Meniscus tears are listed as one of the most common sports injuries; In this sense, we could say that meniscal repair surgery is a common procedure for our doctors.
Meniscal repair offers multiple long-term benefits, especially in young patients who, in addition to being able to extend the life of their cartilage, will be able to reduce the load on the knees and delay the onset of osteoarthritis.
At the Panama Clinic Orthopedic Center (COPAC), you will find a team of knee and sports injury specialists with extensive and outstanding experience, who possess all the technical qualities for your meniscal repair surgery to be successful.
When the meniscus tear originates, the patient will instantly feel a snap in the knee accompanied by intense pain throughout the joint area. When the meniscus is torn, the joint suffers from blockages to execute common flexion and extension movements; so the patient may be unable to fully straighten the knee and feel sharp pain during each step.
As the days go by, the joint will become stiffer and the inflammation will become more evident; When walking, the patient may feel the knee come off.
Meniscus tears that are not repaired in time can generate greater wear and tear on the structure and possibly its fragmentation in the future; Therefore, most specialists recommend meniscal repair as the most effective method to prevent acute degeneration of the knee.
A meniscus tear is an injury to the cartilage tissues caused by a sudden twisting or a forced movement of flexion and rotation with the knee, something that is very common in sports.
However, meniscus tears can also occur in the elderly. Over the years, the body’s tissues wear out, which means that older people are more prone to degenerative tears without this implying greater effort.
According to the severity and type of tear, treatment options are analyzed and it is determined if there is a possibility of repairing the torn meniscus or not.
Meniscal injuries are generally classified based on how they look, the area of the meniscus where the tear occurred, and the extent of the damage. The main types of meniscus tears are:
The way in which the doctor proceeds to treat a torn meniscus will depend on various factors such as: the size and location of the tear, the time since the injury occurred; the patient’s age, health status, and level of physical activity.
With all this information collected, the most suitable treatment options for the patient are evaluated. Conservative treatment is based on rest, ice, compression, elevation and physiotherapeutic support; however, this method does not guarantee a long recovery.
On the other hand, different surgical alternatives can be found that allow the torn section to be repaired, preserve the integrity of the meniscus, restore optimal joint function and considerably reduce joint degeneration in the future.
Currently, meniscal repair by arthroscopy is one of the most recommended surgeries. This minimally invasive procedure allows the meniscus tear to be solved through small incisions, benefiting the patient with a much shorter recovery and hospitalization time.
The intervention begins by administering general anesthesia to the patient; Subsequently, the joint area is cleaned and disinfected so that the surgeon can make the relevant incisions on the knee. Through one of these holes, the specialist will introduce a cannula with saline solution to open the internal joint space, thus achieving greater visibility and maneuverability.
Through another of the incisions, the surgeon introduces the arthroscope to observe the structures of the knee and detect the damaged tissue; The specialist then uses surgical instruments to repair the meniscus using sutures or remove the damaged meniscal portion through a partial meniscectomy.
To finish the meniscal repair, the doctor proceeds to remove the arthroscopic instruments, drain the fluids, suture the incisions and apply a suitable bandage.
In the consultations prior to surgery, the specialist will explain in detail each step of the process; They will also discuss the medications you are currently taking to make sure none of them cause a negative effect before, during, or after surgery.
On the day of surgery, it is advisable to arrive on time at the health center, comply with the fasting hours and comply with the instructions given by the medical staff.
Meniscal tear cases usually have particular characteristics in each patient, so meniscal repair techniques must be adjusted to the specific needs of the person.
To schedule a consultation with one of our specialists and obtain a personalized quote, we recommend you contact us through our contact channels.
The surgeon might suggest immobilization of the operated area for 2 weeks, in this time, you will need to move your knee to perform strictly necessary tasks; It is also recommended to start physiotherapy exercises as soon as possible, these will help you recover the joint function that you have lost.
The recovery time in meniscal repair surgery by arthroscopy is shorter than that of open surgery. Typically, this period can range from 3 weeks to 4 or 6 months depending on the type of activity the patient performs.
With arthroscopy, the patient can enjoy faster, less painful healing and walk unaided a couple of weeks after the operation.
Meniscal repair, like any other operation, has associated risks; In this case, the most relevant complications are:
When a meniscus is repaired by arthroscopy, the scars are reduced to 3 or 4 small incisional points, these over time heal until they are left with a subtle and inconspicuous appearance.
Your doctor will tell you what your rehabilitation plan is and monitor your progress closely; Depending on its evolution, the deadlines that are considered necessary for it to return to its daily routine will be dictated.
Generally, the leave for a meniscal operation by arthroscopy usually takes about 1 month before the patient can walk, return to work, resume driving and exercise more demanding physical activities.
Meniscal repair by arthroscopy lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. It should be noted that this time could increase or decrease depending on the type of injury and the complexity of the repair.
Adopt the following habits at home to promote joint inflammation and support the results of surgery:
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