I never had issues with my knees before I started running. But, after training for two half-Ironman events, I tore my meniscus three times and had to have surgery twice. After the first surgery, which I had done with a Long Beach, NY, orthopedic surgeon, I found Dr. Sabrina Strickland at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. Her ex-husband and I were in an entrepreneurial group. He highly recommended her. I’ve been going to her office now for more than ten years.
This is a long story about whether I should get a partial knee replacement or a MISHA knee system, but hear me out.
Gel Shots and Cortisone
Every six months, Dr. Strickland’s PAs have been administering gel injections. They also have been giving me cortisone shots directly into my knee. These treatments provided much-needed relief and allowed me to maintain an active lifestyle.
However, the road hasn’t been smooth. After my last meniscus surgery, I ambitiously participated in the Rock n Roll Vegas event with my running buddies. It was a magical night race, but the aftermath was anything but. Post-race, the pain was so excruciating that I couldn’t walk and had to resort to a wheelchair. Thankfully, the hotel had one!
And more setbacks
Despite these setbacks, my passion for running kept me going. Thankfully, I had a GoSleeves (a compression sleeve that has Kinesiology tape within it) which helped me stay in the game.
This past May, I competed in two significant events: the Hudson Valley Triathlon by Alpha Win and the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K. I opted for the 10K in both races and achieved personal records (PRs).
The sense of accomplishment was incredible, but it came at a high cost. The rigorous training and racing exacerbated my knee pain, making even basic activities like walking agonizing. The pain has now become a constant companion, even when lying in bed or sitting in a chair, often manifesting as a burning sensation.
MRI/Partial Knee Replacement
After my last round of gel and cortisone shots failed to provide relief, I sought an MRI. The results were disheartening; my surgeon diagnosed me with ‘bone on bone’ arthritis, a condition causing severe pain due to the lack of cushioning between the bones.
The recommendation was a partial knee replacement. However, Dr. Strickland warned me that running post-surgery could accelerate the wear and tear of the plastic components, which was not advisable.
She told me there was another option. “You can get the MISHA knee system,” she said. “It could last about ten years and you can continue to run.”
What is the Misha Knee Unit?
The Misha Knee Unit is a less invasive option than a partial knee replacement. This mechanical device is implanted under the skin, promising continued running for at least ten years, according to clinical trials.
While this option brought a glimmer of hope, it also came with its own set of concerns. I spoke with one of the Misha patients who had undergone the surgery, which helped ease some of my anxiety.
For me, opting for the Misha Knee Unit seems like a step in the right direction, providing a potential solution that aligns with my love for running.
Insurance?
However, there is one significant hurdle—insurance approval. The technology is relatively new, having only received FDA approval last October. Dr. Strickland has performed seven surgeries with this device so far. Despite the uncertainties, I remain optimistic about this new chapter in my journey with knee pain.
After a lot of back and forth and months in arbitration, the MISHA Knee System was approved and I’ll be getting surgery in late October.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress and fingers crossed that this system works for me to alleviate pain and get me back in the game!
