Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries. They come in two forms: chronic and acute meniscus tears. Meniscus injuries can occur during high-impact sports or simply continuous wear and tear (degenerative meniscus tears). Individuals who experience a meniscus tear may feel a “pop” sensation and twisting of the knee joint, followed by pain, discomfort, and swelling.
Additional symptoms of meniscus tears may include:
- Gradual stiffness or feelings that the injured knee will give out, catch, or lock
- “Locking” or “catching” sensations in the knee joint
Many individuals can walk or perform daily activities with a torn meniscus if the symptoms are mild. However, if a meniscus injury is causing discomfort and the knee remains painful during day-to-day movement, treatment may be recommended.
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READ MORE TESTIMONIALS Treatment
Before treatment it is important to have your meniscus tear diagnosed. Non-surgical treatments for meniscal tears include following the RICE protocol include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help reduce pain. However, if conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, surgery for meniscus repair may be recommended. Dr. Goldberg can help assess and determine the best treatment options for your injury, and if you may be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery.
Arthroscopic meniscus surgery, or meniscus tear surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove or repair torn knee cartilage. Meniscus repair surgery is often dependent upon the type of meniscus tear; its size, and its location. Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting and patients can return home the same day. Meniscus transplant surgery may be necessary for individuals with severe meniscus injuries.
Whether caused by an injury or simple wear over time, a meniscus tear can greatly limit your active lifestyle. It’s one of the most common knee injuries, so it’s important to know that you have treatment options at Naples Orthopedic. Here’s what to know about it and how we can help. What is the Meniscus? The meniscus is a disc-shaped…
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Recovery
Patients can expect to return to full activity four weeks after meniscus surgery. Care after surgery may involve physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises at home, and RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
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While arthroscopic knee surgery provides countless benefits, not every condition is treatable with this approach. If you play contact sports or take part in physical activity and are experiencing knee pain, Dr. Goldberg can help. He is one of the most experienced orthopedic surgeons in Southwest Florida and can help assess and determine the best treatment options for you. Schedule an appointment today!
Do I need crutches or a walker after Meniscus or Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Typically you will not need a walker or crutches.
Will I have to wear a brace after knee surgery?
Typically just a bandage and no brace required.
How long does it take to recover from Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery?
Patients are typically able to walk right after surgery without crutches. Most patients recover in four weeks. PT is typically recommended for three to four weeks post surgery and we will work with you to find a provider close to your home or work.
What is a torn meniscus?
It is a layer of cartilage that serves as a cushion in the knee. A tear can interfere with the knees ability to bend or straighten properly and can cause pain.
What other non-surgical application for the knee do you offer in your practice?
We offer biologics such as PRP, steroid injections, gel injections, etc. The doctor will advise the best course of treatment but often non surgical techniques can be utilized to heal the injury and surgery not necessarily always required.
What is knee meniscus surgery and why is it performed?
Meniscus surgery is usually performed for a tear in the meniscus that causes pain and the feeling of the knee locking or giving way. Usually, this is caused bu the torn fragment of cartilage interfering with the normal flexion and extension of the knee during normal use.
What are the common symptoms indicating the need for knee meniscus surgery?
The most common symptom is pain, often on the medial (inner) side of the knee and a catching or locking of the kee as it bends or straightens. Sometimes, patients feel that the kee “wants to give way” as they are walking or stepping.
How is a torn meniscus diagnosed?
Usually, your doctor can suspect a torn meniscus based on your history and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis is confirmed with an MRI or during a diagnostic arthroscopy.
What are the different types of knee meniscus surgery?
The most common type of meniscus surgery is a partial meniscectomy, where the surgeon removes the torn or displaced portion of the meniscus. The surgeon does not remove the entire meniscus. Less commonly, your surgeon can repair the meniscus with stitches. This is less common because only a fraction of meniscus tears occur in a way that can be successfully repaired, and this is associated with a longer recovery time.
How do I know if I need a meniscus repair or a meniscectomy?
Based on your symptoms and discussion with your doctor, and often after imaging studies, this surgery may be recommended. Mechanical symptoms, such as locking, catching, or giving way are often the symptoms that indicate surgery.
What are the risks and potential complications associated with knee meniscus surgery?
As with any surgery, there is some risk of bleeding, infection or risks of general anesthesia. Less commonly, blood clots can occur in the knee. A significant nerve or artery injury, while possible, is very rare.
What kind of anesthesia is used during knee meniscus surgery?
Typically, light general anesthesia is used, which is Dr. Goldberg’s preferred at Seaside Surgery Center. Some doctors do use sedation or local anesthesia only, but this is less common and there is potential for risks.
How long does knee meniscus surgery typically take?
Most meniscus surgery lasts from ten to forty minutes.
What is the recovery time for knee meniscus surgery?
Typically, patients having a partial meniscectomy can resume full activity in four to six weeks, including sports.
Do I need to be on crutches or a brace after meniscus surgery?
Usually, no. Most patients can bear full weight after the surgery. If other procedures on the knee are done at the same time, such as microfracture or ligament repair, then the doctor may use a brace or a different protocol.
What kind of rehabilitation is required after knee meniscus surgery?
Most of our patients will start exercises at home the day after surgery, and the majority of patients do two to four weeks of outpatient therapy with a physical therapist.
How soon can I return to work or normal activities after knee meniscus surgery?
Most patients with desk jobs can start doing work from home one to two days after surgery and often can be at their office less than a week after surgery. Jobs that involve prolonged standing or heavy labor may take four to six weeks depending on the circumstances.
How can I manage pain and swelling after knee meniscus surgery?
At the end of the procedure, while the patient is asleep, we typically inject medication, which significantly lessens the initial pain after surgery. Pain medicine will be prescribed, which most patients will use sparingly for a few days. Icing and elevating the knee also helps reduce pain and swelling. Simple exercises and a modest amount of walking initially also help the knee feel better.
Are there any activities or exercises I should avoid after knee meniscus surgery?
Prolonged standing or heavy exercise in the first few days after surgery can often cause increased pain and swelling, which then takes longer for the knee to resolve and feel better.
How do I know if my knee meniscus surgery was successful?
The goals of the surgery are to reduce pain, reduce the mechanical symptoms and allow you to go back to your activities and hobbies. If you are able to start resuming these things with less discomfort, then that is a sign the surgery was a success.
What should I do if I experience complications or prolonged pain after knee meniscus surgery?
The most important thing to do is communicate with your doctor or doctor’s office. Explain the symptoms you have and ask for a plan of action to resolve them. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of what to do next if problems do not improve.
Can knee meniscus surgery prevent arthritis or other knee problems in the future?
No, meniscus surgery can not prevent you from developing arthritis later in life. It can, however, improve the symptoms you are having currently. Also, the surgery may keep you from suffering a more significant fall or trauma to the knee that could cause greater damage.
What are the alternatives to knee meniscus surgery?
Often, before meniscus surgery, your doctor will try other methods, such as anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or injections. While these can not make a torn meniscus go away, they often can relieve the symptoms of a torn meniscus, either partially or in some cases, completely.
