Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus surgery involves either the removal or repair of a torn meniscus, which is a crucial piece of cartilage situated in the knee joint.
Who Needs Meniscus Surgery?
Meniscus surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have significant meniscus tears that are causing persistent symptoms and impairing their quality of life. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber and helps with stability and smooth movement of the knee.
The decision to undergo meniscus surgery depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the tear: Large or complex tears that cause locking, catching, or significant pain may require surgical intervention.
- Symptoms: Persistent pain, swelling, and limited range of motion that do not improve with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and medication may indicate the need for surgery.
- Activity level: Individuals who engage in activities that place increased stress on the knee joint, such as athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs, may require surgery to restore knee function and prevent further damage.
- Overall health: The individual's overall health and ability to tolerate surgery and rehabilitation are important considerations in the decision-making process.
However, not all meniscus tears require surgery. In many cases, small tears or tears located on the outer edge of the meniscus may heal on their own and with the guided help of a physiotherapist, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections.
If you only experience pain during certain activities and don't want to risk re-injuring or delaying rehabilitation, we would recommend purchasing a custom unloader knee brace, that will aid in opening the joint space to unload the meniscus and prevent any trauma to the injured area.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo meniscus surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate the specific circumstances of the injury and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
Procedure Details: What happens before torn meniscus surgery?
If you and your surgeon opt for surgery to address a torn meniscus, preliminary tests may be necessary. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest X-ray to assess your overall health and suitability for the procedure. Generally, if you're in good health, these tests may not be required.
The anesthesia team will determine the appropriate anesthesia type for you:
- Local anesthesia numbs only the knee area.
- Regional anesthesia numbs your body from the waist down.
- General anesthesia induces sleep.
If you're administered local or regional anesthesia, sedation might also be provided to help you relax. Typically, for this type of procedure, general anesthesia is commonly used.
Several days before the surgery, your healthcare provider will:
- Prescribe pain management medications for post-surgery.
- Schedule appointments for physical therapy or provide instructions for crutch fitting.
- Advise you on preparing for surgery, which may involve discontinuing certain medications and refraining from eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure.
What Happens During Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery?
The most prevalent procedure for addressing a torn meniscus is knee arthroscopy, typically lasting less than an hour.
Initially, anesthesia is administered. Subsequently, the surgical team sterilizes the skin around your knee and drapes the rest of your leg with a surgical cloth. A clamp might be placed on your upper thigh to aid in positioning during surgery.
The surgeon creates small stab incisions, termed portals, in your knee. These portals are used for access during the procedure. The knee joint is then filled with a sterile fluid, which serves to manage minor bleeding and clear debris, facilitating better visibility for the surgeon.
An arthroscope, a slender tube equipped with a light and camera at the end, is inserted through one of the incisions. This camera transmits video images from inside your knee onto a monitor.
Based on the observed tear, the surgeon decides on the appropriate surgical approach:
- Meniscus repair: Torn segments of cartilage are stitched together to promote natural healing. However, due to factors such as tear type and blood supply, less than 10% of tears are suitable for repair.
- Partial meniscectomy: Damaged cartilage is trimmed and removed, leaving healthy tissue intact.
Additional surgical instruments may be utilized depending on the chosen technique. Following the completion of the procedure, the portals are closed with stitches or surgical strips, and your knee is covered with a bandage.
What Happens After Meniscal Surgery or Meniscectomy?
After undergoing meniscus repair or meniscectomy, the majority of individuals do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Following the procedure, you will spend time in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia diminish. Once you are deemed ready for discharge, it's essential for someone else to drive you home.
After undergoing meniscus repair or meniscectomy, most individuals typically do not require an overnight hospital stay. Following the procedure, you'll be monitored in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia subside. Once you're deemed fit for discharge, it's important for someone else to provide transportation home.
Advantages & Risks of Meniscus Surgery
Advantages of Knee Meniscus Surgery: Surgery for a meniscus tear offers numerous benefits, including:
- Facilitating return to sports or other physical activities.
- Enhancing mobility.
- Increasing knee stability.
- Potentially preventing or slowing the progression of arthritis.
- Alleviating or completely eliminating pain.
Risks and Complications of Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery: Arthroscopic knee surgery is generally considered safe, although there are rare risks and complications, such as:
- Potential development of arthritis in the future.
- Formation of blood clots.
- Hemorrhage in the knee area.
- Risk of infection.
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels near the knee.
- Joint stiffness.
- Anesthesia-related issues, such as cardiac or pulmonary complications.