I don't understand the mri results. Doc says I have a meniscus tear and that i need surgery to fix it. He never mentioned the other notations from the radiologist. I don't know if they are significant or not.

Impression:
There is a 3.5 x 2.0 x2.0-cm septated, lobulated cystic mass without solid components or evidence of hemosidren noted along the articular surface of the posterior joint capsule consistent with intraarticular synovial or ganglion cyst.
There is a horizontal linear signal within the body of the medial meniscus most likely represents a degenerative grade 2 signal.
Mild chondromalacia within the patellofemoral compartment.

I have had worsening pain over the last year and have gone through physical therapy for about 6 weeks....til the pain got too bad. finally had the mri done. I just feel really uncomfortable with this ortho and am thinking I may need a second opinion. Any ideas on what the results mean? And how long is the recovery period? Thanks for any input. Tex

Yep - you will probably need surgery for the torn meniscus (that is the reading from the mri). The chondromalacia means that you are wearing down your kneecap - did this injury come from a fall? A very common complaint with the knee.
As for the cyst - your doctor should have mentioned it to you and I would question him on it. Although if they can confirm that it is a ganglion cyst - no need to worry - there isn't much they can do other than remove it during the surgery for your meniscus.
A second opinion never hurts - go with whom you feel best operating on you. But I can tell you that as long as you have a tear - you aren't going to feel better without the surgery. It will only get worse (the more you use it). As for recovery time - they usually wait to do surgery and let the swelling go down (after an injury - abut 4 weeks). Then the surgery is a one-day patient thing with you getting to go home that night unless the tear is large you might have to stay one night. You will then do PT again to gain range of motion back. Sometimes 4-8 weeks depending on the injury.
Go for that second opinion and let us know how it turns out.