Do I Need Surgery for a Meniscus Tear?
When Is Meniscus Tear Surgery the Best Option?
Meniscus surgery can either repair the torn cartilage or remove the damaged part. Repairing the meniscus is preferable, as it preserves the knee joint’s function and structure. However, not all tears are repairable; some may require partial or complete meniscus removal.
Surgical treatment for meniscal tears may become a consideration when:
- The tear is large, complex, or located in the inner part of the meniscus, where the blood supply is poor and healing is unlikely.
- The symptoms of pain, swelling, locking, or instability persist despite conservative treatments such as rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy.
- The tear is associated with other injuries to the knee, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear for example, that require surgery.
- The patient is young, active, and wants to return to sports or other activities that involve twisting or pivoting the knee.
Meniscus tear surgery is usually done arthroscopically through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. Physical therapy is often recommended after the torn meniscus surgery to restore strength, range of motion, and stability to the knee.
What Are The Surgical Treatment Options for Meniscus tear surgery?
The type of surgery depends on the size, type and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and preferences. Some common surgical procedures are:
Partial meniscectomy:
- This meniscus tear surgery involves trimming the torn part of the meniscus. It is usually done for tears that are not repairable or are located in the inner part of the meniscus, where the blood supply is poor.
- This procedure can relieve pain and improve knee function, but it may also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.
Total meniscectomy:
- This type of meniscus tear surgery involves removing the entire meniscus. It is rarely done, as it can lead to significant joint damage and instability
- It is only considered for patients with severe meniscus damage and degenerative arthritis.
Meniscal repair:
- This involves sewing the torn edges of the meniscus back together. It is usually done for tears that are located in the outer part of the meniscus, where blood supply is good and healing is possible.
- This procedure can preserve the natural cushioning and stability of the knee joint, but it requires a longer recovery and rehabilitation time than meniscectomy.
Microfracture surgery
- This type involves creating small holes in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage to stimulate new cartilage growth. It is usually done for patients with small areas of cartilage loss due to meniscus injury or arthritis.
- This procedure can improve knee function and reduce pain, but the new cartilage may not be as durable as the original one.
Joint replacement surgery:
- This type of meniscus tear surgery involves replacing the damaged knee joint with a new one made of plastic and metal. It is usually done for patients with advanced arthritis and severe joint damage that other methods can not treat.
- This procedure can restore knee function and eliminate pain, but it may also have complications such as infection, loosening, or implant wear.
If you have a meniscus tear and are considering arthroscopic meniscus surgery, you should discuss the pros and cons of the surgery with Dr. Rik Kundra. With his extensive experience and skill in knee replacement surgery, Dr. Rik Kundra offers effective and customised care to his patients. He is committed to restoring their movement and enhancing their well-being.
-Meniscus surgery recovery-
Meniscus surgery recovery is the process of healing and rehabilitation after a procedure to remove or repair a torn meniscus.
The recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the meniscus condition. It can take anywhere from six weeks to three months, and you may need pain medications, physical therapy, crutches and a knee brace to help you heal.
Some of the factors that affect your recovery are:
- The type of surgery: Repairing the meniscus takes longer to heal than removing it.
- The location and size of the tear: Larger and more complex tears may require more extensive surgery and longer recovery.
- Your age and health: Older and less healthy people may have slower healing and more complications.
- Your activity level and lifestyle: You may need to modify your activities and avoid strenuous or high-impact exercises until your knee is fully healed.
Meniscus surgery can help relieve pain, improve mobility and stability, and get you back to life’s activities. However, following the doctor’s recommendations and being patient with your recovery is important.
Consult Dr. Rik Kundra - Experienced Meniscus Tear Surgeon
If you have a meniscus tear and are looking for the best treatment option, consult Dr. Rik Kundra, a highly experienced and skilled surgeon.
He can provide you with effective and personalised care and help you regain your mobility and quality of life.
Book an appointment with Dr. Rik Kundra today and get back to your activities confidently and comfortably.
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
