I'm a world class athletes and I think I've torn my meniscus. I've got some questions for you?

Question

I am 99% sure I've just had a mild meniscus tear. I've got an MRI scan scheduled for early next week.

I was doing quick squats and my knee collapsed and I think that is where the injury occurred. I was lifting lightweights trying to recondition because I haven't been well conditioned since I stop training after the Olympic Games in Torino.

My problem is that I'd due to compete on the World Cup circuit in my sport in late November.

Question 1:- For those that have arthroscopy how long until you are fully fit again and have full range of motion? And does the post-op cause you to loose any speed or power?

Question 2: Who is the best knee surgeon in your area. Or the best knee surgeon in your country?

Only serious answers please.
Thanks.

Thanks fcas80:

My trainer has an Olympic medal to his name and he is world class and I've competed in the past three Winter Olympic Games. But remember we are athletes not medical experts.

What do I know having never been through this injury before.

Naturally I have access to good doctors but information is key.

I want to know how others coped with their post operations and also find out who are the best knee surgeons.

I know of two top doctors. One in London, UK and one in Vail but I'm looking for more.

Because I want to get the best possible outcome and be fast again quickly. Thus research is key. Even in this open forum.

Answer 1

Arthroscopy is a fairly simple procedure. My patients who have had it, although they are not world class athletes, regain mobility in 4-8 weeks. Some degree of discomfort is expected for 6 months.

If the tear is large enough to alter the mechanics between the meniscus and the distal end of the femur, this would alter your EMG activity, and therefore, you may loose some power. Most likely, you could retrain.

I could give you the name of some fine surgeons at Rush University, however, with these "simple" procedures at teaching hospitals (not just Rush), they usually pass them to their interns...therefore, even though he'd be the one you are seeing in the clinic, the intern would be doing the procedure. The "big guys" save all the complicated procedures for themselves.

Answer 2

You didn't say what area you are in.You would benefit from seeing a orthopedic surgeon that specializes in sports medicine.If there is a pro. football team in your area that would be a good place to start (Who ever that team uses).

Answer 3

If you are a world class athlete, then you deserve a world class physical trainer who would be a better source of these answers than anonymous people here.