Dunkirk NY – Today’s first post-op followup appointment was a breeze. The stitches came out, and my surgeon came in and checked for swelling, discoloration, and range of motion – all good. I got my surgical report and pictures, as well as my Rx for physical therapy. My first PT appointment is Wednesday morning 11/20. In another week I can test myself behind the wheel of a car, so I should be able to drive to make it to my volunteer gig for Shakespeare in Delaware Park. I pretty much expected a good report, and certainly got one.
It turns out that along with the partial medial meniscectomy, I also had an extensive synovectomy. Synovitis is, generally speaking, an inflammation of the soft tissue in the knee. The tissue that is inflamed is removed and the synovial fluid drained. Apparently no real big deal; comes with the territory. I also have normal wear and tear around the knees, but that’s to be expected for someone my age.
So Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 is PT, increasing the strength of the area around the knee, which finishes with a follow-up in another month. Phase 3 will be return to normal, but no follow-up as far as I know. The whole process is about 6 weeks to really feel close to 100%. So by the new year I should be back up to full speed.
The pictures are fascinating. Here are some of the key ones:
The inflamed tissue.
The actual tear, located on the right side.
The repaired meniscus
There are a lot more pictures, but he went through them so fast I’ve lost track of what they are. Maybe I will take them back in a month and label them. My ACL and PCL were fine, and the slightly jagged edges are the indications of wear on the joint.
All in all, I can’t complain. I still am completely in awe of how efficient and easy everything is. 40 years ago I would have had a scar from upper thigh to lower calf to do this kind of work. Today, two small holes in the knee. Awesome. -twl