If I have torn cartilage am I running a risk of making it worse by walking around - - not much pain but stiff and swollen. Usually only bothers me when I go up stairs..
What are the risks of surgical repair?
2006-09-24 17:26:30 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
If you have damage to your knee you could be causing more damage the more you walk. Cartilage rubs with every step you take. The surgery they would a scope. They go in with 3 very very small holes and laporscopicly clean out all the loose and damages cartilage and prob shave the underside of the petella(KNEECAP) It is a very simple and fast surgery about a hour. When I had my first one I walked out of the hospital that day and got on a plane the next day. You need to get checked but until them use ice lots and lots of ice no heat that is the worst thing you can do ice ice ice ice
2006-09-24 17:36:10 · answer #1 · answered by melindarix@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the risks of your knee becoming worse by walking around. It seems likely. It certainly will not get better.
Arthroscopic surgery to repair the cartilage would involve anesthesia. Depending on your age and general health this might be a problem. However, your physician and the anesthesiologist will be able to determine what is necessary.
Arthroscopic surgery to the knee involves making a small hole iin the side of the knee to insert instruments. Various procedures may be performed. It is possible to grow cartilage to replace what has been damaged.
Strengthening your quadriceps muscle (front of thigh) will help to stabilize your knee. You can do this isometrically by tightening the muscle and releasing it.
2006-09-25 00:52:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh boy. Do you have torn ACL? You better go see a doctor ASAP. Does the knee give out on you?
I don't know if the above and torn ACL are the same, but I've been told after surgery, (I never got surgery and I can still walk using my muscles) You will be on crutches for about a year and go through countless rehabs. If you get the surgery.
2006-09-25 00:30:03 · answer #3 · answered by Jumpy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how severe the tear is. The doc can clean it out using a scope. Day surgery. You do need to see the doc so you know the extent of your injury and what to avoid so it doesn't get worse. The cartilege is probably the meniscus. The ACL is a ligament. I had to have all cartilege removed in both knees after injuries. I also have torn ACLs. I use crutches to get around. I can't have knee replacements.
2006-09-25 00:35:09 · answer #4 · answered by Maria D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋