This procedure is called an arthroscopic meniscectomy. The surgeon makes several small incisions around the knee joint and inserts a narrow fiber optic scope (called an arthroscope) to examine the condition of the knee. Tiny instruments are used to remove all or part of the torn meniscus.
Can arthroscopic surgery help a torn meniscus?
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 meniscus surgery a major surgery?
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is
an elective procedure
that can be scheduled to minimize disruption of patients’ lives. Results are maximized by repairing meniscus tears within the first two months of injury. All surgery has risks.
Is it better to repair or remove a torn meniscus?
In general,
it’s better to fix the meniscus than to remove it
. Some types of tears can’t be fixed. For example, radial tears sometimes can be fixed, but it depends on where they are. But most horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—can’t be fixed.
Do they put you to sleep for meniscus surgery?
Your healthcare provider may suggest full or partial meniscus removal if you tear your meniscus.
Meniscectomy can be done with local or general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep)
and it can decrease pain and restore mobility.
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
.
What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus?
If not treated,
part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint
. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
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.
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).
How long does it take to walk after meniscus surgery?
It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Most patients can walk without a knee brace and crutches in about
2 to 3 months
. Recovery time from a partial meniscectomy (partial removal of the meniscus) is quicker than recovery from a meniscus repair.
How long does a meniscus repair surgery take?
Approximately
15-45 minutes
. Surgery time may vary slightly based on the complexity of your injury and any additional procedures required.
How long before you can drive after meniscus surgery?
Wait 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay before you take a bath, swim, use a hot tub, or soak your leg. You can drive when you are no longer using crutches or a knee brace, are no longer taking prescription pain medicine, and have some control over your knee. This usually takes
1 to 2 weeks
.
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.
What is a meniscus clean up?
The surgeon makes a few small stab incisions (cuts) in your knee called portals. The team then fills the knee joint with a sterile fluid
. The fluid helps control minor bleeding in the joint and washes away debris, which helps the surgeon see inside the joint.
Can a meniscus be sewn back together?
When the meniscus tears, surgery is normally needed to relieve the pain, swelling, instability, and locking that most patients experience. There are two options for meniscus tear surgery: removing the torn piece of meniscus (debridement), and
stitching the torn piece back together (repair)
.
How long is hospital stay after meniscus surgery?
Arthroscopic meniscus repair typically takes about 40 minutes to perform, and usually you will be able to leave the hospital
the same day
. There are three main types of meniscus repairs.
Do you get intubated for arthroscopic knee surgery?
Once sedated and asleep under general anesthesia,
you will be intubated with an endotracheal tube
that will be connected to a ventilator to assist you with breathing during the surgery. You will not feel anything.
What is the fastest way to recover from meniscus surgery?
You will recover more quickly if you
carefully follow all your doctor’s instructions
. In your first days after surgery, you will need apply ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart to help relieve swelling. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, to help your body heal.
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 do you shower after meniscus surgery?
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. When you shower,
keep your bandage and incisions dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them
. If you have a brace, take it off if your doctor says it is okay. It might help to sit on a shower stool.
Why does knee click with torn meniscus?
The torn meniscus or loose cartilage may catch in the knee as it moves back and forth
. This causes a popping sensation. While some meniscus tears heal on their own, those involving deeper tissue don’t have the blood vessels they need to help in the healing process.
Why does meniscus tear hurt at night?
There are a couple of reasons why your knee pain is worse at night:
Pain is perceived to be worse at nighttime
. As you climb into bed and start to quiet your mind pain becomes more pronounced than when you were active during the day distracted by your activities. An active day may cause your knee joint to swell.
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.
What percent of meniscus tears require surgery?
It’s important to know the differences between the tears because usually only acute traumatic tears are surgically repairable.
Less than 10 percent
of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired.
Should I wear a knee brace with 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.
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 should I avoid with a torn meniscus?
The only way to prevent and avoid a torn meniscus is to
avoid activities that cause the knees to twist, bend, or rotate in an extreme fashion
. If a person cannot avoid these activities, they should take as much care as possible while participating in them.
