arthroscopy / knee scope

Why get a scope if your knee is feeling fine? Surgery can have complications, I would wait get it when/if knee pain starts to prevent you from running.

My PT took a very conservative approach and I was jogging at 5 weeks on soft surfaces (grass, soft outdoor track). It worked very well.

DID NOT work for me. Take a more conservative approach first..this should be a last resort.

Since my scope, arthritis has set in the knee and I have really been set back.

it depends on the situation though. i was in 10 months of pain, waited and waited before having this, trying every type of physiotherapy possible (and spent a lot of money on it). had the operation with a superb surgeon who is meant to be in the top 3 in the country (UK), and now have around 90% less pain than i had before, and no restrictions on my daily activities, which were limited before.

one thing i'd say is don't get advice off message boards. consult some experts and look at your own individual situation on its own merit.

I will say that the best cross training that I have done to eliviate the pain of both the damage done post-surgery to my knee and two herniated discs in the back (from favoring the knee when I tried to come back) is:

1. Swimming..Really dogpaddeling. I joined a gym just to accompany my wife who is suffering from a more serious injury (Glioblastoma Category 4)and when I got into the water with her I felt IMMEDIATE relief on both the knee and the back.

The pain was entirely gone after a half hour session in the water for up to 4 or 5 hours.

2. Walking- Just brisk walking helped BOTH problems a whole lot. It takes time though alot of time and it depends on your age how effective surgery will be.

good luck

former track star wrote:

Why get a scope if your knee is feeling fine? Surgery can have complications, I would wait get it when/if knee pain starts to prevent you from running.

The biggest issue is going to be pieces of meniscus floating around in there. If not removed they could cause additional damage or cause the joint to lock if they get stuck in the wrong spot.

I agree avoiding surgery would be the first choice, but first be sure there's nothing going on that will make the eventual surgery more invasive.

Thanks to all for the responses.

former track star wrote:

Why get a scope if your knee is feeling fine? Surgery can have complications, I would wait get it when/if knee pain starts to prevent you from running.

Really just based on the Dr. recommendations. He stated even though the pain has subsided, it'll give me trouble in the future if it's not taken care of.

not a serious runner wrote:

Really just based on the Dr. recommendations. He stated even though the pain has subsided, it'll give me trouble in the future if it's not taken care of.

Just make sure you are not going under the knife with one of those Obama doctors.

You know, the one's that cut off body parts because they get a higher reimbursement. You might find yourself missing a leg by the time all is said and done.

I'd get a second opinion. Remember, doctor get paid for doing surgeries, not for making you better.

Had my arthroscopy today about six hours ago. Not really in any pain, just discomfort and general pressure in the area.

The Dr. told my friend they that they also found something else they fixed. Something about an old, blunt-type injury. I've got the films, although I have no idea what it is.

In case there are others curious about progress w/this surgery, I'll update this thread periodically.

However, keep in mind, I'm not a competetive runner like most of you. I usually go out for an hour about 2-3 times/wk.

I start PT in two days so I assume it's catching up on Dexter in the mean time. Maybe I'll go to work tomorrow, but I doubt it.

Cheers!

I had my right knee done 10 years ago and was running within 2 weeks.

I just had my left knee done 1 week ago and I am more recovered this time than I was with the right knee. You wouldn't even know I had surgery if not for the bandaids over my 2 incisions on my knee and the slight discomfort I have from that. I have my post-op appt. tomorrow and I think I'll be back at it next week.

Good luck in your recovery.

Benedict wrote:

I had my right knee done 10 years ago and was running within 2 weeks.

I just had my left knee done 1 week ago and I am more recovered this time than I was with the right knee. You wouldn't even know I had surgery if not for the bandaids over my 2 incisions on my knee and the slight discomfort I have from that. I have my post-op appt. tomorrow and I think I'll be back at it next week.

Good luck in your recovery.

benedict - glad to hear you are doing well. i'm sure you are pumped by the hawks 3rd place at regionals, but don't rush it like you usually do, you're no spring chicken anymore!

48 hours pos-op. I got caught up on Dexter and The First 48, so I decided to go to work today.

Started PT today as well.

Main thoughts from that:

- My ROM is much greater than I thought it would be

- My knee is definitely NOT ready for full weight bearing

- PT will be sucessful, but more more difficult that I thought