The DANGERS of Meniscus Surgery!

Рет қаралды 22,446

HT Physio – Over-Fifties Specialist Physio

Жыл бұрын

To subscribe to 3-Tip Friday, Will's free weekly email where he shares his best health tips, new videos and fascinating research, go here: info.ht-physio.co.uk/3tf
To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:
UK link: amzn.to/3mAISFv
US link: amzn.to/3J1ACGi
(Amazon Affiliate links) To subscribe to 3-Tip Friday, Will's free weekly email where he shares his best health tips, new videos and fascinating research, go here: info.ht-physio.co.uk/3tf Welcome to the latest episode of HT Physio Quick Tips!
In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals the dangers of meniscus surgery and the lesser-known risks associated with this type of procedure.
While meniscus surgery tends to be "successful" at the time, there are several issues not many people consider before they have the surgery. This video reveals what they are so you can make a better informed decision about your meniscus injury.
To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:
UK link: amzn.to/3mAISFv
US link: amzn.to/3J1ACGi
(Amazon Affiliate links)
If you're suffering from nagging knee pain that hurts in the morning and stops you from walking as far as you'd like, you can take our free knee pain guide - which will give you 5 expert tips to put a stop to knee pain at home - by visiting here: ht-physio.co.uk/knee-pain-gui...
If you're over-50 with a painful problem in the Farnham, Surrey area, you can learn more about how Will Harlow and HT Physio can help you overcome a painful problem here: ht-physio.co.uk/
*Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video.* Full policy here: ht-physio.co.uk/injury-discla...

Пікірлер: 103

@huajiet 6 ай бұрын

JUST in case you are a young-ish athlete suffering from an acute e.g. sports injury and unwittingly led here by YT's sneaky algorithm, this is not the full picture! the advice applies for patients with degenerative tears particularly older folk, but for the younger, physically-active population there are an increasing number of innovative and sophisticated techniques to repair the meniscus with very good outcomes, so don't despair yet!

@Hari-mr1st 4 ай бұрын

What are those sophisticated techniques

@kqh123 2 ай бұрын

@@Hari-mr1stsuturing (aka stitching). It's not that new. But it's being used more and more

@marianblum1064 2 ай бұрын

I'm speaking from personal experience: even in older people, a meniscus ROOT tear may be REPAIRable with surgery. This restores the normal function of the meniscus and prevents arthritis from developing. If you can get an MRI soon after the injury event and it shows a root tear, get evaluated promptly by a surgeon who specializes in knee arthroscopy and meniscus repair. It's not for everyone, but may be feasible in some cases.

@albertochill8938 5 ай бұрын

I am 63 and started with pain last May after a run. I run, play squash and do mountain biking. I tried to run two more times and it got badand in a matter of 3-4 weeks I had to stop all my sports. I went to physio and tried it for 2 months, with trivial improvement. After x-rays showed no problem, an MRI showed a tear on my meniscus. I saw a sports medicine Dr. who told me about the platelet's enrichment treatment; however, still called it experimental. I chose to go to the surgeon, who explained to me what surgery would entail and the possibilities of arthritis. However, he explained to me that the people have a higher probability of it, but it is not always the case, and also it is not always severe arthritis either, based on his over 40 years of experience doing surgery. I had my operation at the end of September, I was careful and did some physio, and I was fully back at the end of December playing squash and running without pain. When the video says it takes a long time to recover without an operation. I found it that for me, time to heal was more important. I am still not in the shape I was, and it will probably be another two months or more to regain it, as I was unable to do any sports. So, for me, waiting two years to heal without surgery would not have been an option. Just thinking about trying to re-gain my shape after two years without exercise and 65 years of age, my quality of life would have been deteriorated, since practicing various sports is something very important for me. Perhaps, I will write an update in a few years about my experience.

@garypond3451 5 ай бұрын

I'm somewhat in the same boat. 60 years old and 8 months in a complex medial meniscus tear of which running and bicycling have largely been brought to a standstill. Have good cartilage but Dr. suggest a sizable chunk of the meniscus would most likely be removed. If not so expensive would consider trying PRP injections. Wish I would have a breakthru and experience some sign of consistent healing.

@kristoffursrensen8463 4 ай бұрын

Yes please do write an update of your experience, it will help many people.

@pparker768 2 ай бұрын

Should hane left it in. Running is hard on the joints. Cycling is better.

@albertochill8938 2 ай бұрын

@@pparker768 I am very happy with the surgery. I am back to running without any pain and almost back to my times before the injury. We were in Europe for three weeks walking like crazy and no pain either. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about the surgery.

@MOAB-UT 6 күн бұрын

I hope it holds up.

@Meepmeep97272h 4 ай бұрын

tore my lateral meniscus and was recommended surgery just about 5 months ago, before i did the MRI and met with the doctor for the second time i was diagnosed to have IT band syndrome but the pain wont go away months later (at this point I am 7 months in) but after a lot of research i decided to go the stem cell therapy route and after three rounds i am finally starting to feel the results. Slow progress is better than none and it is way better knowing that i wont lead to issues down the line, as i am only 30! Hoping to get back to boxing and sports overall in the near future :)

@dannybarnhill3052 10 ай бұрын

I had the medial flap cut out 3 weeks ago. Seems ok so far. Range of motion was better immediately. I was walking the next day. Still some minor swelling. They did find some mild arthritis under the patella. I'm 54, been roofing 36 yrs, hoping for a few good yrs.

@isarkisov 7 ай бұрын

Well, once meniscus is torn the risk of arthritis is rather high. The best option is to get meniscus repaired. Yes, PT might make pain go away, but meniscus is still torn and accelerated degeneration will proceed anyway.

@vergineshatliff7315 Жыл бұрын

Just to say thank you! Have a good day

@HT-Physio Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@harrysanderson1946 2 ай бұрын

Could have maybe done a better job making a distinction between partial meniscus removal and meniscus repair surgery

@saracristinasarao9950 10 ай бұрын

Shame that you're not in London! I wish I could have an appointment with you and show you my MRI report, for a second opinion. I'm trying to avoid an arthroscopy doing exercises by myself every day. In January/24 I will discuss with the doctor IF I say yes or no to the surgery . To be honest I want to say NO but I'm in so much pain every day😢 it's not easy to handle, I'm 45, I already had 2 shoulder surgeries and I am still recovering. Anyway, God bless you for helping us with your videos!

@omstygomsty 8 ай бұрын

How's it now?

@robertmarshall613 3 ай бұрын

Surgery would be my very last option. I had this surgery the first week in March. Still having pain when I walk and after doing my exercises. I see dr next week and suggesting an order for PT. I would suggest you do the same for now, no surgery. I’ve read that the meniscus can heal on its own with PT but for sure get at least another opinion. It’s all about the money with these doctors. I’m sure the DO that did mine will be pushing for a total knee replacement next. I will be getting s second opinion in a larger town. Note: I said no on shoulder surgery because of a slight tear. I swear it’s healed on its own. No pain now.

@Kim-gy8ge Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the very useful information

@HT-Physio Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@kianavalance834 27 күн бұрын

@@HT-Physio.. Hi.. Can a Surgeon that’s performing Meniscus Repair Surgery, detect the beginning stages of Arthritis, during the Surgery?

@gbair02 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@HT-Physio 2 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@romanpro8125 2 ай бұрын

Just did it and found you video later ❤

@marybiegler1068 2 ай бұрын

Very helpful. I'm going thru this now. In physical therapy. I don't want a surgery!

@roydakroub1294 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your videos, you're the expert here but as you say surgery depends on the type of tear and if that torn piece is displaced into where it does not belong, causing locking, flexibility and mobility issues.

@michaliwasyszyn6541 8 ай бұрын

it's the only single reason to do this surgery, displaced meniscus that's causing troubles for mobility. Otherwise if you cannot sew it back do not touch the knee:)

@pparker768 2 ай бұрын

Need to keep the bearing in place. Madness to ever take it out.

@balrajsingh4713 26 күн бұрын

Hello doctor, I am 21yo. Based on the MRI reports of my knee, would surgery be necessary for the following findings: 1) Horizontal tear of body-posterior horn of medial meniscus. 2) Type 2 signal in anterior and anterior horn of lateral meniscus. 3) Complete tear of medial patellar retinaculum. 4) Mild lateral deviation of patella. 5) Mild marrow edema with impacted fracture in lateral femoral condyle and medial patellar facet. 6) Mild knee joint effusion.

@ghatshik2696 9 ай бұрын

Meniscus repair is different than meniscus removal or trimming... As the second one will cause bone friction and erosion..

@lynettaalexander727 2 ай бұрын

Had meniscus surgery 7 months ago, worse off than I was before. Pain & swelling in & around the & also below my knee (calf & shin area) stays swollen twice the size of my other leg! Don’t know what’s up with that. I wish I never had surgery.

@markusgarcia7550 12 күн бұрын

I have a horizontal meniscus tear. You mentioned removal and partially removing tears but what about doctors suturing the tears?

@BITZBRAKE7 6 ай бұрын

Hi doctor, I had my ACL reconstruction and lateral meniscus repair one month ago my doctor is suggesting me to take a prp for faster recovery, what would be your suggestion, It would be really helpful for me doctor if you could reply my comment, Thankyou.

@destroyer-im7qe Ай бұрын

I already had a meniscus cleaning, so what is going to happen now? I had pain before with a meniscus tear, and my knee was geeting lock all the time

@necaelapenn625 Ай бұрын

I just subscribe to your channel, thanks for the information

@HT-Physio Ай бұрын

Thank you for subscribing!

@robertmarshall613 3 ай бұрын

Wish I would have seen this video before I had this surgery. Getting over this surgery is very painful. I broke this knee years ago had wiring done to fix it and didn’t have the pain I’ve had with the meniscus surgery. I was given on several exercise to do after the surgery, but at next appointment I’m going to suggest PT. I would not refer this doctor to my worst enemy. Also he is a DO which I’m not sure I trust these guys and why are there so many here in SW Florida? Where are the MD’s.

@carlosmelendez7247 18 күн бұрын

What wires are you talking about Robert? you had a root tear?

@Pazuzzu-k2j 29 күн бұрын

So whats the other alternative????

@user-vh4yb4ze7c 9 ай бұрын

By mri, it found my right knee’s medial meniscus tear in 1/3 part. Now no hurt, but need be careful with twisting or bending my knee. I ve done exercises myself by following your video. I’d like to ask if the tear gets healed to normal condition?

@williammason697 6 ай бұрын

If it’s in the inner third it won’t. You can be fine without surgery but you would have to be extremely careful participating in any physical activity and your risk for arthritis is high

@Resultsbasedfit Жыл бұрын

Are you saying that all meniscus surgeries should be avoided or just the ones that fully or partially cut out the meniscus?

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

@RickFlanaganThe healing of the tear depends on if the tear is located in the white zine or the red zone. If it’s the red zone the tear would eventually heal it self due to blood flow circulating in the area. However, tears in the white zone will not heal itself due to no blood flowing the area of the tear.

@mikeribelin7822 2 ай бұрын

I had meniscus surgery 6 months ago at age 74. Don't do it! I am much worse now than before, pain is unbearable at times and can no longer walk my 3 mile morning walk. Now trying to figure out what the next step could be, very hard to continue my active life style in this shape! First thing new Dr. said was you are to old for meniscus repair, not sure why it was done!!!! Get a second opinion before surgery, wish I had.

@MOAB-UT 6 күн бұрын

Sorry Mike. I hope you heal up soon. Maybe look into KETO or Carnivore. They are less inflammation. Does cold help or ice?

@macariawiemer4926 7 ай бұрын

I recommend at least 4 Platelet Rich Plasma injections in the knee and PT up to one year before going into surgery, if the knee does NOT lock.

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your information! I’m a 63 yr old male and I suffered a tear in my medial meniscus in my left knee. When injured during bowling there was a slight pain but after a few minutes I felt no pain. A few days later a bakers cyst formed behind my leg in the knee area. A day later my entire knee was super swollen but no pain. The knee was only swollen and I had limited range of movement. Upon visiting an orthopedic and having MRI, it was discovered I had a tear in the medial meniscus on the section that doesn’t get blood flow so I was told it wouldn’t heal on its own. Arthroscopy was recommended but he said that I could just hold off on surgery to see how the knee felt but he did warn me that it would be painful for me to swat. Now I’m wondering should I get the procedure done or not. Since the meniscus tear can’t be stitched back together I can’t see the benefit of having the arthroscopy just to clean around the tear. I personally know 2 people that had an arthroscopy. One guy had 3 done. He’s a yr younger than me still ended up with knee arthritis and needs a knee replacement. He indicated that his knees were damaged back during his military days and the other person that had an arthroscopic procedure also needs a knee replacement. So now I don’t know which way to go. The swelling went down however there is slight swelling on the left inside of knee area where the tear is located. There is no pain unless try to cross my leg. Whenever I get up to walk after sitting there is knee stiffness for around 2-3 min but after continuing walking the stiffness goes away. I read that if you have a meniscus tear and do nothing eventually it’ll damage your knee to the point you’d need knee replacement. What should I do?

@robertmarshall613 3 ай бұрын

Get another opinion. Do some research on the pros and cons. I have more pain now than before the surgery. He trimmed the meniscus and removed some arthritis. Wish I would have got another opinion.

@kqh123 2 ай бұрын

Injured Bowling? That's interesting..

@marianblum1064 2 ай бұрын

If you have a posterior root tear it may be repairable. Look for the word "root" in your MRI report.Go for a second opinion.

@dengmahlangu8583 Ай бұрын

I am really sorry that I had to undergo an operation on the 1st of November 2023 after the MRI indicated a tear on my meniscus.The surgeon said it will be healed after 6 weeks.The upper part of my knee is always swollen I am experiencing pain in the mornings when going off the bed.I am 75yrs old. Do you think Physiotherapy will help???

@medicinenews4351 Ай бұрын

Yes physiotherapy is very helpfull

@kennethwiah8664 11 ай бұрын

My knee constantly clicks and feels unsteady at times I’ve tried physical therapy for about a year now but still the same symptoms, should I get surgery?

@omstygomsty 8 ай бұрын

Same here. Constants clicks when walking

@jjcrazi 7 ай бұрын

Exercises have helped significantly in my clicking and stability however my injury is still limiting so I’m needing surgery.

@isarkisov 7 ай бұрын

You should consider meniscus repair. Look up circumferential stitching technique. Dr. Justin Saliman is the go to doctor for this.

@albertoneto1180 Ай бұрын

What about people who have posterior root meniscus tear? Shall do a surgery?

@medicinenews4351 Ай бұрын

I have posterior horn of medial meniscus

@lizs9676 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! My ortho was suggesting a surgery on both of my knees. I’m only in my 30s and the pain isn’t constant so I asked my ortho if I could start with a physical therapy first. In addition to the exercises that my PT suggested, I followed your recommendations and I’m seeing significant improvement! Thank you!!!

@HT-Physio Жыл бұрын

Oh goodness! Pleased to hear you didn't opt for surgery!

@erikgomez5098 6 ай бұрын

I had a medial meniscus tear on my right knee and after physical therapy and at home stretches/workouts I was better in 2 1/2 months. Went for an mri and it’s healing properly. Surgery should be the last option. Hope you are doing well.

@robertmarshall613 3 ай бұрын

I feel PT’s know more than the drs’s.

@jahedahmed914 3 ай бұрын

I have medial bucket handle meniscus tear on my right knee should I do key whole surgery or exercise can heal that problem

@medicinenews4351 Ай бұрын

@@erikgomez5098hallo sir what is your tear grade

@carmenstamper6848 Жыл бұрын

Im really hurting BAD im deciding to have surgery on my right Knee almost 4 months sacrifices to stressful i like your idea about not having surgery but I really hurt so bad

@HT-Physio Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that and hope you start to feel better very soon.

@yunisbayramov7033 11 ай бұрын

have you gone through the physio therapy ? the swimming and driving bicycle is really helpful

@SseriousGgamer3 Жыл бұрын

There’s only 1 reason you should have surgery. It’s when your meniscus is “locking”. This is when your knee locks and you have to manually free it up. This happened to me and for a year straight my knee would lock and you can’t walk and it hurts.

@annisaal-habsyi 8 ай бұрын

how are you now after surgery? can you bend your knee and walk again?

@SseriousGgamer3 8 ай бұрын

@@annisaal-habsyi yes my knee is basically brand new . I had ACL reconstruction and my meniscus was worked on. Finally my knee doesn’t buckle forward due to the missing ACL, and finally my knee doesn’t lock due to the torn meniscus

@omstygomsty 8 ай бұрын

@@SseriousGgamer3 You had a meniscectomy?

@erikgomez5098 6 ай бұрын

I had locking on my knee from a medial meniscus tear. Didn’t need surgery. Did 16 sessions of therapy and at home workouts and it went away. One thing they tell you not to do is twist or pivot. I found that doing that actually freed my knee up. MRI came back and it’s still a tear but very small now. Now I can jump, run and bend. Glad I didn’t get surgery and avoid any onset of the removal.

@Beniathlete 6 ай бұрын

Please bro how long the hole process took till your 2nd MRI ?🙏🏾 I also have a medial bucket handle tear

@bisrataberadeg 7 ай бұрын

I'm 33yrs old i'can't to stand walk and bend my leg for long time the pain started before 4yrs ago. on MRI result the 1st doctor said friction syndrome when pain worsen i change another dr he sow the 1st MRI result from CD & said meniscus tear Now I'm doing exercise and physiotherapy for the last 18day but haven't any progress till now. my knee Locked so what shall i do please

@oceanyt8 Ай бұрын

Bud, if your meniscus had caused you pain and so much trouble, usually it will not heal on its own. Probably it's lateral flap and no blood vessel. Strongly suggest you to do a thoroughly MRI and consult a few doctors to fix this. Do not prolong but one thing! Just ask for partial anaesthetic and study the repair with your doctor. Make sure he fix it right and once and for all. You can check on the monitor.

@melissavidal6547 3 ай бұрын

I'm having surgery Monday for this

@HT-Physio 3 ай бұрын

Wishing you all the best for your surgery - I hope my channel can offer support during your recovery and rehabilitation!

3 ай бұрын

What about a posterior root tear (detachment)of the medial meniscus? I am 55yo, a little overweight but active- would like to stay that way.

@marianblum1064 2 ай бұрын

I just had a posterior root tear of medial meniscus repaired. It depends on the quality of tissue, alignment, presence of arthritis... Get a consult with a surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic repair of meniscus.

@simon15708 5 ай бұрын

Is prp OK?

@kqh123 2 ай бұрын

It's just your own blood. Seems pretty safe

@FeaturedTalk 7 ай бұрын

I got my tear from an auto accident, I’m 4 months in, the intense pain have been reduce but some what some pain is still there with swelling with movement especially climbing steers.m or standing for long hrs. there is always this burning sensation inside. The injure knees never felt right to date also my injured leg is now smaller than the other.. my orthopedic suggest surgery.. I’ve only done 5 weeks of physiotherapy since the accident apart me don’t wanna to do it.. so I’m very confused about making a decision. My concern is if it will heal on it own..

@erikgomez5098 6 ай бұрын

I had a medial meniscus tear after an auto accident. My right knee twisted from a T Bone impact. After 16 sessions or 2 1/2 months of physical therapy and at home workouts it has gotten way better. Can say I’m back to 90% of mobility. No surgery needed and my ortho doctor said it should heal on its own and to keep my regular activities without lifting anything crazy.

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

@@erikgomez5098There’s a slippery slope here in each one of our cases. What works for one individual may not be the case for someone else since our injuries may be specifically different.

@varun-72 7 ай бұрын

What about meniscus repair is that okay to repair because i had a acl reconstruction and medial and lateral meniscus repair

@isarkisov 7 ай бұрын

Yes, meniscus repair is better than leaving meniscus torn. These PTs don’t tell you that PT might make you pain free, but meniscus stays torn which increases OA risk. Meniscus repair is your best option.

@varun-72 7 ай бұрын

@@isarkisov ohh that's a good news but im having fear that I'll re tear my repaired meniscus during sports

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

@@isarkisovBut won’t you still develop arthritis 5 years or so later after doing the arthroscopy as was said in this video?

@pasqualerichard5031 Ай бұрын

Surgery or not, you still have the risk of getting arthritis due to the injury.

@Hari-mr1st 6 ай бұрын

Why does my calf muscle feel numb and tight after meniscus tear?

@Hari-mr1st 4 ай бұрын

@@dleonf2832 do you know the reason or the cure? And how are you now, whats your injury

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

@@Hari-mr1st My orthopedic said that the a part of the hamstring is connected to the knee. I injured my knee practicing bowling. Since I’m right handed I always throw the ball on my left leg. On the injury day I torqued my body too much in my delivery throwing the ball which slightly strained my hamstring and made a tear in the medial meniscus.

@dleonf2832 4 ай бұрын

My calf became tight due to the Bakers cyst bursting and draining down to my calf. My calf remained tight and numb feeling for approximately 3 wks. Bakers cyst are sacs behind your knee. When the knee is injured a lot of times a bakers cyst (fluid collects behind the knee) burst and the calf may swell.

@Hari-mr1st 4 ай бұрын

@@dleonf2832 oh shit, does it go away on its own, what's the treamne5

@nicholasochiengokoth1596 4 ай бұрын

Wow what a load of half truths.

@DMGC529 5 ай бұрын

This is such BS fear mongering. What he forgets to say is "some" people come back with OA, not all, just some. How do we know they weren't headed for OA anyway? There are also a lot of people who have their Meniscus trimmed who go on to have happy and fulfilling years of exercise.

@karlschwartz7933 Жыл бұрын

Advocate here. Still assessing your guidance on PT topics and so far finding it compelling. However, urging that you include a list of of supporting citations from the medical literature -- such as pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24644301/ on the increased risk of OA following meniscus repair