received a steriod shot in the knee and a script for some Celebrex. This will usually last me until the end of summer.
 There are several treatments you can try before any surgery, talk to your Doctor, he should be able to give you some options before electing surgery and you can make a informed decision. Also you can search the web for information on different type treatment and thier side effects.

mav7266

[REGGAB]

Thanks for all the replies and advice.  Here's the scope (pun intended). 

Yep.....it's me.  My left knee.  Just today I was walking back to my den, and my left knee buckled.  Fell into a piece of furniture, knocked over a bunch of stuff (to include my 2005 "Give Tanks" H-D gift for buying $250 worth of stuff around Christmas that year.......and pretty much wrecked it.  Should be able to fix it up.  Anyway........

Had an MRI on 12 MAR.  Met with my orthopod today.  I have a "horizontal cleavage tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus," and a "bone contusion posterior central aspect of the patella.

Surgery (scope) is scheduled for 16 April at 1pm.  I've been going to PT three time a week, plus doing the "homework" they assign, for three weeks now.  It is amazing how weak my left quad is compared to my right.  Not real sure what he's gonna do in there, but he did tell me the tear is in an area with not much of a blood supply, so there will be some removal an reshaping of the meniscus.  He put me on Mobic when I saw him earlier this month, but that stuff doesn't do anything for me.  Still hurts like hell, and when it "catches" on the tear, I fall.

So.......he told me to ride all I could between now and surgery day, because after surgery he doesn't want me riding for at least two months.  That........in and of itself........is going to SUCK so bad.  Still thinking about putting it off, but I've had just about all I can stand of the pain, the locking, the grinding, laying awake at night..........just want it fixed.  He's concerned about the bone contusion, and will scope that area as well.  Also, my ACL is partially torn.  He'll look at it during surgery as well.  Not much can be done about that except grafting a hunk of patellar ligament in place of the ACL.

I'm 46 years old.  With my activity level, he tells me that knee replacement is out of the question...........I'd wear it out in 5 years.  So, I need to make his repair work last as long as possible......at least 15 years or more.

So.....what do you guys think?  Will I REALLY have to leave the bikes parked for two months (which means Renea and I will report to Ribfest in the ton truck) or is there any way possible I can be functional one month post-op.

Still reporting for PT three times per week until surgery date.  I want the knee as strong as I can get it prior to surgery with hopes it will make recovery go faster.  That's alot of riding time I'll miss...........and with all I have going on..........I really need to be able to ride.

Thanks,

Henry

[Fired00d]

.....

So.....what do you guys think?  Will I REALLY have to leave the bikes parked for two months (which means Renea and I will report to Ribfest in the ton truck) or is there any way possible I can be functional one month post-op.

Still reporting for PT three times per week until surgery date.  I want the knee as strong as I can get it prior to surgery with hopes it will make recovery go faster.  That's alot of riding time I'll miss...........and with all I have going on..........I really need to be able to ride.

Thanks,

Henry

Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I had total hip replacement... two weeks later was using a cane... eight weeks later I did a commercial for joint replacement for the hospital that did the surgery.

You've got the right attitude... get the leg as strong as you can before surgery (do the PT), then after the surgery get back on the PT as soon as possible. Then decide what you feel the most comfortable with. No one will be able to tell you how much, or how fast you will rehabilitate... only you will know that when you start.

Good luck.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[FNGw/08SERK]

Henry, you know what they say about opinions ..... but here's mine. You know my experience with training. While I'm not going to play backyard MD I would like to suggest you contemplate putting this off until the riding season is over. Continue to stretch strengthen stretch strengthen etc. In addition find a good Glucosamine & Chondroitin supplement as well as fish oil. See what transpires over the summer. Worst case scenario you choose to have the elective surgery in the fall or winter.

FWIW I have seen these types of "injuries" managed in this way without going under the knife. Your MD can wait to purchase his next toy  

Oh, ice it when it gets grumpy. Not only will it reduce the swelling (read pain) but homeostasis has powerful healing capabilities as well. Good luck brother.

Howie

[REGGAB]

Gary, Howie,
Thanks for the replies and advice.  It's more than just the knee pain.  Falling down stairs REALLY sucks, and I HATE elevators, but that's the level to which I've been reduced.  I think Renea is sick of me breaking things as well.

More (most) importantly..........here's my worst fear:  I've been VERY fortunate so for.  Red light.  Approach.  Slow.  Stick the legs out.  Left is locked.  You can imagine the rest.  I'm already compensating by leaning to the right out of habit just to avoid that predicament.  Yeah....the pain sucks, but since it's gone on for so long, safety is becoming a factor.  I'm already popping 6-250mg Osteo-Biflex every day.  Haven't tried fish oil, but I'll get some.  I'm thinking I can pull off a recovery prior to Ribest and make that ride........pain free and without fear of locking.  Sure.......I can keep going like I have been, but I've been doing it for four years..........and the vacuum factor increases exponentially each year.  Since returning from Ken and Cheri's on Sunday, the only method by which I've been able to sleep is taking 2 each 10/325mg Lortab...........and I hate those things.  Sure......they provide relief, but the side effect of having to pee........but not being able too...........and having to take a dump...........and feeling like I'm passing a cinder block is worse than simply dealing with the pain.  I don't want to spend this summer like this.  Call it "desperation," but I gotta do something else.  Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over an over and expecting different results.  Well, we all know I'm a few fries short of a Happy Meal, but even I have enough common sense to know when it is time to fix something that's broke.   

[Fired00d]

Gary, Howie,
Thanks for the replies and advice.  It's more than just the knee pain.  Falling down stairs REALLY sucks, and I HATE elevators, but that's the level to which I've been reduced.  I think Renea is sick of me breaking things as well.

More (most) importantly..........here's my worst fear:  I've been VERY fortunate so for.  Red light.  Approach.  Slow.  Stick the legs out.  Left is locked.  You can imagine the rest.  I'm already compensating by leaning to the right out of habit just to avoid that predicament.  Yeah....the pain sucks, but since it's gone on for so long, safety is becoming a factor.  I'm already popping 6-250mg Osteo-Biflex every day.  Haven't tried fish oil, but I'll get some.  I'm thinking I can pull off a recovery prior to Ribest and make that ride........pain free and without fear of locking.  Sure.......I can keep going like I have been, but I've been doing it for four years..........and the vacuum factor increases exponentially each year.  Since returning from Ken and Cheri's on Sunday, the only method by which I've been able to sleep is taking 2 each 10/325mg Lortab...........and I hate those things.  Sure......they provide relief, but the side effect of having to pee........but not being able too...........and having to take a dump...........and feeling like I'm passing a cinder block is worse than simply dealing with the pain.  I don't want to spend this summer like this.  Call it "desperation," but I gotta do something else.  Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over an over and expecting different results.  Well, we all know I'm a few fries short of a Happy Meal, but even I have enough common sense to know when it is time to fix something that's broke.   

One of the things I asked my PCP about my hip was when would I know it was time to have it fixed/replaced... His reply was... "you will know". Sounds like you are at that point now. What I'm hearing you saying about dealing w/the pain are some of the same things I tried.... and all of them were only "band-aids". I remember riding the last few months before surgery and not being able to put my left leg down when I stopped because of the discomfort. It had gotten to the point that I was lifting my leg because of the discomfort (flat out pain) that I would get when I tried to use it normally. Before the surgery I couldn't/wouldn't take "Mrs. D00d" riding w/me because I could barely hold the bike up w/me on it no less having a passenger on the too.

So it's not desperation I hear from you... I hear that "you" have had enough and "you" know it's time.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sadunbar]

Henry,

Ten years ago, I fractured my tibia plateau and tore all three ligaments in my right knee in a skiing accident.  I had the ligaments repaired and was 18 weeks No Weight Bearing for the fracture to heal.  My right knee has very little stability - and the only solution is a knee replacement.  My ortho told me the same as you have been counseled...wait as long as possible, because at my age, a replacement would not last a lifetime.  His advice is the technology in knee replacement advances each year, so every year I wait, I probably gain a year and a half of time.  I don't have cronic pain, although arthritis is setting in.  My problem is mainly a lack of stability.  I dropped a bike once - a few years ago, when I stopped at a stop sign and found sandy/leaves where I needed to plant my feet.  My knee gave way, and over I went.  (I was in the country by myself, so getting it back up with a rapidly swelling knee was a challenge.)  I don't know how long I have before the arthritis advances to a stage where I have to make a decision about a replacement.  I know I will try to put it off as long as possible.  But, d00d is right - you're going to know when it is time...

Scott

(I was run over behind by a kid on a snowboard - I went into catch fencing and thought all was fine.  But, the catch fencing was held in place by 4x4 wooden posts... Wrapped my knee around the post, which was the end of my knee.  Then, while reeling in pain, I was run into by another kid on a snowboard.  The second impact was a bruise to the bone on my good leg.  Try crutches in that condition!!)