Question - Meniscus (waiting on MRI

Question - Meniscus (waiting on MRI - return to play)

by Linda
(Virginia)

I have a 11th grade, 16 year old 3 sport high school athletic (football, wrestling and baseball) and an awaiting an MRI on 1 Jan to confirm the Doctor's belief of a meniscus tear.

He was first injured during football a few months ago with an hard clip tackle to his knee. Yes, it was sore, slightly swollen and he worn a knee brace provided by the trained for a little while.

During a wrestling tournament he twisted and felt it pop and it immediately started hurting and had a little swelling. We are waiting for the MRI and follow up appointment and recommendation(the doctor advised he could have him back on the mat mid-Feb).

At this point, I do not know if this is via surgery or rehab. So with either option he is done for awhile in wrestling, the question becomes can he get his knee ready for baseball which starts immediately after wrestling in late Feb(he is a pitcher and catcher)or is that out of the question too?

Additionally, considering the sports he plays should that be taken into consideration when determining the recommendation?

Thank you.

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Question - Meniscus (waiting on MRI - return to play)

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Jan 08, 2009
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return to wrestling
by: Bart - SII

If he has a meniscus tear, surgery is likely the option that will provide the quickest return. Normal recovery after a meniscectomy (torn portion removed) is 6 weeks. Add another 3-4 weeks onto that to "get the feel" back in sports.

Rehab runs the risk that it might not be successful and surgery is then needed anyway.

Either way, being competitive and safe in Mid February for wrestling is likely pushing it a bit. Doable, but could be risky. Baseball is not as strenuous, so would likely be a better choice. It will still take some time, likely 2-3 months after rehab or surgery to get all the normal strength, endurance, etc back into the knee and leg.

Bart