u/CulturalArugula2886

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice or similar experiences regarding my knee situation, because I’m honestly a bit unsure about what to do next.
Background:
Before surgery, I had a complete ACL rupture, along with:
Meniscocapsular separation in the medial meniscus (ramp-type injury)

Minor injury to the MCL

Some signal changes in the lateral meniscus (but no clear tear at that time)

Bone marrow edema and joint swelling (hydrops + Baker’s cyst)

Surgery:
I had ACL reconstruction (ACL graft), and I believe the meniscus was addressed as well.
Post-op situation (8 weeks MRI):
ACL graft is intact (which is good)

But now there’s:
A longitudinal tear in the medial meniscus (ramp lesion)

Likely tear in the lateral meniscus as well (possible Wrisberg rip)

No displaced fragments, no major cartilage damage

Slight swelling still

Symptoms:
Progress has felt slow

Still using crutches

I sometimes get a “locking” or catching sensation (doctor thinks it might be pseudo-locking from the patellofemoral joint, not true meniscus locking)

Knee feels stable in testing, but I’m a bit hesitant and cautious when walking

Doctor’s opinion:
Knee appears stable

They don’t think the symptoms strongly suggest a major mechanical meniscus problem

Suggested continuing rehab and taking time

Generally a high threshold for another surgery

BUT…
I’ve now been offered another surgery on May 20th, and I’m really unsure whether I should go through with it or not.

My concerns:
Is it normal to see new meniscus tears (or ones that weren’t obvious before) after ACL surgery?

Should I wait longer and continue rehab, or is early intervention smarter here?

Has anyone had similar MRI findings but improved without another surgery?

How do you tell the difference between real mechanical locking vs. “pseudo-locking”?

I’m very motivated to get back to hiking and being active, but I don’t want to rush into another surgery if it’s not necessary.

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice or similar experiences regarding my knee situation, because I’m honestly a bit unsure about what to do next.
Background:
Before surgery, I had a complete ACL rupture, along with:
Meniscocapsular separation in the medial meniscus (ramp-type injury)

Minor injury to the MCL

Some signal changes in the lateral meniscus (but no clear tear at that time)

Bone marrow edema and joint swelling (hydrops + Baker’s cyst)

Surgery:
I had ACL reconstruction (ACL graft), and I believe the meniscus was addressed as well.
Post-op situation (8 weeks MRI):
ACL graft is intact (which is good)

But now there’s:
A longitudinal tear in the medial meniscus (ramp lesion)

Likely tear in the lateral meniscus as well (possible Wrisberg rip)

No displaced fragments, no major cartilage damage

Slight swelling still

Symptoms:
Progress has felt slow

Still using crutches

I sometimes get a “locking” or catching sensation (doctor thinks it might be pseudo-locking from the patellofemoral joint, not true meniscus locking)

Knee feels stable in testing, but I’m a bit hesitant and cautious when walking

Doctor’s opinion:
Knee appears stable

They don’t think the symptoms strongly suggest a major mechanical meniscus problem

Suggested continuing rehab and taking time

Generally a high threshold for another surgery

BUT…
I’ve now been offered another surgery on May 20th, and I’m really unsure whether I should go through with it or not.

My concerns:
Is it normal to see new meniscus tears (or ones that weren’t obvious before) after ACL surgery?

Should I wait longer and continue rehab, or is early intervention smarter here?

Has anyone had similar MRI findings but improved without another surgery?

How do you tell the difference between real mechanical locking vs. “pseudo-locking”?

I’m very motivated to get back to hiking and being active, but I don’t want to rush into another surgery if it’s not necessary.