It is possible that I may need to have arthroscopic surgery on my left knee--an overuse injury. Imagine that?! Has anyone out there had it and what is the
actual recovery time? I would like to wait until winter, but your body will get back at you every time you try to pull something over on it. If you have had
anything like this, I would appreciate any pros and cons you experienced.
Artrhoscopic surgery?
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 old timer |
Artrhoscopic surgery? |
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Posts: 17 06/26/09 08:45 AM |
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cortney1234 |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 66 06/26/09 09:23 AM |
The old way to operate on a joint was to open the joint via large incisions. This is still done for certain things. But it involves large incisions with
increased risk of bad outcomes(infection, scar) and a prolonged recovery. Arthroscopy involves operating in the joint via smaller incisions with a camera and
small tools.
My question back to you would be... Just what are they planning on doing while they are inside your joint? They can do a significant amount of surgery through these small incisions and therefore your recovery can vary from a short amount of time to 3-6m. Waiting for the surgery also depends upon what they need to do... Sometimes waiting will just make the problems worse and require more surgery to correct it.... while other times its just a matter of getting in there at your convenience. I would suggest asking the surgeon specifically these questions... or get a second opinion from someone who will answer these questions. In the end, your chance of getting a surgery depends upon whether you land in a surgeons office. good luck |
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scoop7734 |
lala | #2 | ||
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Posts: 546 06/26/09 01:55 PM |
I just want you to make sure you get a second opinion. My first doc told me that this was the best bet for me to get running again this past spring. I
didn't like the idea so i got a second opinion...he said it was just an IT band issue and gave me some stretches and workouts. The pain went away in a week
or so and I had a great outdoor season.
So lesson learned, get multiple opinions, because there may be another option...surgery should be last resort in my mind. I researched it a lot. Recovery time is real short considering. Only problem is you may need to get the surgery again throughout your life depending...if your meniscus isn't torn and you dont have a cartilage problem i would say stay away from the surgery. |
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General.runbloomington |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 73 06/27/09 10:26 AM |
I had it.
It didn't work. Nightmare year. I had surgery onMay 29th LAST YEAR. Then had 3 herniated discs after 1st come back try in January 3 MRI's and 4 epidurals later, I was finally OK on May 12th. Started lightly jogging again.. Could not jog 4 laps around the track this morning..walk a lap/jog a lap. The fourth one the pain in the knee that had surgery was sharp.. So, arthoscopic surgery is expensive and highly touted, but no gurantees. Particularly for us old farts. |
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79runner |
Surgery | #4 | ||
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Posts: 135 06/27/09 05:22 PM |
I have had both knees scoped. I was up the next day and walking , all be it with crutches for support. I had scar tissue remove and torn meniscus repaired. I
was walking without crutches within three days, jogging within 10 and back to full running(3-5 miles per day) in 3 weeks. I had the other knee done with the
same injuries within 6 months of the first surgery. I can honestly say I wish I would have had the surgeries done 10 years earlier.
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 RunIndiana |
My older brother had it done several years ago... | #5 | ||
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Posts: 10752 06/27/09 06:00 PM Administrator |
...and still can't run - that's after having run 50 marathons and I don't know how many miles. Seems to me it's a gamble either way. How much
is age a factor too? Ultratrails may have taken the best route with his partial replacement. At least another opinion might be worth checking into.
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Ultratrails1 |
Had mine scoped first | #6 | ||
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Posts: 2082 06/29/09 09:19 PM |
The scope did not do me any good, then I had the Oxford partial Knee, that was the right move! Within a week started doing some ugly running, and now, I have
got some great runs, even getting some speed back.
As someone stated get some good understanding Dr Stephen Fisher FWO did my partial knee, however some quack from FWO did my scope. |
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General.runbloomington |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 75 06/30/09 08:51 PM |
After a year of shear heck..my knee went bad again...I had the high schol gys at a road race and ran way back.
By the time I got to the finish line over 26 minutes, the boys had to nearly help me to the truck. Two days later, I tried to walk a lap/ jog a lap on the BNL track. I could not jog the 4th lap. I called Bloomington Bone and Joint and the lady knew who I was even before I said my name. preferred customer. I called at 3:30p.m. and she got me in on thursday at 9a.m.! preferred customer. I don't know whos a quack and who isn't... I'm going back to the same guy that did my scope....but he's saved so many athletes "athletic lives" I know he can figure this thing out. |
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RunIndiana |
Who do you see at B B and J? | #8 | ||
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Posts: 10770 06/30/09 09:16 PM Administrator |
...Let us know how it goes. I go back to the ortho surgeon Thursday morning as well - a follow-up on my collarbone. Probably find a couple more loose screws.
You guys need to get over this knee stuff - you're playing into the hands of all those folks who make fun of runners, warn us our knees are going to give
out, and advise us to spend more time on the couch. Can't let them win.
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timmsteiner |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 1 06/30/09 10:06 PM |
Heres some inside info from an orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in sports.
You can't compare apples and oranges. There are different reasons to have scopes...some work, and some don't. Scopes are best for meniscus tears, loose bodies, and ligament reconstructions. They suck for cartilage wear and tear, arthritis, "pain", and diagnostic reasons. If you have one for these reasons, you are asking for trouble. Unfortunately, the biggest problem is that you can't trust every surgeon. Some are good and some are bad. Some are in it for money, and others actually care. Be careful. Seek a second opinion. Try non-operative treatment first. Runners should be especially careful when choosing arthroscopy as a treatment. Most running injuries are from overuse . These tend to respond best to non-operative treatment. Meniscus tears dont always need surgery. For runners, mechanical symptoms of locking or catching, and joint line tenderness WITHOUT arthritis are the best reasons to consider a scope. AVOID THIS SCENARIO: Doc, I have knee pain. Have an MRI. Small meniscus tear without mechanical symptoms. 3 minute consult with surgeon. Surgery. Finally, rehab is so incredibly important for the best operative outcome. General - come see me, i'm in Bloomington, i'm full tomorrow but would be happy to work you in at the end of the day. see my ad on RunIndiana.com homepage. plus, i am jed's son-in-law. |
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old timer |
Arthro 2 | #10 | ||
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Posts: 18 07/01/09 03:20 PM |
I thought before thinking any more about the arthroscopic surgery I would try something else as a last resort. I had seen my regular doctor, the surgeon, a
physical therapist, and then thought I would try a chiropractor. Wow! What a difference! Evidently one of my problems is that I am a little out of
whack--which is not really a surprise. But the problem I have been struggling with for the last 6 months is almost gone after three visits. This is not the
bone crusher theory I remember hearing about years ago. This is state-of-the-art, computerized, specific, high tech treatment. I was impressed just to walk
into the place. At any rate, after two visits my back doesn't hurt (I can put my socks on in a normal way) and my leg feels much better. I walked/ran two
miles this morning and was ok. This was my first run since a disastrous race in Warsaw a week or so ago. In this race I had to hobble the last mile, and it
wasn't pretty. I still won't be able to run the Firecracker I have signed up for, but things seem more promising.
I would suggest that if you start having a problem that you can't pinpoint, you might consider a chiropractor. The experience has made me a believer. |
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RunIndiana |
If you don't mind, can you tell us... | #11 | ||
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Posts: 10774 07/02/09 09:55 AM Administrator |
...who is treating you? Think of it as some free advertisement for them. If you don't want to post it, send me an e-mail. Although I don't currently
have an injury (other than a stupid collarbone), I've long been interested in going to a chiropractor just to get an analysis and maybe some preventive
help.
Well, time for my collarbone appointment. You're at arthro 2, I'm at collarbone 27 or something. |
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Ultratrails1 |
My Doc Recommendations | #12 | ||
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Posts: 2083 07/02/09 01:31 PM |
I used Dr Stephen Fisher at FWO and Nancy Larkin at Peak Perfomance
Dr. Tim is correct it was all about the PT, Nancy cut me no slack! And now the rest of the story? |
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timmsteiner |
#13 | |||
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Posts: 2 07/02/09 03:52 PM |
We have a fantastic chiropractor with training in ART (Active Release Therapy) at our office. He sees a lot of active bloomington people and IU athletes. Name
is Brian Murer.
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old timer |
#14 | |||
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Posts: 19 07/03/09 10:08 AM |
I have started going to Jamie and Lori Kirgis in Columbia City. Their practice is very state-of-the-art, and it has been very helpful. I am not back to
running easily, more like a cow with a crutch, but it is getting better all the time. I would recommend them to anyone. I had just never thought that a
chiropractor would be that helpful. Just proves that we can always learn more.
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General.runbloomington |
#15 | |||
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Posts: 76 07/03/09 01:26 PM |
For my part, I had my 5th cortisone shot yesterday and they always say that there are no side effects from cortisone..but twice, I have had severe headaches
afterwards and other things such as anxiety and just a general change in mood..
I was wondering if anyone had ever had experiences such as this from just cortisone. I know I am getting tired of being a pin cushion (my own hard core training to blame!)
Last Edited By: General 07/03/09 01:41 PM.
Edited 1 time.
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