Timeline for Meniscus Repair Recovery: It will take around 4-6 weeks before you can walk, drive, and otherwise move normally as you would prior to your injury. Did you have any meniscus surgery in the past and youre still dealing with pain, swelling and possibly even losing motion in your knee? The first step is usually to use especially designed cannulas and guides to drill up into the area that was decorticated. Medication may be needed for 2-3 weeks. I think my clients thought I had lost my mind, but what else was I going to do? There are 2 main variants of the transtibial root repair technique. Meniscal root repair whether isolated or in combination with valgus HTO or ACL reconstruction, when indicated, was able to improve the clinical, functional and subjective results of the patients presented in this case series. I had shoulder cuff repair, involving 2 ligaments & bone spurs, only 6 weeks ago. My experience with Dr. Burnham and his staff was exceptional. When the tear is examined during arthroscopy, Dr. Hess will decide if the tear is able to be repaired . I am currently on crutches for 6-8 weeks with no pressure on my leg at all. But youve got to figure out a way to get your butt muscles stronger if youre looking for a more comprehensive plan for making your knee better and getting your glutes stronger we also have a program called the, https://www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Logo-copy-1030x429.jpg, Shoulder Impingement: Everything You Need To Know To Get Healthy Again, Top 5 Shoulder Impingement Exercises To Help Get Healthy Again, Top 6 At Home Treatments To Begin To Naturally Heal Cervical Radiculopathy, Click Here To Schedule A Phone Call With An Expert, Click Here To Ask About Cost & Availability, Copyright 2022 - El Paso Manual Physical Therapy, How To Tell If Youve Got A Rotator Cuff Tear, Request A Virtual Visit With One Of Our Expert PTs, 28 day knee health and wellness boost program, 28-Day Knee Health & Wellness Boost Program, 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. Meniscus root repair surgeon, Doctor Benedict Nwachukwu provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, New York City, NY who need meniscus root repair surgery. One of the main portions of the system is a guide that can be placed inside the joint that fits around the tibial eminences and allows the surgeon to place the tip of the guide right at the area that has been decorticated of bone, where one wants to perform the root repair tunnel. I would highly recommend him. This is done to protect the repair and let the body heal it. Other complications can include a blood clot, which is usually treated preemptively with some type of blood thinner, and irritation around the surgical button and/or surgical knot from the meniscus root tear. I left my visit feeling very comfortable with where I was and what needed to happen next. If you're an athlete needing a doctor that understands; this is the guy. This is important because these repairs are still quite tenuous with current technology, so it is important to try to put the meniscus back into a position where there would not be a lot of tension on the repair with knee range of motion. He will now be caring for my hip and knee in the future. And cartilage is one of the slowest healing tissues in the body. I got a lift home, and returned to the gym later that evening for more coaching. If one does have quite a bit of arthritis of the same compartment, which we would call Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 or 4, in most circumstances, other than possibly in very young patients, a root repair would generally not be indicated. That night, I drove myself to the gym. Also, I had to make numerous visits to the Ochsner Clinic due to my injury and Dr. Burnham's team and the staff at Ochsner were always very professional and courteous. If you had a knee surgery if youve been seen physical therapy or any other health care professionals and theyre telling you youll be fine in three months back to normal youll be dancing youll be exercising youll be playing with the grandkids again just smile and remember this video. Heres the third practical tip if youre if you dont know where to go Ive got some exercises that i put on videos here for free on YouTube its linked in the description below theres one video in particular that i want you to take a look at its called top five glute exercises for knee problems go check out that video start doing those exercises youve got to exercise the heck out of your glutes if you got a meniscus injury if youve had a meniscus surgery in the past you need to get your glutes worked out. This step involves making a surgical incision or extending a previous surgical incision (such as with an ACL reconstruction) and ensuring that one is dissected down directly to bone. And most likely, a meniscus tear.. They have poor healing potential, and are extremely important to the stability and cushioning of the knee. Surgical knee will be in a hinged rehab brace locked in FULL EXTENSION for 4 weeks postop. Meniscus root repair is a surgery performed to repair a torn meniscus root. I decided to continue with my usual four day split with two upper body days and two lower body days, although I did also incorporate a few extra upper body exercises as my lower body work was not that intense. One should not look at age as a factor for meniscus root repairs. Therefore, most meniscus root tears need to have the scar tissue released so the meniscus can be pulled back into the joint. You can't walk right after surgery. Country. The next step involves using a self-capture device to place either sutures or tape into the substance of the meniscus body. According to a new study, it is safe for patients who underwent rotator cuff repair to safely return to driving two weeks after surgery. Highly recommended! Your doctor may give you a nerve block before surgery and will prescribe pain-relieving medications after surgery. Oftentimes healthcare providers will tell you go walk your knees operated on its good youre the we took out the chunk that was you know causing your need to lock up the meniscus we did a meniscectomy or we repaired the meniscus and its all sewn together now so you can go ahead and walk all you want and some people take that to heart and to go walk you know three miles a day or even 10-20 miles a week and their meniscus just doesnt heal enough and they get that swelling. These UltraTape or sutures can then ultimately be shuttled down the cannulas and then tied over a metal button on the front part of the tibia. Some patients may experience catching, clicking, or locking of their knee. Very thorough, knowledgeable and courteous. (B) Posterior root lesion of lateral meniscus. In particular, these younger patients have to look at a meniscus root repair as soon as possible to ensure that they dont develop arthritis. An iatrogenic meniscus root tear means that a tunnel was drilled for an ACL or PCL reconstruction and hit the meniscus root and detached it from bone. In general, patients have to develop good quadriceps strength to allow for maximum absorption with activities prior to returning back to any significant hiking, jogging or running activities. I switched from trap bar deadlifts to barbell rack pulls, continued to lower the box for squats and switched from single leg deadlifts to RDLs. Conservative treatment methods are typically reserved for patients who would not recover well with surgery (i.e. And the good news is that it can be helped without another surgery. He had knee surgery a few months ago and is recovering remarkably well. The blood supply to the meniscus in an adolescent or adult is very poor. Thank you Dr. Burnham for being so amazing! The biggest mistake that people make after having a meniscus surgery is theyre doing too much way too soon. The following Tuesday, I saw my doctor. Physical therapy exercises can help to improve muscle strength, knee range of motion, and decrease sensitivity to the pain. stream Patient Testimonials - Meniscus Root Repair Everett | OCD Repair of the Knee Kirkland X Accessibility View Book An Appointment (206) 784-8833 Wallingford Office (206) 633-8100 Ballard Office (206) 784-8833 Home My Practice Practice Expertise Patient / Medical Resources Educational Resources Videos Radio/podcasts News Contact Dr. Garcia Facebook 2 0 obj Repair of the meniscal root significantly increased functional outcomes scores in 14 of 14 studies and the rate of conversion to TKA was considerably less than those observed following conservative treatment or partial meniscectomy. Very professional! What do you suggest if my MRI says that I have a horizontal tear in the body of the lateral meniscus is shown do I need surgery? But you need to still continue doing a few things to make sure that you get that remaining 20% healed so that you can truly get back to normal so let me give you some practical advice here three things that i want you to take away from this video number one set your expectations. Meniscal root repairs and radial tear repairs should be progressed slowly because the tear involves complete disruption of the circumferential fibers of the meniscus. Most importantly, I have not missed a single coaching or training session since my surgery. Amazing Doctor and wonderful staff!! Really cares for his patients! He answered all of my concerns about my knee. 4 0 obj Single leg deadlifts on the good leg, reverse hypers, and dumbbell bench. Therefore, we found that non-anatomic meniscus root tear repairs were not successful. PHONE: (952) 442-2163 | WEB: TCOMN.COM/PHYSICIANS/KYLE- MORGENSTERN/ . This is called decortication of the medial tibial plateau (for a medial meniscus root repair). While regular functionality isn't immediate, patients will be asked to move the knee within 1-2 days after surgery. This is one of the first video demonstrations of this. One should assess the range of motion at that point in time that can be performed in a safe zone to make sure that the physical therapist does not flex them harder in this time frame. If it is your right knee, it will be at least a week before you can drive, as it would be risky to have to hit the break too soon after surgery, and you would be a risk to yourself and everyone else on the road. If you break down what most healthcare provision professionals tell their patients, it could be an orthopedic surgeon, or even a physical therapist, its telling somebody whos just had a meniscus surgery, theyll say, well, 80% of healing is done in the first two to three months. I was going to rehab myself, and keep training as normally as I could. After a meniscus root repair, there is a prolonged period of non-weightbearing and restricted range of motion to allow proper healing. Dr. Burnham was very helpful for my injury! very elderly patients). I plan to squat 135 pounds for three sets of five on this day and am scheduled to deadlift 200 pounds on August 23. This may be recommended depending on the type of meniscus tear. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. There was a large grade 4 chondral defect involving the central aspect of the trochlea, approximately 30mm in width by 25mm in length. Is this normal? In layman terms, I had completely torn my medial meniscus from the bone, and it had to be sewn back on. Amazing doctor, amazing family mantreats patients with the highest level of care, compassion, and quality! If a patient does have a meniscus root tear and the cartilage in that same compartment is still relatively good or normal, a meniscus root repair would be indicated. The swelling started to go down, but there was now a lump behind my knee that felt like fluid. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to proceed with a meniscus root repair whenever possible, with patients up to the age of 70 being reported as having excellent return of function. His extensive schooling, research, and commitment to his craft shined through at every turn as he evaluated my injury, presented all my options (clearly explaining non-surgical options and expected outcomes), and helped me plan my course of treatment and recovery. Unlike some meniscus tears which can be observed or treated conservatively, most meniscus root tears need surgery. This is probably due to many factors, including the chronicity of the tear, the quality of the tissue, if the meniscus was released from scar tissue and pulled back in the joint, ones age, ones weight, and ones alignment. Arrange for someone to drive you home as you will not be able to drive yourself after surgery. Strength is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It is our goal to provide the highest level of care and service to our patients. Thus, when one does sustain a lateral meniscus root tear with an ACL tear, consideration should be given to having a concurrent lateral meniscus root repair so the ACL graft does not stretch out. Then, in September, at the Charm City Strongwoman Contest, I sprinted into the gym from the outside looking for one of my volunteers. Super knowledgeable. Many meniscus tears can be treated successfully without surgery. Jerrica, Dr. Burnham, and the therapy staff (Luke and Joey )were awesome. In between the big lifts and the accessory work, I did some of my PT exercises: leg lifts, quad sets (quad squeezes), heel pumps. Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after an arthroscopic knee operation, until the swelling reduces and the knee motion improves, but you should establish with your doctor when it is safe to start driving. Partial weightbearing status (<50%), unless otherwise ordered by MD. I was cleared to drive at my followup appointment 2 weeks after surgery, which was exactly what my surgeon had told me to expect. Meniscal Ramp Lesions. When one drills a tunnel and tries to place stitches up a tunnel without a cannula in place, it can be extremely technically challenging. I was hit by a car on my bicycle near Horsetooth Reservoir in CO. I definitely know that I would not have been able to do all that I can do now, if I had not gone into the surgery strong. We recognized that meniscus root tears were a problem over 10 years ago and set out to perform a comprehensive research program to help us figure out how to diagnose the problem, where to place the meniscus repair, and how best to fix the meniscus tear to allow for maximal healing capability. It hurt like hell. But typically physical therapy goes two to three months you get 80% better and a lot of times people have the expectation setting themselves that they can get back to everything that theyre doing before and thats just not the case they can do a lot of things now that they couldnt before the surgery typically. They might have a follow up visit or two but its really physical therapy that suppose take over at that point in physical therapy just has you for two to three months and once theyre done with you same thing once youre back to walking and bending your knee all the way and straightening out your knee all the way. He is walking without a limb and is on schedule with his progress. We have published on several of these, noting that a PCL tunnel which is placed too close to the joint can detach the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and lead to the development of arthritis of the medial compartment. Timeline: 1 week to 5 weeks after Surgery. A friend of mine picked me up, and took me to the gym, where I coached my clients, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing. So go check out that video on how to exercise your glutes theres five exercises in there that you can start doing them i would do them every day i do them a couple times a day even more if you can i would do what you can tolerate without it being too much soreness and your glute muscles and they should all generally be okay on your knee theres some where you got to kneel you can adjust it you can not do that exercise if you want.