Bucket-handle medial menisectomy

I tore my medial meniscus. MRI showed that there was tear. Arthroscopy surgery confirmed partial medial meniscus tear. The type of tear is called "buckle-handle". Its a longitudinal tear on the medial side of the meniscus where the torn flap now moves like a bucket handle. The torn meniscus was lodged against my intercondylar notch, which was causing my knee some sharp pain, and occasional locking/bucking. The location of the tear was in an area where there was limited blood supply so repairing was not an option. 50% of my medial meniscus was trimmed and the arthroscopy surgery was claimed a success.

Lots of medical terms? Thanks to my anatomy class, I actually know what they are talking about. Medical world is fascinating. The advancements that have been made in the last few decades have been colossal. 15 years ago, a menisectomy meant, split opening the knee with a huge surgical cut that was with you for life. Recovery was 3 months starting with a cast on your knee. Today, its three mere surgical incisions and one can walk out the same day after surgery. Recovery time is 3-6 weeks with vigorous PT. With the advent of the Internet, lots of information is available online, so needless to say, I went searching for information. The link below shows the EXACT surgery I had. Amazing information and incredible video. What can I say, I am constantly in the quest for knowledge.

Right knee arthroscopy with partial medial meniscectomy for bucket-handle meniscus tear.


Who is to say that in another 10 years, we will have technology that will re-generate torn tissues? Imagine using a syringe to inject stem cells into the torn meniscus and weeks later, you have good as new meniscus again? I know the day is not to far. Medical world is a fascinating world and my appreciation for what they do has just grown 10 folds.