An Arthroscopic Meniscus Treatment is a procedure to look and perform some procedures inside the knee by using a thin telescope. The meniscus is a special cartilage inside the knee that fills in the space between the thigh bone and the leg bone. Arthroscope can be used to repair meniscus tear and to trim irreparable part of the meniscus which may cause pain or catching inside the knee.
The meniscus is indispensable. When one lost meniscus, one create an unfavorable condition for nearby cartilage. The knee starts to degenerate, especially if there is associated ligament damage. Meniscus treatment is, therefore, not just a pain relieving procedure but also a preventive measure for arthritis. The most common associated ligament injury in meniscus injury is anterior cruciate ligament injury. This may have to be addressed as well. Otherwise the instability situation may cause repeated meniscus injury and result in failure of meniscus treatment.
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-Due to smaller incision this procedure it results in less pain and damages to surrounding areas as well as faster recovery time and fewer postoperative complications such as stiff knee syndrome (arthrofibrosis) which is the buildup of scar tissue inside the knee, causing the knee joint to shrink and tighten.
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The surgeon will pass an arthroscope through a small cut in the skin and into a joint. Healing potential can be enhanced by inducing healing reaction, either by inducing bleeding or fibrin clot. Special suture material will be used depending on the character of the tear. Arthroscopic meniscus surgery generally lasts about one hour under general anesthesia.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. They may tell you to stop eating after midnight the night before the surgery because general anesthesia requires an empty stomach. Two weeks before your surgery, your doctor may tell you to stop taking medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. These include aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Coumadin (warfarin). If you currently smoke, let your surgeon know before the surgery. Smoking can increase your risk of complications because it affects blood flow, increasing the chance of a blood clot. The effects of smoking can also slow the healing of your bone and wounds.
After the procedure, the patient may have to limit their activity to some degrees but this will be kept to the minimal using strong and reliable suture material that allows early knee function.You may have to wear a brace or cast to keep your knee stable. You’ll likely also have to use crutches for at least a month to keep weight off your knee. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your recovery. It’ll help increase your range of motion and help your knee get stronger. They may also share some exercises you can do at home. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. If your meniscus was repaired, it may take as long as 3 months.
Although rare, complications do occur during or following arthroscopy. They include: Accidental damage to structures inside or near the joint Excessive bleeding inside the joint, which can cause swelling and pain Infection within the joint Risks and complications associated with anesthesia, including respiratory and cardiac malfunction
What is the meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that is located in the knee joints between the femur and tibia bones (thighbone and shinbone). The meniscus acts as a shock absorber to cushion the lower part of the leg from the weight of the rest of the body during activities that cause impact to the knee, including standing, walking, running, jumping and other daily tasks. As a shock absorber, the meniscus helps absorb the pressure exerted on the knee joint. It also provides stability and helps distribute body weight by keeping the bones from rubbing together. Since the meniscus is a relatively avascular structure with a limited peripheral blood supply, if a torn meniscus happens, the poor blood supply to the inner portion of the meniscus makes it difficult for the meniscus to heal. As a result, meniscus tear leads to inability to fully move the affected knee with persistent knee pain. If left untreated, it eventually causes osteoarthritis of the knee.
When should I contact the doctor if I have concerns?
The following are possible signs of complications and warrant medical evaluation: Fever (101 degrees F or more) Redness Increasing pain that's not relieved by ice or medication Drainage that’s pus-like or foul-smelling Trouble breathing Pain in your calf when you flex your foot Swelling in your leg, ankle, or foot
What are the signs and symptoms of a torn meniscus?
-Knee pain, especially when twisting or rotating the knee such as kneeling and squatting; -Swelling that might happen suddenly after knee injury or appear temporarily, depending on intensity of activity that involves knee movement; -Knee stiffness or difficulty straightening the knee fully and -A popping sensation or feeling as though your knee is locked in place when trying to move it.
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will physically examine your knee, looking for signs of swelling. They will test your range of motion. You may also get imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess the damage. Your provider may recommend knee arthroscopy to better view and accurately diagnose your injury. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera (called an arthroscope) through a small incision into your knee.