A New Era in Meniscus Repair Surgery

Modern meniscus tear surgeries have evolved significantly, eliminating the need for large incisions, reducing lengthy recovery periods, expediting the return to everyday activities, and substantially mitigating the risks associated with severe postoperative pain and infection.

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What is a meniscus?

The meniscus is the crescent-shaped cartilage between the knee joint's femur and tibia. It provides cushioning, stability, and load distribution during movement. Each knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These structures protect the knee from impact and friction and support activities like walking, running, and bending.

Meniscus Surgery

Meniscus surgery offers four options tailored to each patient's unique condition:

Partial meniscectomy: Removal of only the torn portion of the meniscus.
Total meniscectomy: Complete removal of the meniscus tissue, usually considered when other options are not viable.
Meniscus repair: This involves suturing the torn tissues together. While the healing process is longer, careful patient selection is crucial.
Meniscus root tears: They are the tears at the fields where the meniscus attaches to the bone. It is often seen in the posterior region. It may cause the meniscus to move freely within the joint, such as a foreign body effect. There are complaints of pain, sticking and locking in the knee joint. It is possible to achieve treatment by repairing the meniscus into the tunnel opened to the bone using arthroscopic techniques.
Meniscus transplantation: A procedure where a damaged meniscus is replaced with a donor meniscus.

If you're seeking comprehensive meniscal repair in Turkey, consider contacting Istanbul Med Assist. Get a free consultation with our expert team to explore advanced treatment options tailored to your needs and budget.

What is Arthroscopic Surgery for?

Arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. One of our surgeons inserts a narrow tube connected to a fibre optic video camera through a small incision about the size of a buttonhole. The image inside your joint is transferred to a high-definition video monitor.

Meniscus tears can quickly return to their daily lives after these procedures we perform with devotion.

How long does arthroscopic meniscus surgery take?

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery takes an average of 15-30 minutes under local anaesthesia.

Patients can start walking 2-3 hours after surgery after the numbness disappears and can return home the same day.

Before the meniscus surgery, your surgeon should evaluate the patient's general condition. The medications they take should be regulated, and the operation area should be examined using various radiological imaging systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does the healing process take?

Closed meniscal repair "full recovery" takes between 4-G months, depending on the tear size. If the patient lives in a distant town, can they go for a check-up in a place close to where they live? To satisfy your curiosity, you can visit a nearby place to see if everything is going well. But it would be better to check up with the doctor who performed the surgery.

2Do I need a dressing after surgery?

According to your doctor's recommendations, depending on the condition and the stitches in the Incisions and dressings will be required, and your doctor will decide on this.

3After meniscus surgery

The most crucial thing after meniscus surgery is physical therapy. In physical therapy, the oedema caused by the meniscus surgery decreases, the closed knee joint opens, and the patient regains the reduced muscle strength. The critical issue here, which requires expertise, is to make these gains without damaging the knee. To avoid damaging the knee while trying to strengthen it and not to increase the oedema while attempting to bend the knee, a physiotherapist. After the oedema has disappeared, the knee can be fully flexed, and the muscle strength reaches a level that can sustain daily life, people can start sports. Starting sports early can lead to increased oedema in the knee and the inability to bend the knee.

4When can I walk after meniscus surgery?

Walking time after meniscus surgery may vary from patient to patient. However, following the doctor's and therapist's recommendations and attending physiotherapy sessions will speed up walking. Patients should take good care of themselves after surgery and not rush to return to normal activities.

5Can my meniscus tear heal itself?

The meniscus doesn't have the best blood supply, so it can't heal after tearing. The pain might subside if it's a small tear, but more giant tears require repair.

6How does the surgeon perform meniscus surgery?

The surgeon generally finds the third and fourth stages suitable for meniscal tear surgery. Although meniscal tears in the first and second stages cause some complaints, they do not require surgery. However, surgery is the only solution for problems in the last stages. Meniscus surgery methods are as follows; - Meniscus Transplantation - Partial Meniscectomy (Removal of the torn tissue) - Total Meniscectomy - Meniscus Repairs (Torn tissues are sewn together with this technique) A camera called an arthroscope is used in meniscus surgery. Surgeons use this tiny camera to view the inside of the joint. A small incision is made to insert the camera. Then, two or three more incisions are made, and the operation ends.

7Could a meniscus tear lead to me needing a knee replacement later?

Most younger patients have a relatively small risk of needing a knee replacement. However, some older patients with large tears might require knee replacement. If you still need to answer all your questions, contact a Patient Care Adviser today, and they will walk you through every detail of your meniscal repair procedure.