UPDATED 9-6-2005(For those of you not familiar with the story, read the entries from around July 16 for the requisite background relating to this entry. I recently added a link in the sidebar to a chronological list of the journal entries, or you can visit the July archives.)
Just got my MRI films and analysis:
1) Small oblique tear of the medial meniscus.
2) Small radial tears of the lateral meniscus.
3) Intermediate grade partial tear of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) “Some fibers are still intact.”
4) Intermediate grade chondromalacia of the articular cartilage in all three compartments (arthritis)
5) Small effusion (swelling)
Interestingly, according to all the reading I’ve been doing, the MCL tear and the chondromalacia are actually helped by exercise, and exercise is usually part of the treatment. Unfortunately, the menisci tears are probably another story, but that’s not to be known until I visit the Orthopedist next Tuesday.
And, all this of course begs the question, “Was it worth it?” (Emphatic) YES, it was! The accident could’ve happened anywhere, anytime, but it wouldn’t have been associated with this incredible adventure.
So, stay tuned. The story’s sure ain’t over yet. 😉
UPDATE: Had my appointment with the Orthopedist and for now, we’re waitin’ and seein’. The MRIs do indeed show small tears in the menisci, but the tear in the MCL was the major injury in the doc’s opinion. He said it is hard to tell if the small meniscus tear on the medial side (inside) of the knee is causing some of the pain, and that won’t be possible until the MCL heals. The good news is that the MCL will heal on it’s own — with time, of course.
So, I’m to give it a month to six weeks and see how it’s going. I’m free (and encouraged) to keep riding and to get back to the weights, avoiding anything that puts sideways stresses on my knee. So, Volleyball and dancing are out, but I can still stay active. Also, the doctor thought my ACL had been injured, too, but not torn which is good news; though it has it’s own healing process to go through.
South Dakota Homestead (click to enlarge)