Had a torn medial meniscus in right knee in a car accident in June 2007. Pain increased and finally had orthroscopic surgery to trim the piece and smooth it out in Dec 2007. Was good until about 3 years ago and the cartilage was completely worn down. Now both are bad and will be having both replaced sometime this year. One thing to understand about meniscus and cartilage in the joints.... there is no direct blood flow to the joints so they do not "repair" themselves like any other parts of the body that have blood flow to them that carries the materials for the body to repair its self.
If I had known about Prolotherapy and PRP and stem cell repair,sooner in my life, I might not have to have the replacements..... The PRP and stem cell helped the left ankle and the left knee for several years but the damage was too extensive and continued use, just finally could not be held in abeyance. Mine was too far gone when we started the PRP and stem cell. Constant sprained ankles as a kid set up the left ankle.... injuries to the knee as a teenager and after started the downhill slope of the knee. A couple of car accidents really accelerated the knee damage.
Hips are the easiest to have done and recover from. Knees more common, the response is very different. Ankles are much more of a "newer" replecement, and they say I have had exceptional recovery.....Shoulders are supposed to be the worst.
REGARDLESS, DO THE REHAB. Whether you are disciplined enough to do it at home and with outpatient PT from the start. or do some "inhouse" rehab for a couple weeks to get started....KEEP DOING IT. I am still doing some exercises for the ankle to try to keep increasing the range of motion and flexibility....keeping it supple. And to try to keep the knees working enough so that when the time comes, I will be able to get back to "normal" ASAP.
There is a newer procedure called the MAKO procedure that is mostly robotic. It is said to be less traumatic to the tendons and ligaments and the joint is supposed to be more fitted to you individually. My physical therapists mom had it done, both knees, total surgical time for both was 2 1/2 hours. She was totally off canes and walking at 8 weeks and just released from the surgeon at 12 weeks. He has been a PT for 25 or 30 years and said that his mom's recovery was better than any he has seen. He does this for a living....
It took me 5 years to find a dr to do the ankle replacement and I am glad for every day of pain that I waited to find a dr that I truly liked and trusted. I considered him because he also did stem cell and wanted to get another opinion on the stem cell since I had had some done already. He point blank said he would do it, but he honestly did not feel I would get any more benefit. I could not be happier with the ankle replacement.
So, after my PT told me about the procedure his mom had done, and her very very good recovery, I am going to that clinic for a consultation appt. I had already been researching that particular procedure and was pretty sure that was what I wanted. Then to get that kind of recommendation, it seems like a "DUH" why would I go anywhere else, kind of moment.
Obviously you have to do the initial consult with the dr..... but do some research. Prolotherapy and PRP is a much more common practice in Europe and I believe Australia...... do some research on the internet. It won't hurt. I am very thankful to have done many hours of homework for the ankle and although I keep saying I want more flexibility.... my PT says that I have gotten more than he ever expected and laughs when I try to push for more. There will be some restrictions since the mechanical joint is not exactly the same as the one God gave me, but I am continuing to try to get every last bit out of it that I can. I intend to do the same with the knees.