Meniscus surgery

The knee joint consists of three bones. There are two pieces of rubber-like cartilage in this place that play the role of bumpers. These cartilages are called meniscus. Sometimes these cartilages may rupture. Meniscus surgery is to repair these cartilages.

Duration of treatment

After surgery, it takes two weeks for the patient to be able to continue physiotherapy and accelerate recovery. The length of the rehabilitation period depends on patient’s condition and rate of recovery. If the meniscus repair is taken place, it may take longer for recovery and rehabilitation – for example, the patient may have to keep his knee closed for up to 6 weeks and walk on crutches.

Related Paraclinics

• Physical tests
• X-ray imaging
• MRI imaging
• Blood test
• ECG

Preoperative care, operation process, and postoperative care

Preoperative care

• Avoid food and liquids from the night before surgery
• Talk to your doctor about medications and supplements and avoid them if needed

Operation process

The meniscus surgery is performed by a device called an arthroscope and lasts about an hour. The device is a small camera that enters the knee through the incisions created so that the surgeon can observe the surgical site. The surgeon then inserts the surgical instrument into the body from similar incisions and performs the surgery. This can occur in two ways, depending on the status of the meniscus and the surgeon’s diagnosis:

• Extraction of a part of the meniscus: In this method, the surgeon shaves part of the meniscus and leaves the healthy portion.
• Restoration of the meniscus: In this way, the surgeon sutures the torn minuscule to ameliorate it.

Postoperative care

• Use of cold compresses
• Use of prescription painkillers
• Contact your doctor if you see any of the following: Double bleeding from surgical site, elevated body temperature to over 38 degrees Celsius, purulent or malodorous discharge from surgical clefts, respiratory problem, leg, foot or ankle swelling
• Position the knee above the heart when resting; place your knee on 2 or 3 pillows and lie back on the bed.

Surgical tips

• Possible risks include:
• Infection
• Damage to nerves and blood vessels
• Fractures, weakness, cramps or joint imbalances
• Pain
• Recurrent rupture of the meniscus
• Need for more surgeries