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Oct 21, 2016
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Everything had been going so well for DD this fall. She just turned 14 and won the starting RF position on a 16A team full of girls that that drive to practice (that's crazy to me), and the team played in their first exposure tournament this past weekend and came in first place. Today we went to a follow up appointment due knee pain she was having at the end of last season when she was catching. Due to that pain they did an MRI, and this morning we found out the results. She has a hyper mobile lateral meniscus, which I guess is hereditary, and the average recovery from the surgery is 6 months. We were going in thinking a basic scope would be needed sometime this winter, but this procedure requires a 3 inch incision and a much longer recovery. Due to her her age she should hopefully beat the 6 month average, but it's a blow for me and I can't read DD yet. She was pretty silent after the news and is not a good communicator in the first place. We have decided to do the surgery ASAP, which will be in 4 weeks, which allows her to play in 2 more tournaments this fall, including a big exposure tournament where I've already paid for the camp. But she will miss winter training, most or all of her freshman year of school ball, and if all goes well should be back for the heavy travel schedule in the spring.

Is there anyone who has been through similar knee injuries or lay offs who can offer words of wisdom for DD, and for me? We are trying to find silver linings, but one of DD's biggest attributes is her 2.7 speed, and I think she's worried about getting that back after this long recovery.
 
May 20, 2015
36
8
Bradenton, FL
Sorry to hear about your DD, that's never the news you want to get.

My oldest DD had very similar surgery on her meniscus a few years back (gymnastics). Surgery went great and minimal pain following surgery and during recovery.
She stayed active at the gym and with her teammates and after 6 months of rehab came back to compete at the highest level for her last 2 years of HS.
The time off gave her time to reflect and heal some other smaller nagging injuries. She also lost some bad habits when she returned.

While she was recovering and not able to compete we were bummed, but I think it gave her time to grow and learn how to deal with adversity. She did a lot of work with the younger gymnasts which led to a coaching job for her last year of HS.

Many of her teammates went on and are now competing in college, which would have been an option for her, however her heart was set on UF which has one of the top gymnastics programs in the country (beyond her level) so she gave it up with no regrets.

Best of luck to your DD and hope for a speedy recovery. The recovery time will go fast and give you the opportunity to explore other interest with your DD.
 
Feb 4, 2015
641
28
Massachusetts
I agree with justanotherguy. The PT is critical to get her strength and flexibility back.

For the emotional aspect, stay connected with the team. Go to practices, events, tournaments and support them. First, she can learn a lot by watching. Second, she will gain immense respect from the older girls and her coaches.

And she has a ton of time. 14 is so young. D1 cannot even talk to her until Sept of junior year now. So she's got plenty of time to recover, work-out and get back to where she wants. In the meantime, do what other 14's do when not playing, practicing, working out, etc. Enjoy a little downtime, and then be energized for that busy summer!

Good luck!
 
Oct 21, 2016
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Thanks everybody. It has been 24 hrs and we are past the shock stage. DD hasn't had 2nd thoughts about getting it done right away, so that makes me feel better. There is just no good time of year for a 6 month recovery. She seems to be just business as usual with school, friends, and practice, but I know she is bummed and scared as she tends to put on the tough face even with me.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery. We’ve been through lengthy injuries twice with DD and once with DS. DD was out nine months when she was 11 and later missed three months when she was 15. Last year DS missed his entire junior football season. It’ll seem like an eternity while they’re recovering. The good news is they catch up fairly quick and she’ll soon be back in no time. She’s also at an age where if she wants to play in college she’ll be just fine. DD is a senior playing at a school she absolutely loves. DS is on JV now, but still has multiple colleges that want him. Mostly DIII, but that’s the caliber he was before the injury, so nothing lost. It’s amazing how quickly they bounce back.

Best of luck to your DD.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, PT is crucial. I did not do all the PT I should have on a partial MCL tear (no surgery, I was mid thirties), and I pay for it know, hard to put my ankle on my other knee to tie shoes!
 
Oct 21, 2016
189
28
Can you describe to us what the condition is, and what happens to the knee because of it?
Thanks

I'll do my best from her perspective and the doctor.

While crouching with weight on her knee it will lock shut. Happened 2-3 times while catching, and I saw it happen to her once while crouching down to pick up ball from a net. She freaked for just a second, calmed herself, slowly move the leg the right way and it unlocks. That's what it feel like to her anyway. Then it's sore. And now that she is playing 5-6 days a week it is sore all the time. Although the doc said there was zero swelling.

According to the doc she was born with a loose, or too mobile lateral meniscus. So when she completely bends, think heal touching butt, that loose meniscus actually folds over and get caught between the tibia and femur, creating a locking sensation.

She stopped catching after it started happening, and it has been 5 months since the last time it locked, but with the discomfort she is having it seems best to just get it done now.
 

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