Meniscus tears are detected by examination, and the treatment is meniscus surgery.
What is Meniscus Surgery?
The meniscus is a fibrous cartilage-like structure found in the knee joint structure. Its task is to ensure the harmony of the joint surfaces and to maintain stability. In cases where the limits of joint movement are forced (excessive stretching and rotational movement), it tears. There are two meniscus structures, outer and inner, in the knee. One is a crescent (inner) and firmly adhered to the walls, the other is a little more rounded but partially adherent and mobile (outer).
Since the inner meniscus is adhered to the surrounding environment, it is frequently injured in trauma and gives rapid symptoms, external meniscus tears are less common, but diagnosis is more difficult because it does not cause pain.
Meniscus surgeries are performed with arthroscopic surgery today. Before arthroscopic surgery, meniscus structures were completely removed (meniscectomy). The counterpart of meniscectomy surgery in arthroscopic surgery is partial meniscectomy. In partial meniscectomy, only the tear area is removed, never the entire meniscus is touched. As the canal meniscus tissue continues to function, joint functions do not deteriorate, wear does not occur, and daily life is quickly returned. In arthroscopic meniscus surgery, if the tear is close to the capsule with high blood supply, it can be repaired with stitches.
Meniscus transplantation (taken from another person, allograft) is possible in cases where the entire menicus is damaged or disappeared. When it comes to menicus surgery; Only the removal of the tear (partial meniscectomy) is performed. The procedure of removing the entire meniscus (total meniscectomy) is now abandoned. Arthroscopic meniscus repair means arthroscopic meniscus transplantation.
What are the Meniscus Symptoms?
In meniscus diseases, there are complaints such as pain, stuck and locking during joint movements. If the discomfort is due to trauma, swelling due to bleeding (hemarthrosis) may occur at first, and then swelling may occur due to the increase in joint fluid. While the temperature increase accompanies pain and swelling for the first time, the signs of inflammation disappear over time. Mechanical findings; stuttering and locking continues.
Locking; the knee remains bent and cannot be opened.
How is the meniscus diagnosed?
Meniscus tears are detected by examination. MR imaging is very useful as a diagnostic method. Some meniscus tears may not signal on MRI when they sit in place, or tears close to the capsule we call peripheral may be missed.
What is the Meniscus Treatment Process?
The treatment of meniscus tears is surgery. It may be possible for peripheral meniscal tears to heal spontaneously with rest, but the rate of re-rupture is very high. When a tear is detected, arthroscopic surgery should be performed early, without causing abrasion due to friction in the joint.
At Which Stage Is Meniscus Surgery Required?
It should be done at the stage of meniscus tear. In this way, joint wear can be prevented, repairable tears are repaired within the first 72 hours, and the chance of recovery is much higher than neglected / delayed tears.
What are the surgery options, how is it done, how long does it take?
In joint surgery, removing or repairing the meniscus by arthroscopic method is the gold standard. Open surgery has been largely abandoned.
How is the Recovery Process After the Surgery?
After the operation, it is pressed immediately and full movement can be given. In meniscus repairs, it may be necessary to give partial weight with crutches or not to press for a while, depending on the strength of the suture material.
Will It Repeat After Surgery?
The remaining meniscus can rupture again. If the risks causing the tear are not eliminated, a new tear may develop. The area treated with arthroscopic surgery does not recur.
How Much is the Surgery Fee?
The cost of surgery depends on the type of surgery and the use of materials. Pricing is made according to the patient’s budget and the hospital class.