Appointments: (515) 247-8400

May 12, 2026

Karen’s Story

Venel

Left Meniscal Root Repair

My initial meeting with Dr. Vincent addressed my knee injury. While riding my bike uphill with no gears, I began experiencing increasing left knee pain. I elected to receive a cortisone injection following an X-ray. Unfortunately, I returned with the same symptoms, only worse, as I could no longer bear weight. An MRI revealed a meniscal tear through the root. Surgery was scheduled.

Surgery went as expected. Staff was efficient and thorough. Then the tough part began: no weight bearing for six weeks. I rented a wheelchair, walker, and crutches prior to surgery and stayed in my daughter’s one-floor apartment. My husband served as my nurse, and friends brought in food. Physical therapy started on day four. Very helpful and encouraging.

At about 4 months after surgery, my calf would tingle, which was expected. At six months postoperative, I developed clicking noises in the joint with movement, but no increased pain. At 32 weeks postoperative (but who’s counting?), I have minimal discomfort. I’ve continued basic exercises, walk 1.25 miles, and I’ve started golfing again. I can work in garden weeding and planting.

The Iowa Ortho staff has been very reassuring and professional with my concerns.