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What are Meniscal Tears?

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

A meniscus tear is the commonest knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a traumatic meniscal tear. Elderly people are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.

Anatomy of the Meniscus

The two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces present between the thighbone and the shinbone are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as “shock absorbers”.

Symptoms of Meniscal Tears

A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in your knee, making you unable to move your knee through its complete range of motion.

Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears

Your orthopedic surgeon will examine your knee, evaluate your symptoms, and medical history before suggesting a treatment plan.

Treatment of Meniscal Tears

The treatment depends on the type, size and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. If the tear is small, with damage only in the outer edge of the meniscus, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. However, if the symptoms do not resolve with non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Surgical Treatment of Meniscal Tears

Knee arthroscopy is the commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears. The surgical treatment options include:

  • Meniscus removal (meniscectomy).
  • Meniscus repair .
  • Meniscus replacement .

Meniscectomy Procedure

Surgery can be performed using arthroscopy where a tiny camera will be inserted through a tiny incision, which enables your surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen. The surgery will be performed through other tiny incisions. During meniscectomy, small instruments called shavers or scissors may be used to remove the torn meniscus.

There are two types of meniscectomy procedures; total and partial. In total meniscectomy, the entire meniscus is removed whereas in partial meniscectomy, your surgeon will remove only the torn meniscus. Total meniscectomy will help in relieving symptoms, but because the entire meniscus is removed, the cushioning and stability between the joints will is lost.

During partial meniscectomy the torn meniscus is removed and the remaining edges of the meniscus are smoothened so that there are no sharp ends. Any unstable fragments which are causing a locking and catching sensation will also be removed.

Partial meniscectomy helps in restoring or maintaining knee stability and offers faster and complete recovery. After surgery, rehabilitation exercises may help to restore knee mobility, strength, and to improve range of motion.

Complications of Meniscectomy

Possible risks and complications of partial meniscectomy include infection, bleeding and injury to blood vessels or nerves.

Other Knee Treatments

Contact Information

  • Seacoast Orthopedics
  • 21 Highland Ave. Suite 16
    Newburyport, MA 01950
  • Phone:
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