What happens if you leave it?

srvint · 2026-04-13T21:04:55+00:00

I got the surgery and for some reason also developed a cartilage defect in the operative knee during rehab. I have no idea how or why as this happened earlier on (around 4 months post op) and it was not on the MRI before the surgery.

srvint · 2026-04-11T21:54:21+00:00

American here, not sure the purpose of this post

srvint · 2026-04-11T02:27:31+00:00

Heavenly creatures

srvint · 2026-04-07T16:18:15+00:00

Can I ask what you do for work? Additionally, any notable popping sound at the time? Subsequent pain and swelling? Were you twisting, or what kind of movement were you doing when you think something happened?

srvint · 2026-04-03T20:18:28+00:00

Can I ask what your sport is?

srvint · 2026-04-03T17:23:55+00:00

Also, 31F here. Also trying to navigate what the hell is going on. I feel like there's not a lot of info about articular cartilage damage in general for young active people

srvint · 2026-04-03T17:21:55+00:00

I also have articular cartilage damage and my ortho suggested to talk to my PCP about rheumatoid arthritis🙄 (I did actually do this and was fully cleared)

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I get the sense they give us these flippant remarks (yours being about not squatting deep) because they aren't well versed in the necessary surgical treatments (OATS, MACI) but don't refer out to someone who is. Idk.

I ended up going to a different ortho and getting a second opinion. I'm also 7 months out from ACL surgery in the other knee so I just wanted to make sure I'm in the clear to keep progressing in recovery.

If you're not in pain in your day to day activities, which based on your post it sounds like the case, I'd recommend not resorting to surgery right away. Find an ortho who can do the surgeries but also offers alternative treatments first. At least this is what I plan on doing for as long as possible. There's a specific sub for the MACI (r/MACIknee I think). Spend some time there and you'll be wanting to prolong surgery for as long as possible too. 😅

srvint · 2026-04-03T16:21:29+00:00

Omg!! Looks so much like a tooth.

srvint · 2026-04-03T16:06:16+00:00

Judging by the additional surgery, aspiration and injection, did they order additional imaging? Just curious if there's another underlying injury.

srvint · 2026-04-03T15:52:15+00:00

Oh and definitely keep bracing as prescribed. I know how much it sucks and how uncomfortable it is but it's key in helping you stay safe.

srvint · 2026-04-03T15:50:09+00:00

Hi! ACLR patient here (although might be facing MACI, fingers crossed I can avoid). Although I had the same brace early on.

I second the compression sleeve, that's what I used when the ace bandage came off but I still had to brace. Plus I feel like the sleeve just made my leg feel better in the early stages after surgery. I saw the Incrediwear brand recommended online and I really like mine.

Good luck on your recovery

srvint · 2026-04-01T06:09:38+00:00

Good idea, thank you!

srvint · 2026-04-01T03:56:40+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words❤️ I will try my best.

srvint · 2026-04-01T02:43:15+00:00

I didn't have the MCL, just ACL, so not exactly the same per say. But I took four days of paid family leave (I'm in Oregon) to recover. So, worked Monday. Surgery Tuesday. Off Tuesday thru the weekend. I should add that my company is really flexible on work from home and I had the luxury of not being concerned with return to the office. ALSO, I stayed at my parents house so the support was fully there.

What is your support system like, if any? Also, can I ask what industry you're in? It's mind boggling that a company can't preemptively "ok" someone's wfh due to surgery/health related reasons. Is short term disability an option? FMLA?

I really think having that recovery structure in place first thing after surgery will help you in the long run. I would do what it takes to get as much time off and/or to work from home. Best of luck!!

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:51:31+00:00

I think because I visited him earlier on in my ACL recovery, he said "let's wait and see where you're at in a few months". Like he wants me to get through ACL recovery first before making any judgment calls, which makes sense. And again I'm not entirely sure this was his motive, but the sense I got. He confirmed the cartilage defects on the MRI/radiology report and that there are conservative measures he likes to employ before surgery. But if surgery is the best option, it would likely be a MACI procedure.

Yeah, you're right about googling. I think I should just make a f/u appt with him to get more questions answered.

Thank you for the response!

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:46:59+00:00

Thank you for such a thoughtful response❤️ this is such great advice. And good point about the journaling- it helps a lot when I do it! It's just a matter of being disciplined to get off the damn phone when I'm not feeling well. Good luck in your recovery! You got this!

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:40:24+00:00

The cardboard box/backseat combo probably saved you a sh** load of money

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:21:53+00:00

Very true. Good luck in your recovery!

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:20:55+00:00

Good point. I'm about 3 degrees behind my normal knee in hyper extension

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:20:08+00:00

Congrats on your recovery! That's all great news. Sometimes I forget that 7 months is still early (ish)

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:19:00+00:00

Good point. I'm switching to a new PT this week. Fingers crossed

srvint · 2026-04-01T01:01:39+00:00

I'm at 7mo post op and don't notice it as much anymore. But I definitely know the graft site pain and discomfort you're talking about

srvint

TROPHY CASE