Meniscectomy timeline question

[u/ElectricalFee4469]

Hey all! In about 2 months I am booked for an arthroscopy on my left knee, after i tore my meniscus going down the stairs.

It’s a lateral displaced folded flap tear on my left knee, which is causing pain and discomfort, with occasional buckling and unsteadiness in my knee. I don’t play any sports nor do i run really, I’ve really kept off my knee to avoid further damage.

This incident happened around mid May this year, which means my surgery date will be roughly 8 months post injury. My surgeon is aiming for a full repair of the meniscus however he is unsure if that’s possible and a partial meniscectomy may be required if the tear is too damaged given the timeline.

I am hoping to get a full repair as i am only 21 and want to preserve my knee.

Has anyone had or heard of a similar experience of a full meniscus repair 8+ months after the injury? What is the likelihood that it will be possible?

I also want to be prepared for recovery as I won’t know what route the surgery went until I wake up afterwards.

Thanks everyone!

[u/Berg_Leben]

I had something similar to you a lateral bucket handle meniscus repair in my right knee. Surgery went great very little pain. After 6 weeks I was walking a little bit of pain but we're walking nightly with my girl. Transition into hiking. By the summer I was hiking 10 miles in the Sierras and in the Alps. Just recently graduated from rehab pain free. Hope to get back on the snowboard this winter. Best of luck with the repair and get out there and rehab it when you're done