Question 1

acl tear vs.a meniscus tear which is worse ? which is worse an acl tear or a meniscus tear ? what is the difference in recovery time after surgery and pain after ?

Accepted Answer

It : It is difficult to say which is "worse."  it depends on what you mean by it.  An acl tear can cause buckling of the knee on stairs or during side-to-side action in athletics.  A meniscal tear can cause catching and locking of the knee.  Both can be painful.  Both can predispose the knee to later arthritis.

If you're over 60, a meniscal tear can be a normal part of aging.  On the other hand, some people can use their muscles to compensate for an acl tear.

What we do know it that they are worse in combination.  The instability from the acl tear can cause more damage to the torn meniscus and accelerate wear in the knee.

Acl reconstruction usually has a prolonged recovery period with intense physical therapy to prevent a stiff knee.  Meniscal tear surgery usually has a less intense recovery period.  Most adults have to have the loose, torn portions removed.  The recovery afterwards is based on pain and swelling.  However, in young athletes, who can have meniscal repairs, the recovery may be similar to acl reconstruction.

Question 2

what is usually done for a acl tear? and does it heal one its own without surgery? can a piece of meniscus get stuck under the patella?

Accepted Answer

ACL reconstruction: Symptomatic instability resulting from a torn ACL is usually treated with ACL reconstruction. A piece of a torn meniscus can become stuck or lodged anywhere to include under the patella, especially if it becomes a free fragment or loose body (rare). More common in the area of the patellofemoral joint is synovium/scar tissue, or a cartilage flap from the patella or trochlea.

Question 3

a small acl tear and a flipped meniscus? is surgery needed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on your activity level, pain associated with the injury, and presence of mechanical symptoms like locking up, giving out.

Question 4

in my mri scan report it shows complex grade 3 posterior horn medial meniscus tear and high grade acl tear.but there is no locking and poping sound and there is no pain while doing any activity like climb stairs,walking,running,is surgery require?

Accepted Answer

: This is a judgement call, as depends upon knee stability and likelihood of progressive healing associated with conservative therapy.  The big issue is the potential development of "wear and tear arthritic degeneration" (chondromalacia).  At your age, 21 yrs, you have potential for worsening over the  years.  Obtain at least 2 orthopedic surgical consultations and decide.

Question 5

mri shows i have torn acl & meniscus tear. tear was repaired in oct'13. my knee keeps giving out & i keep falling. i am 68.is acl surgery safe for me?

Accepted Answer

If your healthy: ; have no comorbidities your age should not be a problem.

Question 6

left knee complete acl tear and ruptured meniscus in jun08. patella knee graft in jul09. knee popping and catching every leg extension and step i take?

Accepted Answer

See your ORS: Popping and catching after ACL reconstructive surgery using patellar tendon can be related to the graft taken... that is patellofemoral ‘crepitus’— catching and popping esp. w/ leg extensions, stair-climbing. Best to see your orthopedist and get examined. Sometimes the graft hypertrophies( cyclops lesion)and can cause similar symptoms. Best of luck!

Question 7

i had hole in meniscus and torn acl had surgery 4 years ago i felt worse after surgery. pain is bad still poping locks up i fell and think i re injur?

Accepted Answer

Knee injury: The only way to find out what is going on is to go see your orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation.  You may need a knee MRI as well.

Question 8

hi i recently had surgery to repair a torn acl and remove my meniscus on feb 14th.  still have swelling and tightness.  should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: It is still early, but be sure to follow up with your surgery. At this early time, this would be normal, but it is always best to be sure by keeping your follow-up appointments.

Question 9

is is it better to get surgery sooner or after some physical therapy for a torn acl/mcl and meniscus?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If your are physicaly active and not obese you most likely do fine with postoperative. Physical therapy. Talk to your surgeon.

Question 10

my daughter had surgery to repair a torn acl and meniscus last thursday. the swelling in her foot has progressively gotten worse with pain. what to do

Accepted Answer

She needs to be seen: The symptoms you have described suggest a possible infection that may be developing- increased swelling and increasing pain suggests that you should call her doctor and have her seen as soon as possible. Using Advil and Tylenol (acetaminophen) will only mask the symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Having acl tear and miniscus surgery tommorow broke out with poison ivy on buttocs area can i take perscribed predisone today

A member asked:

Acl tear vs.a meniscus tear which is worse ? which is worse an acl tear or a meniscus tear ? what is the difference in recovery time after surgery and pain after ?

A member asked:

What is usually done for a acl tear? and does it heal one its own without surgery? can a piece of meniscus get stuck under the patella?

A member asked:

A small acl tear and a flipped meniscus? is surgery needed?

A member asked:

In my mri scan report it shows complex grade 3 posterior horn medial meniscus tear and high grade acl tear.but there is no locking and poping sound and there is no pain while doing any activity like climb stairs,walking,running,is surgery require?

A member asked:

Mri shows i have torn acl & meniscus tear. tear was repaired in oct'13. my knee keeps giving out & i keep falling. i am 68.is acl surgery safe for me?

A member asked:

Left knee complete acl tear and ruptured meniscus in jun08. patella knee graft in jul09. knee popping and catching every leg extension and step i take?

A member asked:

I had hole in meniscus and torn acl had surgery 4 years ago i felt worse after surgery. pain is bad still poping locks up i fell and think i re injur?

A member asked:

Hi i recently had surgery to repair a torn acl and remove my meniscus on feb 14th. still have swelling and tightness. should i be worried?

A member asked:

Is is it better to get surgery sooner or after some physical therapy for a torn acl/mcl and meniscus?

A member asked:

My daughter had surgery to repair a torn acl and meniscus last thursday. the swelling in her foot has progressively gotten worse with pain. what to do

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?