MENISCAL REPAIR/ MENISCECTOMY
Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure to repair a knee injury called a meniscus tear. Like other types of knee injuries, it can be painful and discomforting. It is most common among athletes or sportspersons involved in sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, etc.
One of the most frequently occurring knee injuries, a meniscal tear, can cause symptoms like pain, swelling, inflammation, difficulty in bending and straightening the knee joint or your knee may feel stuck. Consult an ortho doctor near you if you have such symptoms.
What is Meniscus Repair?
A meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber for your knees. Each knee has a pair of menisci, one on the inner side and the other on the outer side.
The primary task of the menisci is to take in any pressure that falls on your knee. It also prevents any friction between your leg bones, which can cause arthritis in the future.
You may end up getting a torn meniscus while:
- Squatting, particularly during weight-lifting or exercising
- Climbing hills or stairs.
- Bending your knee too far
- Walking on uneven terrain
With the help of a meniscus repair surgery, an orthopedic doctor can correct this knee injury.
What are the Different Approaches of Meniscus Repair?
Your doctor may choose from the following:
- Arthroscopic repair: Your doctor makes small incisions on your knee and inserts an arthroscope to examine the tear. Then, to stitch the tear, the doctor places dart-like small devices along the tear. These devices get dissolved in your body with time.
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: This surgery involves removing a part of the torn meniscus to help normalize your knee function.
- Arthroscopic total meniscectomy: During this surgery, your doctor removes the entire meniscus.
Who Qualifies for this Procedure?
A meniscus tear surgery is beneficial in the following cases:
- Injury to the meniscus is common, specifically in sportspersons or those who pursue any sports activity for fun. A sudden twist or collision can cause a meniscus tear.
- Menisci in older people become weak with age and tend to get torn frequently.
- Often, people with a meniscus tear opt for surgery because the damaged cartilage can destabilize the knee, causing severe pain and swelling.