Meniscus surgery is an arthroscopic procedure for removing or repairing a torn meniscus, a normal component of the knee. The procedures are done arthroscopically using small incisions. It takes a few weeks to recover and the procedure can alleviate pain, improve mobility and stability, and return you to your daily activities.
What is a Meniscus?
The meniscus is a cushion in the knee between the thigh bone (femur) and leg bone (tibia) that protects the cartilage and helps to prevent osteoarthritis. Each knee has two menisci, one on the outside and one on the inside. The menisci stabilize the knee by distributing the weight evenly across the joint. To know more about Meniscus and the surgeries for meniscus tears, visit our orthopaedics hospital in Vijayawada.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tear
At the time of the injury, people who tear a meniscus often feel a popping sensation in their knee. Other signs and symptoms include:
-
Knee pain and stiffness.
-
Locking of the knee.
-
Pain on squatting and sitting close-legged.
-
Knee's inability to move completely in all directions.
-
Clicks during knee movements.
Who needs Meniscus Surgery?
Meniscus injuries are common, particularly among athletes. A meniscus can be torn by a sudden twist, turn, or collision. Meniscal injuries are also common in the elderly. The menisci weaken over time and are more prone to tearing. Degenerative meniscus tears are a common occurrence as part of the aging process—people with symptoms related to meniscal tear undergo surgery. To know more, consult with our orthopaedist in Vijayawada.
Does every individual with a meniscus tear require surgery?
Some people with a torn meniscus require surgery, but some do not. The decision is dependent on:
-
The tear's type, size, and location.
-
Age of the individual.
-
Individual’s activity level and lifestyle.
-
Related injuries.
-
Occurrence of symptoms such as pain, swelling, locking, etc.
Meniscus surgery procedures and Types
Meniscus surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures, MRI is required to confirm a meniscal tear. Knee arthroscopy is done to visualize the meniscus and the torn area is identified depending on the feasibility either a repair or removal of torn part is done.
It is the removal of damaged meniscus tissue and has good short-term results but it may lead to arthritis in the long term. It can be partial or total meniscectomy.
Some tears can be repaired by stitching the torn parts together. Meniscus repair has good results as well, but it takes longer time to recover than meniscectomy and is limited to tears that can be repaired. A successful meniscus repair preserves meniscus tissue and slows the progression of degenerative changes. Therefore, it is recommended for young individuals who have meniscus tears.
It is considered for young, active patients who have had the majority of their meniscus removed and are experiencing pain in the area without advanced degenerative changes.
Complications in Meniscus Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery is extremely safe, with only a few minor complications:
Prognosis
Patients with meniscal tears can resume their normal lifestyle with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Kiran Kumar Mannava
Consultant - Orthopaedics
Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada
Podcast
