Question
I was hoping that mabe you could give me an answer in plan english. Back on 12-97 I stepped out of the truck and hurt my knee. I have had more than my share of physical therapy. I went in and got part of my patella removed due to the fact it was chipped. After more PT I went and had a Arthroscopic Lateral retinacular relase done and more pt. I still have major pain with the knee, The state gave me 13 percent disability on the legg.
My queston is that when I had the last surgey the report show that the doctor found a " partially discoid lateral meniscus". I have to yet found anybody that can explain what that is. I was hoping you might be able to tell me. The doc. chose not to do anything to that problam because he said I did not show any symptoms. They are also telling me I can not drive local any more and if I chose to go back long haul, that I will not be able to do any pulling,pushing or heavy lifting. As you may know that leaves out trucking almost all together
I hope you can tell me what this is,because you know curiosity can kill the cat.
Thanks very much for your time
Dave
Answer
Dave,
The answer is fairly simple. The miniscus, which is cartilage inside the knee, is generally dumbbell shaped. Yours being discoid means it is partially disc shaped or flattened in one area. This may be a result of the injury or it may be genetic. The fact that it has caused no symptoms is indeed the important thing.
I can certainly sympathize with the knee problems though. I have one myself and occaisionally have to wear a hinged neoprene brace. It has definitely limited what I am able to do physically. I used to dance and hike a lot. No more. One wrong move and I'm down for weeks. The only surgery that will fix it is a total knee replacement and I'm just not ready for that.
Hopefully you will be able to find a way to stay in trucking and adapt somehow.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at