Question - Lateral Release Surgery (returning to paramedic job)

by STREET MEDIC
(NEW JERSEY)

I'm a 15 year veteran paramedic and I had a posterior horn tear in 2006. 25% of my meniscus was removed and I never felt 100% better post surgery. I was out of work for nearly a year.

3 Months after my return to full-duty I was re-injured to the same knee (Again). I began feeling and hearing a bunch of popping (like in the knuckles) Constantly, and weakness along with destroying my lower back.

I'm going for a medial meniscus repair and lateral release. As explained it seems worse than my 1st surgery, to the point I'm concerned about being permanently disabled from my career as a paramedic.

A brief job description - lifting patients over 200-300lbs on average up and down stairs, bending, crawling, running and long term standing, etc. I've been told to start looking for a desk job, my love of the job has always been out in the field. I guess my number is up?

What is your opinion, is this a career ending injury?

Thanks for your time!

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Question - Lateral Release Surgery (returning to paramedic job)

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Aug 08, 2008
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A desk may be next...
by: Bart - SII

I wouldn't normally think that a lateral release and meniscus repair would lead to the need for a desk job and career change, however, given the way that you seem to have responded from your previous meniscectomy, it sounds like you are probably better off moving into a job that is less demanding on the knee.

Most of this will depend on what they find once the get inside the joint, and of course how well you respond to the surgery and to the rehab afterwards - Rehab and lots of strengthening / flexibility work after surgery will be imperative if you want any chance to get back to working in the field.

Comment back with other questions.

Mar 24, 2010
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paramedic who had this surgery
by: Amanda b

hi there. i have been a medic for three years, i had lateral release surgery five weeks ago and i have every intension on going back to work next week.I have a great dr and he is very optimistic . i think the key is good physical therapy. i had a very good experance so far but i guess i wont know until i go back to work next week. im like you i LOVE working in the field and there is no way i would want to work at a desk! Good Luck!!!

Sep 26, 2010
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lateral release
by: candice

Good to hear you are doing good.I read and read posts and they all say physio is key. For my first 3 months I was going 5 days a week for about 2hours.When I returned to work Jan 1/10 I was given the ok to go down to once a week and was feeling good with no pain just the usual slight swelling. After 8 months my surgeon put me on twice a week because the pain was back now coming up on my 1year anniversary Oct1/10 and I am in worse pain.
I see the surgeon Oct 14/10 for an emergency appt to discuss my knee.
I am left without being able to use stairs because I am not strong enough so I 2 foot all stairs.I am in pain daily and taking celebrax and tylenal daily to kill pain. I have gone backwards in my recovery and I even have my physio doctor stumped.
I hope to get some help some.

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