What does my knee MRI actually mean?

Hello,

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It would have been ideal if you had posted your MRI films for me to see, as, without them, I can only comment and answer your questions with limited knowledge of your condition. Cysts are not an immediate result of trauma. They develop over time and may have preceded trauma. Usually, they cause pain but less frequently cause mechanical symptoms like giving way, locking rarely visible swelling. The MRI report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) says that you have a tear in the meniscus and that too is on the lateral side. This is the reason that you may have pain on weight-bearing, locking sensation in the knee, giving way sensation, or even falls all as a result of the tear.

Surgical treatment is based more on the symptoms rather than MRI findings alone. If you fit both criteria, you are likely to benefit the most. Days off from work will depend on what was done. But, three weeks is the minimum before you return to a busy job while a desk job. You can go back as soon as the pain and swelling are down and the wound is settled. At least ten days of complete rest is a must. Lateral meniscectomy is like to cause long-term problems, especially osteoarthritis, but this is over 20 years. Also, it depends on how much is torn and how much is removed. The current concept is to remove the minimum possible. Immediate surgery is needed if your knee is locked; otherwise, wait and observe the symptoms. Let your knee settle down with the injury and then decide. I agree with your doctor's treatment.

Please send me your MRI films, report, and current symptoms to help you further.