Wow! Third time, so sorry!...I really don't know how to say it in Chinese, but his might help. I had a translator from my school for the first ortho appt, so someone not up on English medical terms. From what the Chinese Dr told her, she translated that there was "damage to the pad." I'd just guessed that he was probably talking about the knee joint carilage since I could walk. Plus, a torn ligiment would've really been painful, bad news. From there I went straight to the internet and came back armed to the next appt w/ medical drawings/ terms (printed out from www. ww.arthroscopy.com/sp0500.htm - "knee joint -anatomy & function".)
These are understandable even to docs who speak little or no Eng. That way, when I pointed to the meniscus the doc confirmed this was the "pad" that was "damaged." You might want to do the same and find someone to translate as well so doc will know about your past history with this.
Would like to know more about your experience -Tough luck hapened again? Was this from a fall or accident? What about physical therapy post-op?
Let me know if I can be of further help.You can contact me direct at
livingsimply03@yahoo.com. Thanks os much for sharing- I've been so worried about the surgery! J.