(03-07-2021 09:21 PM)Polish Hammer Wrote: (03-07-2021 08:59 PM)Longhorn Wrote: An ACL tear...that’s better than a torn meniscus
No one else would ever say that.
Quote:Is an ACL Tear Worse Than a Meniscal Tear?
ACL Tears
Usually requires surgical intervention.
Longer recovery time.
Reduced instability after surgery.
Reduce chances of osteoarthritis.
Meniscus Tears
Can be treated conservatively or surgically.
Shorter recovery time.
Possible instability of the knee joint.
Increased chance of developing osteoarthritis.
In knee injuries, the phrase “ACL tear” is probably the most dreaded words that you could ever hear, while having a torn meniscus does not seem to be as terrible.
A torn meniscus, like a torn ACL, can vary in its damage. Often a minor meniscus tear (especially with younger people) can be overcome with minimal intervention, rest and as suggested “conservative” treatment. But it depends on the tear. A seriously damaged meniscus can not be repaired, and even after scoping and the injection of material meant to help provide lubrication into the joint can still leave but one option, and that option is to replace the knee joint...and recover from that operation can take from a minimum of 3 months, but more often extends to between 6 months and a year.
A torn ACL can also vary in its damage, but it can be repaired. Depending on the severity of the tear it can be allowed to heal on its own, but sugical repair is more common. Based on Matt’s initial response (his wanting to try and play after the accident) it would appear his tear was partial, and the full extent of the tear wasn’t revealed until after imaging helped the doctors and Matt determine the best course of treatment. As an athlete with definite ambitions of playing professionally Matt would want the knee stabilized and strengthened which would only be made possible through surgery. The recovery time would vary, but generally would be less than a year, which is about the same amount of time for a total knee replacement.
This info coincides with my first knee operation that happened almost exactly one year ago. After tearing my meniscus in a Fall 2019 mountain hiking accident I attempted to “tough it out” through the Fall and Spring semesters, and have it scoped in the summer of 2020. It eventually was so painful and difficult to walk a surgery was set up for March 8, the first Monday of Spring Break 2020. The scoping went well, and all the damage was removed, but it essentially left me with bone on bone in the joint. After the lubricant treatment into the joint failed, the only real relief was to replace the entire joint. That was done in late August. I’m pain free now, but after 2 months of rehab I’m still building strength back.
So yes, most people would think it’s weird saying an ACL injury is not as bad as a meniscus tear, but it really depends on the damage. An ACL can be repaired and the knee stabilized, strengthened and made almost as good as new, if not better. The same can not be said for a bad meniscus tear. Thank goodness medical science provides for the options of bionic contraptions to replace knees, hips, and shoulder joints, but playing professionally sports with bionic parts ends careers. Bo Jackson knows.
So, I’m actually glad Matt has the ACL as opposed to the meniscus tear. Matt will suffer through the surgery and rehab, but his future career as a professional player remains a real possibility.
