36F with failed lateral meniscal allograft + OAT + DFO — surgeon recommending lateral UKR. Anyone else had this at a young age?
Hi everyone! I'm having a hard time finding others in a similar situation so hoping this community can help.
I'm 36F with a right knee that's been through it since I was as a competitive gymnast. Quick surgical history:
- 2005/2006/2007 - partial lateral meniscectomy, microfracture, two meniscal repair attempts
- 2012 - lateral MAT + OAT to lateral femoral condyle + DFO (5 degree correction) all at once
- 2013 - hardware removal
- 2023 - arthroscopy, debridement, 5cm loose body removal, BMAC injection
After my 2012 reconstruction I got into competitive CrossFit and competed from 2016 until 2023 when my knee forced me to stop. Since then I've had to significantly change my lifestyle because of pain. Over the last year it's gotten noticeably worse — I struggle to walk long distances, can't bike comfortably, and have sharp pain most days just walking.
I've also been getting HA injections every 6 months for the past two years with occasional cortisone. The HA worked the first round and then stopped providing any relief.
Current MRI shows no lateral meniscal tissue remaining, full thickness cartilage loss at the posterior lateral tibial plateau, partial thickness trochlear loss, and ACL mucoid degeneration.
My surgeon of 13 years referred me to a colleague who specializes in partial knee replacement at a major academic medical center. He reviewed my films and called me a perfect candidate for lateral UKR. I also have a second opinion consultation coming up.
Lateral UKR seem so rare - has anyone had one especially at a young age? How did it go? Any advice on timing or returning to activity? 🙏