I had a medial meniscus removed in 1958, playing D-1 football, in April's spring practice. That was before scope surgery, and after much pt, and lots of water sking that summer, the quad muscles were built back up. I played that fall without a problem. Today's cartilage removal by scope enables players back on the field in 7-10 days. Funny Story: I knew I would have pain immediately after surgery. Two things, I was in the recovery room, coming around, and it hurt clear up to my hip. I reached down to feel my leg, as I thought they must have removed it-so much pain. Second, I then looked around the recovery room saw others laying on the gurneys. I then thought I was in the morgue! Fortunately I wasn't