Roohealthcare.com – When a meniscus tear causes pain, you can consider knee arthroscopy to repair the damaged part. This procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, under local or regional anesthesia. A partial meniscectomy is a less invasive option, which allows patients to walk on crutches immediately after surgery. After undergoing the procedure, patients can return to normal activities, including work, after two to four weeks. However, patients may need a longer period of recovery, especially if their work requires heavy lifting.
Partial Removal of Damaged Cartilage
A partial meniscectomy involves removing a portion of the broken cartilage tissue. This procedure can be a more conservative treatment option, but you will be more susceptible to arthritis afterward. If the tear is smaller, it may not be repaired surgically. During the recovery period, the patient will receive platelet-rich plasma. The procedure may also involve a surgical procedure to remove the damaged part of the meniscus.
After meniscal repair surgery, patients are able to resume most activities two to three weeks after the procedure. They may be restricted to low-impact physical activities, such as swimming and using an exercise machine. Cutting activities, such as playing football or rugby, will require several months of physical therapy. However, the recovery time is shorter than the recovery time for other types of surgery. If you are a competitive athlete, you may be able to resume your sport within four to six months.
In the past, meniscal repair required a large incision and a night stay in the hospital. Today, arthroscopy with meniscus repair is possible through two small incisions and takes less than an hour. The procedure can also be performed under regional anesthesia. Afterward, the doctor may place small stitches in the torn cartilage to help restore the damaged part. For larger tears, a partial meniscectomy can be performed. A partial meniscectomy leaves some healthy cartilage in place.
Guiding Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Regimen
Early rehabilitation after surgery will focus on full motion and reducing swelling. Rehab is important to reduce the chance of infection and regain muscle strength. Your treating physician will guide your physical therapy and athletic training regimen. When you return home after the procedure, you may need a ride home. You should avoid shaving your knee the day of the surgery to help reduce the risk of blood clots. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can help decrease pain and swelling, but they do not speed up the healing process.
After surgery, you will likely be given crutches for the first few days. Crutches are often required for recovery, but you may be able to walk around a few days after the surgery. You will also need a continuous passive motion machine. It is important to remember that the procedure is not a permanent fix, and your recovery will depend on the extent of the procedure, age, and general health.
A meniscus repair performed by an expert surgeon can prevent further damage. In some cases, the meniscus is damaged inside, so surgeons must suture the damaged area. An expert surgeon will use a needle to remove the affected part. A non-expert surgeon may use sutures, but this is more invasive. Knee arthroscopy is best for athletes with traumatic meniscus tears, but if the meniscus is damaged in a sport, a meniscus arthroscopy may be the best option.
Physical Therapy can Speed up the Healing Process
If the tears are small enough, surgery is not necessary. Some meniscal tears will self-heal. Depending on the location of the tear, the type of injury, and the overall health of the tissues, meniscal tears can often heal without surgery. Young patients, for example, have the best chances for self-healing. Tearing in the outer third of the meniscus has a better chance of spontaneous healing because it has a better blood supply. Physical therapy may speed up the healing process.
After the procedure, general anesthesia will put the patient to sleep. The anesthesia will be administered through an IV line in the arm or a breathing tube in the windpipe to protect the patient’s airway. The surgeon will place the arthroscope into the knee through small cuts. Other incisions will be used to insert a saline solution into the patient’s spinal column.
The operative site for arthroscopy meniscus repair will depend on the extent of a meniscus tear. For example, an all-inside meniscus repair may put the popliteal artery at risk. To evaluate the potential for popliteal artery injury, a study was conducted using five cadaveric knees. Marking points 5 mm from the meniscal root was followed by axial photographs to evaluate the risk of popliteal artery injury.
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