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Dr. Sanjay Barik
Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Barik's Orthocare Clinic
- MBBS
- MS - Orthopaedics
Meniscus Tear Knee Arthroscopy In Adilabad
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- Meniscus Tear Knee Arthroscopy In Betul
Knee arthroscopy for a meniscal tear is a minimally invasive procedure used to either remove or repair the torn meniscus. If the tear is located on the inner edge of the meniscus, where blood flow is absent, the damaged tissue needs to be removed. This specific procedure is known as an arthroscopic meniscectomy.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes multiple small incisions around the knee joint and inserts a narrow fiber optic scope called an arthroscope to visually assess the knee’s condition. Using tiny instruments, they then proceed to remove either the entire or a portion of the torn meniscus.
Anatomy
The meniscus is a resilient, C-shaped cartilage that serves to cushion the knee joint, provide stability, and evenly distribute body weight across it. Each knee houses two menisci: the lateral meniscus on the outer edge and the medial meniscus on the inner edge. A torn meniscus can disrupt normal knee function. If left untreated, it may accelerate the onset of arthritis in the knee joint.
Acute tears typically occur due to activities that forcefully twist or rotate the knee, often accompanying injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In older adults, degenerative changes in the knee are usually the cause. Over time, aged and worn tissue becomes more susceptible to tears.
What happens during arthroscopic meniscus surgery?
The most common treatment for a torn meniscus is knee arthroscopy, a procedure typically completed in less than an hour.
Initially, anesthesia is administered. The surgical team cleans and drapes the knee area, possibly applying a clamp to the upper thigh for better positioning.
Next, the surgeon makes several small incisions, known as portals, in the knee. These portals allow access for an arthroscope, a thin tube equipped with a light and camera at its tip. The camera projects images of the knee’s interior onto a monitor.
Sterile fluid is then injected into the knee joint to aid visibility and control minor bleeding, washing away debris.
Based on the tear’s characteristics, the surgeon decides on the appropriate surgical approach:
Meniscus Repair: If suitable based on tear type and blood supply, torn pieces of cartilage are stitched together to promote natural healing. However, repair is feasible in less than 10% of cases.
Partial Meniscectomy: If repair isn’t viable, the surgeon trims and removes damaged cartilage, leaving healthy tissue intact.
Additional surgical tools may be used as needed. Once the procedure—whether meniscectomy or repair—is completed, the portals are closed using stitches or surgical strips. Finally, the knee is bandaged for protection.
What are the advantages of knee meniscus surgery?
Meniscus tear surgery can help you in several ways:
- Return to sports or other activities.
- Enhance mobility.
- Stabilize your knee.
- Prevent or slow the onset of arthritis.
- Reduce or eliminate pain.
What is meniscus surgery recovery like?
Recovery time for meniscus surgery varies based on the type of procedure performed. Meniscus repairs take longer to heal compared to meniscectomies. Complete recovery can range from six weeks to three months. Post-surgery care may include:
- Using crutches to reduce knee stress during healing.
- Wearing a knee brace to stabilize the joint.
- Taking pain medications.
- Attending physical therapy sessions.
- Performing rehabilitation exercises at home to restore mobility, range of motion, and strength.
- Following the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.