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Following on from an knee op in February for a torn meniscus, I had an MRI this week that revealed I've torn it again. Had been recovering well until one day, having stood up, my knee felt stiff and started hurting.
I'm going back to my surgeon but as I've always found surgeons 'scalpel happy' and as this tear appears to have been a degenerative tear, I'm wondering if there is an alternative to another op. Degenerative tears apparently don't always require, or respond well to surgery. At 62 my physio reckons I'm not ready for a knee replacement just yet.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a knee specialist in London or the south/south east?
Thanks in advance
I’m not a knee specialist, but I’m pretty sure that surgery for a torn meniscus isn’t recommended these days as it’s of limited benefit.
This goes double if it’s against a background of degeneration, where the meniscus is a symptom, not the cause.
Physiotherapy and painkillers are the answer. When painkillers stop working, get a knee replacement. Don’t worry about the pain, you’re ok to ignore it.
You will potentially get lots of different answers. For example Kramers comment above is completely contrary to what I was told about 6 months ago. I had lots of contrary advise when trying to decide what to do about my knee last year and had to make up my own mind.
So, to answer your actual question;
Knee specialist surgeon who performed the surgery on my knee and made me walk again; https://www.newhallhospital.co.uk/specialists/orthopaedics/mr-leonidas-vachtsevanos
Another Surgeon who (in hindsight) was 'on the ball'. https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/graeme-nicholas-fernandez
A knee specialist Physio who I went to 'last minute' before surgery and gave me heartfelt advice that (once again in hindsight was totally correct); Google Sue at Romsey Physiotherapy. Their website is currently having technical wobble, but ignore that if you can.
That's all Central South Coast so may not work for you. Good luck anyway.
I have heard good comments about Mr Hugh Chissell at Frimley Park, I had to laugh at the name, but he has a good reputation.
I did think it was a wind up when they recommended him. I didn’t end up making an appointment in the end so didn’t get to meet him.
Thanks for the replies, please keep them coming folks.
@Kramer your thinking is pretty much where I am at the moment. I realised yesterday it's been 2 years since I've ridden my trials bike and many years since I last did a long ride on my road or mountain bike. I'm fed up with my knee stopping me doing the things I love. I thought my op in February would sort it all out.
I'm happy to ignore the pain, I'm not a fan of pain killers, but knowing you're not doing more damage is always good. I don't want a knee replacement right now, I know two people that have had it done and neither would do it again.
What I need is some expert advice, not from someone who just wants to shove a camera in, chop some bits off and leave me hoping that it works. I'm happy to do the exercises, take it slow, whatever, if it means I get to ride. When you've ridden bikes all your life, stopping is harmful. Equally if my only option is an op, I can then make an informed decision.
@bentandbroken Thanks but most of your recommends are quite a distance, if I don't find any closer, I'll give them a go however. Your experience sounds the same as mine, surgeons want to cut, which is fair enough if that's the only answer but I'm reading a lot of stuff that suggests it's not always the best option on a degenerative tear. My last tear was a flap, so it had to be trimmed. I also had problems with ligaments and folds and arthritis.
How's your knee now?
@skippy Mr Chissell has retired apparently..... We'll never know.
@mercuryrev I used to work with Neil Bradbury in Nottingham and Bath. It was a while ago, but unusually for a surgeon (they get paid per procedure) he was big into non-operative management and only using the knife as a last resort.
Don’t discount pain killers. Regular paracetamol doesn’t work for everyone, but for those it does it can be surprisingly effective, and has a low side effect profile.
@mercuryrev - I will send you a PM, I am a bit uncomfortable with dishing out the full details online, but the short version is; I had surgery, my knee is better than it has been for years and I am now unlikely to need a knee replacement in the near future (if ever).
PS Paracetamol didn't touch mine and I am not supposed to take things like Ibuprofen (which did help)
Had my ACL done by Paul Gibb of Tunbridge Wells, with a meniscal tear sorted same time. Would recommend for surgery, but will give you good recommendations either way.
Jonathan Bell in Wimbledon is another knee man, mostly skiers' acls, I think. No direct experience but he offers advice occasionally on the snow heads forum
I had a second surgery on my ACL knee for a tibial plateau fracture and associated meniscal tear.
I've found for both procedures the way to manage is to find a good knee physio, and then loads of kneehabilitation to strengthen all the muscles around te knee and hence put less pressure on the knee. I know when I have been slack with the kneehab cos my knee tells me. ( https://www.sp-physiotherapy.com/team/josh-petty)
You might also want to take a look at @kneesovertoesguy on insta, and get his book from amazon.
I am lucky that I am able to cycle, and that also helps enormously
Good luck!
@Kramer thanks again, I've contacted Neil Bradbury but sadly can't get an appointment in London any time soon.
@bentandbroken thanks and have replied
@susepic thanks I will check them out. My physio stopped me doing most exercises as she wasn't happy not knowing exactly what I had done. I can certainly feel (and see) the difference not exercising your quads makes. Hope you're well on the road to recovery.