When Tyler Arbogast, 21, sought treatment for a torn meniscus after a motorcycle accident, his main concern was returning to work at a tire shop. The injury caused his knee to lock up, affecting both his job and outdoor activities like hunting. “Having it lock up in a remote place could potentially be bad, and I didn’t want that to happen,” Arbogast said.
While Arbogast focused on immediate relief, his orthopedic surgeon considered the long-term effects of different treatments. Nicholas Stockwell, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with AdventHealth Castle Rock, explained: “The fastest way to fix a meniscus tear can cause more problems down the road. Although patients are focused on the immediate problem, it’s our job to consider the long-term implications of treatment.”
The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint and is often injured. Meniscus surgery is common in the United States. Traditionally, surgeons have performed meniscectomies—removing damaged portions of the meniscus—which allows for quick recovery but increases future risk of osteoarthritis and possible knee replacement surgery.
Alternatively, repairing the meniscus by stitching it back together offers better prospects for long-term joint health but requires a longer recovery period. Patients may need to avoid putting weight on their knee for six weeks or more.
Dr. Stockwell said he prefers repair over removal when possible: “I’m of the camp to save the meniscus whenever we can. Whether the patient is 20 or 60, I’m going in with a plan to fix the tear if possible because removing all or part of the meniscus can lead to arthritis in the knee sooner than expected.”
Recent advances in regenerative medicine—such as using bone marrow and other biological agents—are making repairs more feasible by reducing recovery times for patients across age groups. “We’ve come a long way in the last 15-20 years,” Dr. Stockwell noted.
These advancements allowed Dr. Stockwell to repair Arbogast’s injury with minimal downtime. After two weeks without bearing weight on his leg and then walking with a brace, Arbogast returned to work eight weeks post-surgery. “Right now, it feels great,” he said. “I can close and open it all the way, and it doesn’t lock out. It’s been pretty great.”
To help prevent injuries like these, Dr. Stockwell recommends three types of training: warming up properly to prepare muscles and nerves; exercises that improve mind-muscle connection such as plyometrics; and building core strength for stability and protection against pain.
In addition to knees, wrist fractures are also common among older adults who fall—a frequent occurrence according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data cited by Rajshri Bolson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at AdventHealth Castle Rock specializing in upper limb injuries. Strength training helps build bone density while improving balance and core strength—both important factors in preventing falls.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida and has operated since 1908 under current president Terry Shaw; it serves as both a pediatric facility and training hospital (https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando).
