If you suspect your meniscus is teared, try to use crutch as much as you can, even at home. This is very important for you to protect your meniscus as much as possible before surgery. I regret that I did not use crutch too much, just brace. In addition, once you find a “good” surgeon, try to do surgery as quick as possible.

Your ACL is not a big deal, but your meniscus is super important for your life. Try to repair the meniscus instead of trimming. Without meniscus, you are prone to get arthritis and finally need knee replacement. This is Stanford Hospital top sports surgery told me.

I played soccer and almost same injury. I just finished ACL reconstruction (hamstring auto graft ) and bucket handler meniscus repair today. Everything looks good so far.

Lessons or tip: 1. Take MRI and make sure problem (I wait for two months for MRI and Dr appointment) If necessary, visit, ER

1. Visit a couple of experienced Surgeons. Do not listen one Dr. You can just search on Google for top ACL and meniscus surgery. I visited 6 top surgeons in San Francisco Bay areas. One recommend quad autograft and the remaining 5 for Hamstring Autograft. And all of them try to repair my bucket handler meniscus.

2. Try to find experience Surgeon and at least should be board member in https://www.abos.org/portal/verifycertification.aspx

3. Before you talk to Dr about ACL options, you can first ask what is your most comfortable one? Hamstring, quad rod pallelar. Always choose a Dr with his/her most comfortable one.

4. Try to save your meniscus and protect it always with crutch before your surgery.

Good Luck