A meniscus tear is a typical form of cartilage damage in the knee. The cartilage between the bones in the knee joint protects them as you move. It is generally injured due to an injury.
Symptoms
Following an examination, surgeons determine whether or not the meniscus has torn. However, certain symptoms may indicate a meniscus tear. These include:
- knee pain,
- oedema formation in the knee,
- knee locking,
- weakness,
- crushing sound, etc.
When the meniscus tears, the knee hurts. This pain occurs on both the inside and outside of the knee. After that, the knee develops oedema and swells. Similarly, people who have knee locking and an inability to move the knee should seek immediate medical attention from an orthopedic specialist.
What is meniscus tear surgery?
The meniscus is a C-like shaped structure located in the knee joint. They are located between the femur and tibia bones of the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, which provide support and protect the cartilage from injury. It is a vital structure for the knees and legs. In a knee, there are two menisci: one inside and one outside. However, after time, the menisci in the knees may tear. Meniscus tears may appear when a person performs sudden movements, runs quickly, or participates in activities that entail jumping. Meniscus tears are commonly associated with athletics, although they can affect anyone, particularly the elderly.
Meniscus tear surgery is a medical technique designed to avoid harm. This operation is performed due to cartilage tissue deterioration between the femur and tibia bones. If the meniscus tear cannot be repaired without surgery, surgery takes place.
Types of meniscus tear surgery
- Arthroscopic meniscectomy
This is the most popular type of meniscus tear surgery. This surgery involves the physician making small incisions in your knee and inserting a tiny camera and surgical equipment. The surgeon then trims or eliminates the injured part of the meniscus.
- Partial Meniscectomy
A partial meniscectomy involves the excision of diseased meniscus tissue. Your doctor may consider this procedure if imaging studies show that the blood supply to the injured area of the meniscus is inadequate or if the tear pattern is irreversible. A tear in the meniscus can result in a tiny tissue flap that irritates the knee joint, producing swelling and pain.
Meniscus repair
This procedure is only available for specific types of tears, mainly those in the outer part of the meniscus with a decent blood supply. During this treatment, the surgeon sutures the torn margins of the meniscus back together.
Meniscus transplant
This procedure is infrequently performed, although it may be a possibility for young, active people with significant tears in the inner third of the meniscus that do not have adequate blood supply. During this operation, the physician replaces the injured meniscus with one from a donor.
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
If a meniscus tear is suspected, your doctor can do a full health history and knee evaluation, and X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required to verify the diagnosis as well as evaluate the knee joint.
Advantages
The most typical benefit of healing a meniscus tear, particularly through surgical repair, is significant pain relief. Damaged cartilage can irritate and inflame the surrounding tissues, resulting in pain. By removing or repairing the damaged area, the pain source can be treated, resulting in a higher quality of life.
A torn meniscus can disrupt the natural gliding motion of the knee joint, causing stiffness, discomfort, and difficulties with activities such as bending, squatting, or jogging. Treatment, particularly restoration, can restore normal knee function and enable the return to desired activities.
People who effectively manage a meniscus tear can restore lost mobility and resume their chosen level of exercise. This can be especially advantageous for athletes or others who live an active lifestyle.
It is crucial to realize that these are only prospective benefits, and the actual outcomes of treatment may differ based on specific circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare practitioner is critical for determining an accurate diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and realistic expectations for recovery and potential benefits.
Meniscus tear procedure
Before
If you and the orthopedic surgeon decide to proceed with surgery to repair a torn meniscus, you may be required to undergo several tests beforehand. Blood tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and chest X-rays can all assist in evaluating whether you are suitable for surgery.
Local anesthetic is an injection that just numbs the knee area.
Regional anesthesia is an injection that numbs the body from the waist down.
General anesthesia is a drug that causes you to sleep.
If you are given local or regional anesthetic, you may be injected to help you relax. This type of surgery usually requires general anesthesia.
Several days before the procedure, your doctor will provide:
Give you a prescription for pain relief drugs following surgery.
Schedule physical treatment visits or crutch fittings.
Explain to you how to get ready for surgery. You could have to stop taking certain drugs and fast for several hours before the surgery.
After
The length of recovery time after meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Meniscus repair takes longer for it to recover than meniscectomy. Recovery following meniscus surgery might take anything from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may include:
Pain relief medicines.
Physical treatment.
Rest for a while, apply a cold compression and elevate your knee.
Call your doctor if anything happens.
For 1-2 days after the operation, don’t move your knee but after that, you can do light sports such as walking slowly.