There are three options for lateral meniscus repair surgery: Arthroscopic repair : Using small portals made in the knee, the doctor will stitch up the tear. Arthroscopic partial Meniscectomy: Your doctor will remove the torn piece of the meniscus so your knee can resume normal function.
How long does a lateral meniscus tear take to heal?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.
How do you fix a lateral meniscus tear?
- Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear. ...
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy — The goal of this surgery is to remove a small piece of the torn meniscus in order to get the knee functioning normally.
Does a lateral meniscus tear require surgery?
1. Not All Meniscal Tears Require Surgery . Most small meniscal tears (less than 5mm) have the potential to heal on their own, without surgery. In these cases, a doctor may recommend the patient wear a brace to immobilize the knee for 4 to 6 weeks and participate in physical therapy.
How serious is a lateral meniscus tear?
If a tear of the lateral meniscus occurs, it can be minor or severe . In a severe lateral meniscus tear, the meniscus can be torn in half, ripped around its circumference, or ripped to the extent that it hangs on by a fiber.
Can a meniscus tear lead to knee replacement?
Conclusions: In patients with knee osteoarthritis arthroscopic knee surgery with meniscectomy is associated with a three fold increase in the risk for future knee replacement surgery .
Which is worse medial or lateral meniscus tear?
Is the lateral meniscus tear worse than a medial meniscus tear? It is hard to differentiate what type of tear is worse if it is repairable. However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected .
What does a lateral meniscus tear feel like?
Swelling or stiffness . Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
Can you walk with a lateral meniscus tear?
A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain .
Is walking good for meniscus tear?
Many people with a torn meniscus can still walk with the injury . Some athletes may even continue to play their sport with the injury, especially immediately after the incident as it may take several days for the stiffness and swelling to develop fully.
Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery?
Knee Swelling after Meniscus Surgery
Swelling is an indicator of inflammation, which is part of the normal healing process after surgeries such as a meniscus repair. It can sometimes persist for a few weeks following meniscal surgery .
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?
Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals . A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
Which heals better lateral or medial meniscus?
The lateral meniscus is known to absorb approximately 70% of the shock of the lateral compartment whereas the medial meniscus is known to absorb 50% of the medial compartment . Because of this, if you suffer a lateral meniscus tear it becomes very important to try and heal/repair the tear quickly.
Is a lateral meniscus tear painful?
lateral meniscus tear symptoms
With a lateral meniscus tear, there is typically swelling which appears within 24 to 48 hours of the injury occurring. A lateral meniscus tear typically causes pain with bending the knee or with squatting down .
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?
An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling . It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.
Does meniscus regenerate?
The meniscus does have the capability to repair and regenerate . When we surgically remove meniscus tissue we remove the cells that can naturally repair the meniscus damage.
How does a lateral meniscus tear happen?
Lateral meniscal tears that take place from sports occur when the foot is fixed on the ground and a twisting force is applied to the knee (e.g. when another player’s body falls across the leg, or when a player is tackled) or following a forceful jump or landing.
Where is lateral meniscus pain?
The common symptoms of lateral meniscus syndrome may include: Sharp pain associated with weight bearing activities, twisting movements, climbing stairs, kneeling or squatting. Audible popping or clicking of the knee on the front or back .
