What's worse a torn meniscus or ACL?

Meniscus tears generally heal in approximately three months or sooner (with and without surgery), while ACL tears take longer. If you don't need surgery, recover takes about three to six months. Recovering from ACL surgery can take six months to a year.

What is worse a torn meniscus or a torn ACL?

Many ACL tears we see only have problems ascending stairs, jogging, or walking downhill but can walk up hills and on flat roads without an increase in pain. A meniscus tear, on the other hand, will cause fairly severe pain even just standing on it.

Is ACL and meniscus surgery a major surgery?

ACL Reconstruction Is Major Surgery

ACL reconstruction usually takes less than two hours and patients go home the same day. But it's still considered major surgery.

Can you walk with a torn ACL or meniscus?

The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.

How long does it take to heal from ACL and torn meniscus?

Total recovery time for an ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair is 12-16 weeks, and it varies with each individual. Patients may drive after pain medication, but when the right knee is affected, the patient must wait for 4-6 weeks before resuming driving.

Meniscus Tear VS ACL Tear | Which Is Worse?

Will my knee ever be the same after ACL and meniscus surgery?

For the most part, patients' range-of-motion 10 years after surgery was the same as it had been two years after the operation. About 85 per cent of the 502 patients had a stable knee they could hop on.

How long will I be off work after meniscus surgery?

How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

How long does it take to heal an ACL and meniscus tear without surgery?

Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.

How long does it take to walk after ACL and meniscus surgery?

By the end of the second or third week, patients usually walk without crutches. Sessions with a physical therapist usually begin seven to 14 days after surgery. During physical therapy, weight bearing is allowed if you did not have a meniscus repair.

Can you run straight with a torn ACL?

If you are wondering, "Can I run again with an ACL tear?" Rest assured, running with an ACL tear is possible if the knee is stable and has proper strengthening to allow the muscle to support the knee.

Is meniscus repair better than ACL repair?

A meniscal repair will help reduce the effects of osteoarthritis because the damaged cartilage is repaired and saved versus being removed. An ACL may possibly have the least long term effects. Some patients may have decreased strength of the operated side and increased patellar tendinitis.

How long do you need crutches after ACL and meniscus surgery?

Most likely, you'll use crutches for about a week, then switch to a cane for two weeks. Keep in mind that this varies depending on the extent of the injury and your recovery. For example, if you have a meniscus repair, you may need crutches for six weeks.

How many years does ACL surgery last?

Rebuilt to last

Not only is the procedure effective, but repaired tendons perform like new. Reconstruction patients even 20 years later revealed excellent performance, with over 85% still active. However, over 40% revealed some degree of osteoarthritis.

Will you ever be the same after an ACL injury?

Fear of ACL Reinjury

Fear of reinjury is by far the number one reason why many athletes will never return to sports after ACL surgery. They may return to the field, but they will not be performing at close to the same level as they did prior to their injury.

Does a torn meniscus require surgery?

Once your doctor has officially diagnosed you for a torn meniscus, they will most likely recommend non-surgical treatments first. However, if those treatments don't work or your injury is too severe, you will require surgery.

Is a torn ACL a major injury?

Some people can live and function normally with a torn ACL. However, most people complain that their knee is unstable and may "give out" with physical activity. Unstable knee after ACL tears can lead to further knee damage. You are also less likely to return to the same level of sports without the ACL.

How painful is a torn meniscus?

A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.

Is meniscus surgery painful?

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is moderately painful. Because more soft tissue surgery is performed, it is more painful than a standard arthroscopy, but less painful than a ligament reconstruction or another procedure that requires drilling holes through the bone.

How much does an ACL and meniscus surgery cost?

It will cost approximately $20,000 to $50,000 to pay for the surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia, and graft. Additional costs include medical equipment such as knee braces and crutches which will add an extra $500. Physical therapy adds a cost of $1,000.

Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?

Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus? Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.

Can walking further damage a torn meniscus?

Continuing to walk on the affected leg can aggravate your symptoms, making pain and stiffness worse in as little as a few days. Plus, suffering a torn meniscus may also increase your risk of complications, like developing osteoarthritis in that knee.

Can I still bend my knee with a torn ACL?

Unable to Bend Knee.

When you've torn your ACL you will lose a range of motion. Try bending your knee and then straightening it out. If you can't bend your knee to a 90 degree angle or straighten out your leg because of pain, stiffness and swelling, then it is likely that you've torn your ACL.

How many hours is meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery is a common operation to remove or repair a torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee. The surgery requires a few small incisions and takes about an hour.

Will I ever run again after meniscus surgery?

Running again after surgery

Most patients who undergo meniscectomy can return to running without problems and do not have a significantly increased risk for arthritis, unless they have their entire meniscus removed, which is rare.

Can I climb stairs after meniscus surgery?

Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.