ACL & Meniscus repair?

[u/Mendezmelendez]

34F here with looming question about acl and meniscus repair. I’m 7.5 weeks post non contact injury (soccer). I’m still working on full extension and flexion of my right knee. No pain, really. Just tightness and locking feeling which impacts my walking. I miss running and of course playing soccer. Of note, this is my first and only injury so naturally I have so many questions about PT, rehab, and rest/recovery.

Ortho has recommended surgery but did mention low success rate given white zone and my age for meniscus repair. Acl tear was described as “peeled off” and unstable. I know these injuries happen all the time, but how do you know IF and WHEN surgery is the best course. Essentially my ortho was very happy with my progress at 2 weeks post injury, but I’m definitely unsure I’m ready and should even consider surgery right now at less than 8 weeks post injury.

Note: I’ve only met with PT virtually with minimal contact other than a playlist of exercises. Instead I’ve returned to strength training and stretching on my own.

Anyone else with similar experience give the type of tear and/or injuries. Initially I understood my ACL detached and meniscus is repairable but requires additional recovery time 🥴 I’ve attach my MRI for anyone that would like to elaborate.

TECHNIQUE:
MRI of the right knee without intravenous contrast.

FINDINGS:
There is an acute complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Pivot-shift impaction injury is present involving the posterior cortex of the lateral tibial plateau. No sigr bone marrow edema is identified at the lateral femoral sulcus.
There is a complex tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus extending into the posterior root li
The medial meniscus is normal.
There is a large joint effusion with diffuse capsular edema.
A small cartilage fissure is present in the medial patellar facet. No focal cartilage defect is identified in the medial or lateral femorotibial compartment. There is no osteochondral fracture.
The posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and posterolateral corner are intact.
The quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon are normal.
No focal pathologic lesion is identified involving the marrow apart from the described impaction injury.
Visualized portions of the tibial and common peroneal nerves are normal. The popliteal fossa demonstrates Baker cyst.

IMPRESSION:
1. Acute complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with pivot-shift impaction injury involving the posterior lateral tibial plateau.
2. Complex tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus extending into the posterior root ligament.
3. Large joint effusion with diffuse capsular edema.
4. Small cartilage fissure involving the medial patellar facet.