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[RC] Knee surgery - Bruce WearyHi Val--Sorry to hear about your knee injury. Sounds like you do indeed need surgery. The tear you are describing is on the "lateral" aspect, and probably a little toward the rear (posterior), but could be anywhere. The locking that occurs is from the flap of cartilage getting trapped on certain movements. You probably also have what is called "synovitis," which is inflammation of the tissue that produces the fluid for the joint. This makes it work overtime, and produce more fluid than the joint can handle, thus the swelling. The fluid will follow the path of least resistance, and not necessarily show up at the site of the injury itself. I would use ice for now, and avoid kneeling or full bending of the knee. Maybe even a brace, if your doctor recommends one. After surgery, you should insist on rehab. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and as such does much weight bearing and locomotion, pulling a double load. Your age isn't a huge factor in your recovery, unless you are significantly de-conditioned. It's important not only for the surgerized tissue to heal, but the nerve pain pathways and the general strength and stability of the knee are restored through rehab, not just by returning to your normal daily activities. It is especially important if you plan to return to riding. Find the best surgeon you can (these days you can check their record for successful outcomes), do your rehab, eat your vegetables, sit up straight, and don't talk back to your mother. Good luck, Dr Q =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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