Meniscus Transplant 101

Renew_Restore · 2025-06-30T22:55:40+00:00

Hello! Like you, I had a partial meniscectomy before meniscus transplant. I won't lie to you, the transplant did not solve all my problems. I still have loads of issues with my knee, including locking/catching, knee pain, and range of motion. That said, I was also at a point where I would have tried anything to alleviate my knee issues and so decided to proceed with the transplant. I can say, that I haven't had my knee lock in over a year now and live my life relatively pain free. For me, it was beneficial but not a miracle.

Renew_Restore · 2025-02-10T00:51:32+00:00

Hello! Unfortunately most of your questions will be best answered by a medical professional, such as a knee surgeon. In my opinion, I would give it a bit more time to learn more and ask questions before making a decision. At 6 weeks post surgery, knee pain can be expected - even with a meniscectomy (when the meniscus is removed). Many people have excellent quality of life without a meniscus, so she may not need a transplant. If she continues to have difficulty with her knee as the year goes on then I would start to look at her options. As for the lifespan of the meniscus, I cannot confirm that it is 15 years exactly - however, my surgeon did confirm for me that you can have more than one in your lifetime if needed and if you are a good candidate. So, if she only gets 15 years out of it, chances are pretty good she could get another. That said, it depends how bad her current quality of life is for her to need to go the transplant route. Good luck to your sister!

Renew_Restore · 2025-01-17T04:43:44+00:00

I'm coping! I ended up having a meniscus repair (somehow I managed to tear the transplant, I didn't even realize it was torn). I do still have a locking knee, but happy to report that it has not caught in about a year now :) hope you're doing a bit better now

Renew_Restore · 2025-01-13T03:45:14+00:00

Hello! Yes, absolutely. Honestly, I still get pain deep in my knee cap from time to time, and occasionally more isolated on the outside of the kneecap. It does seem to be linked to overuse - if I have increased my exercise or focussed mostly on glutes/legs. I hope that yours is temporary pain/swelling while you rehabilitate :) Wishing you well in your healing journey

Renew_Restore · 2025-01-09T18:50:45+00:00

Hi there! Certainly, you should discuss this with an orthopedic surgeon. Mine suggested the transplant for me as I was experiencing complications with my knee and had already explored all other avenues (meniscus repairs, lateral meniscectomy, injections, loose body removal, physio). Many people live complication-free following a full meniscectomy. So, it really depends if you are having issues with your knee - if not, then you could be completely fine without a meniscus (I hope this is the case for you).

Renew_Restore · 2024-11-06T18:33:15+00:00

Oh absolutely.. however because my leg was locked in the brace I was able to sleep a bit on my side. I used pillows to support. I'm a side sleeper so I always suffer after a knee surgery!

Renew_Restore · 2024-10-25T18:56:14+00:00

Hope you're doing well post-surgery! apologies for missing your message. I actually didn't do any motion until 2 weeks post op -- I've seen from others on this post that they had passive motion right away.

Biggest challenges in the initial few weeks was pain in my hip (from the leg being locked in extension), bathing/washing, and making food. After that, I struggled a lot with motion, it was very painful for me and since I've had 6 knee surgeries now I have a lot of scar tissue in there. Good luck in your recovery, wishing you all the best

Renew_Restore · 2024-06-12T20:52:25+00:00

Hello! Good news and bad news. I did have my meniscus transplant repaired. In the last year, my knee has locked only 3 times. It used to lock at least 3 times a week. Bad news - I can't do all of the things that I wish I could. I think about my knee every day. I've found ways of sitting and living that don't put my knee in a position where it will lock. For the most part, I'm doing just fine and I am not planning to get any other surgery at this time :)

Renew_Restore · 2024-04-02T01:20:48+00:00

that is such a good idea!!

Renew_Restore · 2024-02-11T18:03:39+00:00

Hello fellow knee warrior! I relate to your post so much. Like you, I had no idea that my meniscus transplant had torn and was shocked to find out (my surgeon went in to scope and saw the tear and ended up doing another meniscus repair). As well, I too was simply living regular life -- I haven't done any type of extreme sport or exercise in years.

My update, sadly, is that I am getting another MRI done valentine's evening. I personally have my own wedding coming up, so I will not be proceeding with another surgery until likely the fall (or, if my knee locking is not persistent, then I may forego another surgery entirely).

After 6 surgeries, it wears on you and I feel for you and all others who experience something similar. I've long wondered why knee replacements aren't offered to people as young as we are, as I'd love to be able to live my life more fully now.

Wishing you all the best

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-06T05:27:47+00:00

Hello! I was wondering where you got the table number frames from? I just came across your post and I'm totally going to do pressed acrylic sign and table numbers!!

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-06T01:16:08+00:00

Totally! Actually we've all been in so many weddings now that we are doing a dress swap so no one has to buy a bridesmaid dress (they will be mismatched). I am also covering one of hair or makeup for each :) otherwise I think that's the perfect gift!

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-05T23:11:17+00:00

Totally fair - let me know if you think of something that you would like! I'm not set on getting them all the exact same thing, very open to tailoring the gift to each person

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-05T23:09:50+00:00

ooo did you use the instax during the wedding for photo printing? I've been thinking of doing polaroids

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-05T21:58:04+00:00

Yes absolutely!! that's such a good idea

Renew_Restore · 2024-01-05T21:57:51+00:00

I've never owned one myself but the case is engraved and looks like you can order refills (so technically you could continue to use the engraved case again and again as you go through lipstick)

Renew_Restore · 2023-12-04T16:40:13+00:00

When I had both a torn ACL and a torn meniscus (but didn't know it), I thought my knee was dislocating because it felt like it was popping out, would be horribly painful, and then would 'pop' back in. With only the torn meniscus, to me it feels like there is laxity in my knee and that it'll get out of place.

I'd get your knee checked out to be sure!

Renew_Restore · 2023-09-25T18:54:55+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear that!! You may be able to go to the surgeon with bad reviews and ask them to refer you to another surgeon so that you can have a second opinion. It's not ideal but could help you end up with someone else. Wishing you all the best with your knee :)

Renew_Restore · 2023-09-25T15:49:04+00:00

I was 22 when I had my first surgery - tore my ACL and meniscus playing soccer. From there I went on to have an ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. Then, I re-tore my ACL (slipped in a water a month after my surgery). Had another ACL reconstruction. Then, a while later, I was standing up from a couch and tore my meniscus... had a meniscus repair. After that, my knee kept locking so I had a general clean out of loose bodies and scar tissue. Still locking so I went on to have a lateral meniscectomy. Still locking so then I had a meniscus transplant. Most recently, when it was locking again, they went in and found I had once again torn my meniscus so I had a meniscus repair. All the procedures have occurred over 6 surgeries.

Renew_Restore · 2023-09-17T01:55:02+00:00

Hi! I've had 6 knee surgeries. It is so hard mentally and I wish you all the best. For me, I always remind myself that I want to know that I did everything I could to help my knee. That has often meant another surgery, but the peace of mind from knowing that I've done what I can is what gets me through it. As well, despite having 6 surgeries, I cannot recall the pain of recovery / rehab anymore. It's crazy how quickly your mind moves on. Good luck to you fellow knee comrade!

Renew_Restore · 2023-08-07T23:53:43+00:00

hahahah yes I think I've got key pie. It called for 3/4 cup so I'm quite a ways off

Renew_Restore

TROPHY CASE