Well, I am just getting back into riding and this has to happen. Looks like I tore my left Meniscus two weeks ago. The doctors think that is what it is. I will know after the MRI. I have been in some horrible pain.

Has anyone had Ortho surgery on the Meniscus? I know it is a dumb question and I sure many of you have had it, so what are your thoughts?

Did it affect your riding? Did your riding suffer from the surgury?

I am really worried about this, but everyone tells me it is nothing and shouldn't affect my performance at all. I have been told I can literally be back doing normal sports within a week or so.

BTW, this was not done on the bike, but running.... damn I hate running.

Most people who have surgery on the meniscus recover just fine and are able to resume their normal activities, including sports. It might mean that your knee gets a little creakier faster when you get old, but that's it.

It may take a week or two depending on the amount of work done in the surgery but biking typically is one of the suggested rehabs. I've had 5 different knee surgeries (generally involving the meniscus). Usually I'm biking at L2-L3 2-3 weeks afterwords. I just try to avoid the low cadence, high torque stuff for several months. Just work on your base for 2-3 months and then ramp up the program like you normally would (with your doctor or PT's approval).

I've got a right knee that has enough bone and meniscus issues that I can't run but I can race my bike without any issues. In fact, the knee is worse if I stop riding...

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better. The pedaling movement doesn't seem to hurt it at all.

The knee was injured about 10 yrs ago when I was pinned between a wall and a car that feel into gear while running. I probably should have had surgery then.

Still, I am not looking forward to this.

is used in 95% of meniscus repairs and you should be riding (not aggressively at first) within 3-4 weeks....go to an ortho that does a lot of these as it makes a difference.

I've dealt with a bunk left knee for several years. I've had two MRI's and they show no damage. I do lots of PT which helps some but never gets rid of the achy and tight feeling with moments of shooting pain. I've had one doc just jump at the chance to scope it, while the last doc I saw recommended intensive PT. They say that it sounds like a meniscal issue, but the only way to know for sure is to scope it. I'm kind of in this limbo about it which sucks. Not that I want there to be a smoking gun, but at least I'd know for sure. I may have it scoped and just be done with it!

Arthroscopy for a torn meniscus is a fairly standard procedure for orthopaedic surgeons. There are two possible procedures. The first is a meniscal repair and the second is a partial meniscectomy. The repair is usually performed in younger patients (< 30 yrs old) and only with specific tears that are amenable to repair. More than 90% of people have partial meniscectomies. The best way to think about the meniscus is like it is a fingernail, and the procedure essentially clips the torn portion of the nail and leaves the rest behind. Different doctors have different rehab protocols, but in general you will be on crutches for a day or two, walking normally in a week and on the bike at 7 - 10 days. Full recovery is usually 6-8 weeks. I usually recommend that people don't run for 6 weeks, but biking is encouraged as it allows for a rapid recovery of quad strength and is non-impact. You should make sure that the surgeon that you are working with has done a fellowship in sports medicine or at least has done many arthroscopic knee procedures. Prior to surgery it should be safe to continue riding as long as it does not hurt, NO running as this will irritate the knee and can worsen the tear. Good luck and you should do very well

Awesome. Thanks guys. I was very worried this would affect me negatively.

Everybody's case is different but my rule of thumb is if the knee is locking up - then I want surgery. If it is not locking up, PT including biking is a better option. I've found that PT with lot's of stretching for hamstrings and iliotibial band is a better option for my knee discomfort. However, once the meniscus gets bad enough that my knee locks up and the unlocks with a painful pop, it's time for surgery.

In any case - biking needs to be part of your PT program with or without surgery.

I had mine done about 2 years ago. They went in and snipped the torn part off of mine, cleaned everything else out. Recovery wasn't too bad at all. Basically used crutches for 1 day and then as the swelling went down started using it as soon as possible. Can't remember for sure, but it was several weeks before I was back on the bike outside. I was on the trainer within a week though. As soon as I had the range of motion back it was okay to get on the trainer. It helped get the range of motion back more quickly.

Long term it's been great. The fixed knee feels better riding than the one that didn't get fixed. Wish I could get it cleaned out and have insurance cover it.

Nothing to get freaked about. It's much better after it's done.

I had my repaired but put it off for 2-3 years, (no insurance). I shouldn't have, as it seems like one leg was weaker after. I was doing very light riding a week later, and had no real long term issues besides getting my legs even again. I have no problems except that I put it off and had to work hard to be balanced again.

Awesome. Thanks guys. I was very worried this would affect me negatively.


it isn't even a 10 minute procedure, you'll be good.

Had my left meniscus repair last year. two weeks before pedaling easy on the windtrainer. Just beware, your percocet prescription may make you feel like you can do anything:thumbsup:

Discuss this with your doctor after the MRI. If the meniscus is really torn or shredded, you may as well have arthroscopic surgery fairly soon. Ask you doctor whether delaying surgery will cause further degeneration of the cartilege.

I injured my right lateral meniscus playing racquetball. I tried physical therapy, rest, etc for six months. Nothing really helped so I had arthroscopic surgery on 10/20/2006. The photos showed that the edges of the meniscus looked like chopped crabmeat. I should have done the surgery sooner. I started going to indoor cycling classes three weeks later.

Be prepared for some self-directed rehab and you will be fine.

Chris