Suggest Treatment For Discoid Meniscus

Posted on Tue, 14 Nov 2017

Question: what are the treatment options (along with pros and cons of each) and healing times for discoid meniscus that is painful and causing clicking and grinding that occasionally feels like it's slipping?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment is surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am D Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
Discoid meniscus is a common problem and requires surgery only if it causing pain and discomfort like in your case.
The treatment option is surgery where either entire meniscus( leaving only peripheral part) or only the effected part is removed. There is, at present, no non surgical option.
Healing time for the wound ( of arthroscopic Surgery) is around 2 weeks but you will be XXXXXXX after one or two days. Exercises will be started in one day.
Please specify if you have any specific query in mind. I will be happy to answer it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

If surgery is the only treatment why would my physician assistant in charge of my medical care refer me to a physical therapist say that I need 3 months of physio therapy?
If I can get the surgery what should I expect? Is it inpatient or outpatient surgery? How much time until I'm back to doing high impact workouts? Will I need physical therapy? What are the risks or possible complications?
Also any other information you can provide on the topic?
(I'm in the United States Marine Corps and my job requires me to lift very heavy loads, run with them, squat with them, and requires extensive twisting and turning motions.)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,
Physiotherapy is required only to build up thigh muscles.
Surgery is always in patient , may be a day care surgery .As far as the high impact workouts are concerned- it may be 3-4 weeks but your surgeon will be able to tell you better about it.
Only physical therapy you will need is quadriceps exercises .As such there are minimal risks to life or limb , but some complications can occur and I am sure your surgeon will tell you in detail about it.
If everything goes well then you will be do all your work.
all the best for surgery and recovery.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj