KNEE PROCEDURES
MENISCUS REPAIR
A meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage that works as a shock absorber between the bones of the knee. Each knee has two menisci, which are a medial meniscus (situated on the inner side of the knee) and a lateral meniscus (situated on the outer side of the knee). The menisci are also responsible for distributing your body weight and protecting your leg bones from rubbing against each other, which may then lead to osteoarthritis.
Meniscus tears often occur due to sudden twisting motions. The most common cause is sports injuries; however, anyone at any age may get meniscus injuries. People may tear their knee cartilage by doing the following:
- Bending the knee too far
- Climbing the stairs or hills
- Squatting, especially while carrying a heavyweight
- Walking on an uneven surface such as a poorly paved sidewalk or rough terrain.
Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure that involves the orthopaedic surgeon sewing torn pieces of cartilage back together to allow them to heal on their own.
When is a meniscus repair indicated?
Meniscus repair is normally recommended in cases where conservative treatment such as RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) or NICE therapy (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, compression, and elevation) have been exhausted. In most cases, meniscus injuries occur in a portion of the meniscus, in the white zone, where the blood supply is not as rich. Without nutrients, meniscus injuries don’t normally heal on their own.
Left untreated, the damaged meniscus may lead to other knee problems like locking or popping of the knee and knee instability.
What does meniscus repair entail?
Meniscus repair is a low-risk surgical procedure that is done in a few different ways. Dr Nell will first examine your knee, and depending on your condition and severity; he may recommend the following:
- Knee arthroscopy repair – This is a procedure that involves the orthopaedic surgeon making small incisions in the knee and inserting a tiny camera inside the incisions to view the tear. The surgeon will pass through surgical instruments to help him stitch the tear together.
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy – This is a procedure where the orthopaedic surgeon removes a portion of the meniscus to help restore the function of the knee.
FAQ
- Infection
- Anaesthesia
- e-tear of the meniscus
- Further medical complications and pain
- Scarring
- Pain reduction
- Faster recovery
- Mitigates further degeneration of the knee
- Restore function and mobility of the knee
