Meniscus Repair
Meniscus Repair
Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a torn meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Meniscus tears are common in athletes and active individuals, often resulting from twisting movements, sudden pivots, or direct trauma to the knee. These tears can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee.
When a meniscus tear is significant or does not heal with conservative treatments (such as rest, ice, or physical therapy), surgery may be necessary.
There are two main types of meniscus surgery: meniscectomy, where the damaged part of the meniscus is removed, and meniscus repair, which involves stitching the torn edges of the meniscus together to promote healing and preserve as much of the cartilage as possible.
Meniscus repair is preferred when the tear is in the outer part of the meniscus, where there is better blood supply to promote healing. The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, meaning through small incisions with a camera and instruments, which allows for quicker recovery and less scarring.
After surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring knee strength, stability, and mobility. Successful meniscus repair can help prevent further damage to the knee joint and improve long-term knee health.
