Age 27: Diagnosis Knee Arthritis

[will1129]

Was just told the news today. I'm quite devastated. This happened as a result of a failed partial menisectomy almost two years ago. It's not bone on bone yet but the doctor said that the cartilage is worn down and blunted. She said I might be a candidate for cartilage transplant surgery, given my age. But idk if I would actually want to go through with that.

So, I'm kind of wondering where do I go from here. I still want to live my life to the fullest and not let my knee get in the way. If anyone can share how they manage their arthritis or post some good resources for me, I would much appreciate it.

[TimHer]

Can you contact me on facebook
[Facebook link removed by KNEEguru - anti-spam policy]

[mmrocker13]

Ask about the transplant. Get a few opinions. :-) I've had post-traumatic OA (grade IV) since I was a kid, and I'm still kicking :-)

[cdubb]

Get more information about cartilage restoration procedures that you may be a candidate for. ACI, OATS, fresh osteochondral allografts, Denovo NT. If you have meniscal deficiency though, you may also need a meniscal transplant done concurrently, so I would find a cartilage restoration expert that can deal with all issues, as well as ensure any malalignments are addressed. I personally am 13 weeks out of a patella ACI to repair a grade 4 defect, as well as a tibial tuburcle osteotomy and so far things are very promising.

[will1129]

Seriously though the last thing I want to do at this point is have more surgery. I think I want to just formulate a plan to stay active and relieve my knee symptoms going forward in my life as much as I can. Surgery messed up my knee, I'm not going down that road again.

[Lottiefox]

Will

I too have early OA - grade 3-4 in two compartments but thankfully decent joint space and no real swelling, joint malformation etc. I too am keen to avoid surgery! My OS said that generalised OA doesn't respond that well to some of the transplant technqiues, as its like trying to darn a threadbare sock. Unless there is sound cartilage around the worn bits they can't anchor the new bits. So, I'm trying all I can to live with what I have. It seems to be trial and error and often a guesising game what works and what makes things worse. I take Celebrex which settles down bad PFS type flare ups. I am due for my second Euflexxa shots next week, in both knees this time to see what happens. I had one in my most troublesome left knee last year and I think it helped. I stick with my PT exercises as well as trying to build time on bike, cross trainer, walking longer and faster, resistance training, balance work, Pilates etc etc. I avoid foods/drinks that I think make matters worse. I try and stick some fish oils down me regularly through either real fish or capsules. I foam roll religiously, have a sports massage once a month, stretch like a demon. Its a full time job trying to normalise things but I think its OK. Its a big concept to get your head round but it isn't the end of active life. Its about finding a plan that works for you, and also trying not to think scary things about the future. None of us know whats round the corner so I've tried to stop fretting about the inevitable PFJR or TKR someway down the line.....something else may see me of before that, none of us know...!

Good luck with managing your knee. Stay strong

Lottie

[Sam1983]

Hello Will,
I also had a plica surgery and don't seem to recover since. I see you've been away for quite sometime. Did you figure out a solution to your knee problem? Did recovery eventually get any better? Any advise. Please help. Thank you,