meniscus tear and lateral release

by Stacy

I tore my medial meniscus in May 07 and am still having knee pain. I had surgery in 7/07 to remove the torn meniscus. He also removed some of my plica. I continued to have pain, had another MRI and found that there was still a large tear in the same area, as well as something floating in my joint. Another surgery 10/07 with another surgeon. Continued to have pain, went to see another physician and had surgery again in 2/08. This time he did a lateral release and found more torn meniscus! I continued to have pain and one MRI said that I had another tear, so I had exploratory surgery in December. The doctor did not find any issues in my joint. Looking back at the MRI now, I see that it says that my lateral retinaculum is intact. The physical therapists are finding that my kneecap is tight and I continue to have medial and lateral knee pain. I am wondering if it is possible that my lateral retinaculum healed back together or if scar tissue perhaps showed up on the MRI, making it appear intact. Any ideas? I am so frustrated and ready to be back to normal!

Thanks. :o)