Olympic Athlete gets Meniscus tear. Have questions?

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 February 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. But remember we are athletes not medical experts.

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

I competed in bumps for five year and had numerous meniscus tares. If you can Ortho is the way to go. I was back on the hill three weeks after. There is very little down time so rehab is quick and not a lot of muscular loss ether. I went under the knife with Dr. Parker out of Santa Barbra ca. He is the US ski surgeon and is great with athletes and getting them back out on the hill. Good luck and remember Knees aren't something to mess with. Listen to the Docs and sometimes surgery isn't always the best option.

Answer 2

Ok meniscus tears are a *****....

You aggravated it with further exercise when it was hurt. It is unfortunate. You have to undergo operation.

I am guessing - Looks like you may be under 30 years old. If that's the case, operation will get you back to original condition with lot of exercise and careful supervision. I have heard of people getting back in shape in 1 month. It takes a lot of work. If you are committed (it appears to be so - training for olympics) - then your chances are good.

Normally, It will take about 2 to 3 months of physio and plenty of hard work before you can get full speed and power.

I do not know what part of the country you live in. Your family doc or your sports doc is the only one to recommend you a good surgeon.

Answer 3

I don't know about the surgery part, but one of the best sports surgeons in the U.S. is Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama.

I'm sure you think pro wrestling is fake, but when a wrestler has a serious injury, they usually go to him for evaluation and surgery.

Recently, Mark Henry suffered an injury to hi knee where the tendons were shredded and his kneecap snapped in half - Dr. Andrews surgically repaired it. He's done neck surgeries on at least half a dozen other wrestlers, and has reattached tendon and muscle to bone.

Answer 4

Calgary Alberta. We have very good knee guys post Calgary 88. I am sure you have lots of great docs wherever you are. Just remember to rest. Avoid the urge to get back quick! You have lots of time to train. Your body will remember your skill. But if you get back too quick you are wasting valuable training time on a longer recouperation. Do not come back too soon! If it hurts stop. Don't screw up what you have worked for!

Answer 5

if you're an Olympic quality athelete why not ask your trainer? well, that aside Dr. Dillingham of SORE is the specialist for the San Francisco 49ers.