For most people who have a symptomatic meniscus tear,
arthroscopic surgery is selected to remove or repair the torn tissue
. However, if you have arthritis, you may benefit from injection and physical therapy without surgery. Arthroscopy has revolutionized how knee surgery is performed.
Is it better to repair or remove meniscus?
In most patients,
meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal
. That’s because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.
Is it worth having surgery on a meniscus tear?
Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time
. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.
What percentage of meniscus surgeries are successful?
In general, meniscus repair surgery has a high success rate from around
84% to 94%
. Success rates tend to decrease if the patient experienced an injury which decreases knee stability, such as an ACL tear.
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
.
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
.
What are the cons of meniscus surgery?
The downsides to surgery
a risk of complications from anesthesia
. recovery periods typically lasting from two to six weeks. follow-up doctor visits. time off from work following surgery.
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
Can you walk on a torn meniscus?
Whether you can walk on a torn meniscus will depend on the injury’s location and severity
— and perhaps also your own personal tolerance for pain. A slight tear might not feel so bad to you. You may very well be able to stand and walk on a leg that has a torn meniscus in the knee.
What happens if meniscus surgery doesn’t work?
Following a failed meniscal repair your doctor will recommend
conservative therapy with pain medication and activity modification if the symptoms are minimal
. If a residual tear is diagnosed, the meniscus may be trimmed before considering a second surgical repair of the meniscus.
What type of meniscus tear requires surgery?
Grade 3 meniscus tears
usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear. One or two other small incisions are made for inserting instruments.
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.
What does a torn meniscus in the knee 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.
How painful is meniscus root repair surgery?
The pain from a meniscus root tear can be
immediate and intense
. Knee pain, especially at the back and medial side of the knee, or the patient hearing a “pop” at the time of injury, can indicate a meniscus root tear.
Why do meniscus surgeries fail?
A meniscus surgery can fail for a number of reasons, including
infection, a re-tear of the meniscus, a failed original repair or from a patient not following proper rehabilitation guidelines after the initial surgery
.
How painful is a meniscus root repair?
Patients with medial meniscus root tears will typically complain of a mild ache in the back of the knee for a few weeks and then report a sharp increase in pain and inability to bear weight (walk) after a trivial injury (stepping of a curb or stair).
Why do my knees hurt 3 months after meniscus?
Swelling, infection, inadequate rehabilitation, spontaneous osteonecrosis, and arthritis in the joint
are a few of the factors that cause continued knee pain after surgery.
How long will my knee hurt after arthroscopic surgery?
The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks
. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks. Tenderness around the wound sites up to four weeks. Muscle wasting in the thigh, improves as swelling and pain decrease.
Why do my knees hurt 6 weeks after meniscus?
knee to be swollen, and your foot and ankle may be swollen as well due to gravity.
The fluid in your knee often remains there for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery until your body can reabsorb it
. This fluid will make your knee feel tight or stiff, especially with deep knee bending or squatting.
When should you have arthroscopic knee surgery?
If you’re experiencing knee pain that isn’t improving with time, loss of motion, swelling or redness in the knee
, Joseph Thomas MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the TriHealth Orthopedic and Spine Institute, says to make an appointment with your doctor. From there, your surgeon may recommend arthroscopic knee surgery.
Can arthroscopic knee surgery aggravate arthritis?
And arthroscopic surgery itself (often performed to treat a meniscal tear)
may also promote osteoarthritis
.
Can you have arthroscopic knee surgery more than once?
Although
many arthroscopy surgeons may not use second-look arthroscopy to assess healing progress in asymptomatic patients
, sources told Orthopedics Today taking a second, arthroscopic look at the knee joint may be helpful in the research setting.
Can a torn meniscus tear again after surgery?
An attempt should be made to preserve meniscal function by repairing tears, but
even after arthroscopic confirmation of stable healing repaired menisci may tear again
. The long-term rate of healing may not be as high as is currently reported.
Are you awake during arthroscopic knee surgery?
During the procedure
The type of anesthesia used varies by procedure. Local anesthesia. Numbing agents are injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area, such as your knee.
You’ll be awake during your arthroscopy
, but the most you’ll feel is pressure or a sensation of movement within the joint.
What is the difference between meniscus repair and Meniscectomy?
Introduction. Surgical management of meniscal lesion consists of either a meniscectomy or meniscal repair. Although
repair offers immediate recovery after surgery, it is also associated with higher rates of revision. A meniscectomy, on the other hand is known to be associated with an early onset of osteoarthritis
.
Should you stay off a torn meniscus?
Rest.
You should stay off your feet until your meniscus tear is healed
. Don’t walk, run, or play sports because this can make your injury worse.
What aggravates a meniscus tear?
You’re most likely to injure your meniscus when
suddenly twisting or turning while your foot is stationary and planted
. You could injure your meniscus while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or baseball. You could also injure your meniscus off the field by lifting heavy boxes or slipping on a wet floor.
Can you put weight on a torn meniscus?
Many individuals are still capable of putting weight on the affected knee
and even walking normally after a meniscus injury. In fact, many athletes can even continue playing after a meniscus injury.
