Should i have surgery on my knee?
So i had a complex tear in my later meniscus 1 1/2 months ago , the doctors all told me i should finish with the natural rehabilitation and see if i need surgery in the end. The torn part of my meniscus is located in a place with good blood supply so it has a good chance of healing on its own. However, complex tears are the worst kind of tears a person can get. I can jog now and im feeling much better. Should i have the surgery?
I understand the dilemma here.
Menisci can heal if the blood supply is good but cartilage, which they are made from, is well known to not have a good blood supply at the best of times.
If this was a small tear i would use the wait and see principle but as it is a complex tear you may need surgery to be able to return to full sporting activity etc.
Of course if you are not sporty and have no desire to go skiing / skateboarding etc etc then you may well make a sufficient recovery without surgery!
In the past i have worked alongside a consultant ortho surgeon who operated an all meniscal tears and i now work with on who only does the most complex ones, either way you will find research which supports both approaches!!!
The surgery is minor and will be a day case so please don’t be put of by the procedure itself. It really is simple and straightforward.
I think my professional advice would be dependant on what it is you want to do eg sports etc as to whether i would advise surgery.
I hope this helps you a little.
