Governor Schwarzenegger Tears Knee Cartilage During Gym Workout

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

The 61-year-old Republican governor tore his meniscus, cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee, while working out in the gym earlier this month.

August 17, 2008

By Kevin Yamamura

Add a busted knee to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's list of August travails.

The 61-year-old Republican governor tore his meniscus, cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee, while working out in the gym earlier this month, according to press secretary Aaron McLear.

Schwarzenegger saw his doctor in the Los Angeles area Saturday, canceling a scheduled appearance with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and other leaders at the environment-focused Lake Tahoe Forum in South Lake Tahoe.

The Governor had arthroscopic surgery to repair the knee, the second time he's been under a doctor's knife in 20 months, his office disclosed Sunday.  The seven-time IFBB Mr. Olympia also has had a hip and a heart valve replaced, and had rotator cuff surgery in 2003. He also suffered several broken ribs in a 2001 motorcycle crash and had 15 stitches after another such crash in 2006.

Schwarzenegger felt discomfort in his knee throughout the week and decided it was best to seek a medical evaluation Saturday, though he has not limped or used crutches, McLear said. The seven-time Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champion has long maintained a regular exercise routine that includes lifting weights and aerobic conditioning.

Schwarzenegger's most significant injury as governor came in December 2006, when he broke his right leg in a skiing accident in Sun Valley, Idaho. The injury required surgery and forced the governor to use crutches for two months in 2007. The governor also received 15 stitches on his cut lip after a motorcycle accident in 2006.

The governor spent part of last week shuttling between Capitol meetings in Sacramento and Hollywood, where he hosted the annual Border Governors Conference for leaders of U.S.-Mexico border states.

Schwarzenegger already was in the midst of a difficult month as he has tried to broker a bipartisan budget deal to no avail. He incurred the wrath of state workers by signing an executive order laying off more than 10,000 temporary and part-time employees and seeking to hold pay to the federal minimum wage.

McLear said the knee problem will have no impact on budget negotiations. The governor spoke by phone Saturday with at least one legislative leader. The state Assembly is scheduled to vote on a budget plan today.

Source:  Sacramento Bee