Meniscectomy
What is the meniscus?
The meniscus acts like a shock absorber in the knee. They are C-shaped, and each knee has a meniscus on the inside (medial) and outside (lateral). An acute traumatic knee injury can cause the meniscus to tear. A torn meniscus may cause secondary cartilage damage, knee swelling, locking, or clicking.
Sometimes with age, the quality of tissue within the meniscus declines. This can cause the meniscus to tear even in the absence of any trauma. This is referred to as a degenerative tear.
What is involved in arthroscopic meniscectomy?
Arthroscopic meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed to remove a torn or damaged meniscus.
Why is Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Performed?
Arthroscopic meniscectomy is typically performed when a patient has a torn meniscus that is causing pain or discomfort and is not responding to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or medications. The procedure removes the damaged portion of the meniscus, allowing the patient to regain normal knee function.
What is involved in arthroscopic meniscectomy surgery?
The steps involved in meniscal repair surgery include:
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
2-3 small (< 1cm) portals are created to allow passage of a camera and surgical tools within the knee joint. The whole joint is inspected for damage.
Meniscal resection
In some situations, the torn meniscus is not suitable for repair and the torn portion is therefore trimmed to a stable margin. This can relieve the pain and mechanical symptoms associated with a tear. Trimming the meniscus will reduce its shock absorbing capacity and will put more pressure on the surrounding cartilage. This will cause the cartilage to wear out quicker than normal and lead to arthritis in the knee.
What is my follow-up schedule after the operation?
Approximately 1-2 weeks of leave from work is required for a desk-based job. The recovery process following arthroscopic meniscectomy typically involves a period of rest and physical therapy. Patients can put weight on the affected knee immediately following surgery. You may need to use crutches as needed for the first few days after your operation. Physical therapy exercises are then gradually introduced to help the patient regain strength and flexibility in the knee joint.
2 weeks
The wound dressings will be removed and the wound will be reviewed to ensure it has healed. The sutures will be removed at this stage.
4 months
The knee should have a full range of motion but may have a small amount of residual swelling around it. If things have progressed as expected, this will be your final appointment. Return to sports can be commenced by 4-6 months post-operatively but will depend on the nature of the repair.
Summary
Arthroscopic meniscectomy is a common surgical procedure that is performed to remove a damaged meniscus and relieve pain and discomfort in the knee joint. While there are risks associated with the surgery, the high success rate and improved knee function make it a viable option for many patients. If you are experiencing knee pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor to determine if arthroscopic meniscectomy is the right option for you.