Meniscal Repair Surgery

Meniscal repair surgery, also known as arthroscopic meniscus repair, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to repair a torn meniscus in the knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer in the knee joint.

Who is a candidate for meniscal repair surgery?

This surgery is typically not recommended for all meniscus tears. Here are some factors that make you a good candidate for meniscal repair surgery:

• Younger age: Generally, patients under 40 have better healing potential.
• Location and pattern of the tear: Tears in the outer third of the meniscus (the vascular zone) have a better blood supply and therefore a higher chance of healing well with repair.
• Size and type of tear: Smaller tears (less than half the width of the meniscus) and longitudinal tears tend to heal better than larger or bucket handle tears.
• Activity level: Active individuals who participate in sports or activities that demand a healthy knee joint may benefit more from repair to preserve meniscal function.

Procedure:

Meniscal repair surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Here's a general breakdown of the steps involved:

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia or regional anesthesia (numbs the lower body) is administered.
• Incisions: Small incisions are made around the knee joint.
• Arthroscopy: An arthroscope, a tiny camera inserted through one incision, is used to visualize the inside of the joint and the tear in the meniscus.
• Repair: Specialized surgical tools are inserted through other small incisions to repair the torn meniscus. Sutures or anchors may be used to hold the torn edges together and promote healing.
• Debridement: In some cases, damaged or frayed tissue surrounding the tear may be trimmed or removed.
• Closure: The incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

• Recovery:

• After surgery, your knee will be bandaged and possibly immobilized with a brace for a short period.
• Crutches may be needed for the first few days to help with weight-bearing as tolerated.
• Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort.
• Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee. This typically starts soon after surgery and progresses gradually over several weeks or months.

• Benefits of meniscal repair surgery:

• Promotes healing of the torn meniscus
• Preserves the natural meniscus, which provides better shock absorption and stability compared to a meniscectomy (removal)
• May improve long-term knee function and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis

• Risks and complications:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Stiffness in the knee joint
• Failure of the repair (retear)
• Nerve or blood vessel damage

• If you suspect you have a torn meniscus, consult our doctor or orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment options. They will consider your individual situation and the characteristics of your tear to determine if meniscal repair surgery is the right approach for you.