Meniscus Tear Surgery

It occurs when the meniscus tissue in the knee joint is damaged. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee. It can usually tear as a result of sports injuries or wear and tear due to aging. Depending on the severity of the tear and the symptoms, meniscus tear surgery may become necessary.

Who Needs Meniscus Tear Surgery?

Meniscus tears are a common injury in athletes or active individuals. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint and can be damaged by sudden rotation or excessive load. The size and location of the tear affect the treatment process.

Most meniscus tears are treated with rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, patients who do not improve with treatments and whose symptoms persist may require surgery.

Meniscus repair is generally preferred in young and active individuals and those who work in intensive jobs. In these individuals, preserving the meniscus tissue is important for maintaining joint health in the long term. Surgery can repair the tear and restore the knee to its former function.

If the meniscus tear is large, complex, or damaging to the cartilage, surgery may be unavoidable. Such conditions negatively affect the stability of the knee and can also lead to limited movement and long-term joint damage.

In older individuals, meniscus tears usually occur due to degenerative causes. In these patients, surgery may be a solution when pain and limited movement reach advanced levels. As the tear grows, knee replacement surgery may be needed.

Meniscus Tear Surgery Process

Meniscus tear surgeryis a surgical procedure that involves repairing or removing the damaged meniscus in the knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that allows the knee to function properly, and its injury can cause severe pain and limited movement. The surgical procedure is usually performed arthroscopically.

Before the surgery, the doctor evaluates the patient's general health and the extent of the tear. Imaging methods such as MRI are used to determine the location and severity of the tear. Before the surgery, the patient is given general or regional anesthesia. During this process, the patient should prepare by following the doctor's recommendations.

During surgery, an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through small incisions. An arthroscope is a small camera that views the inside of the knee. Using this camera, the surgeon can see the tear in the meniscus and apply the appropriate treatment. The tear can be repaired, partially removed, or completely removed. It is preferable to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible because this tissue is important for the healthy functioning of the knee. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours and is a minimally invasive procedure.

After surgery, patients usually return home the same day. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process after surgery. Regular exercises should be performed to strengthen the knee and regain mobility. The recovery process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months, depending on the patient's condition.

How Long Does Meniscus Tear Surgery Take?

It is applied to patients who experience pain and limited movement due to the tearing of the meniscus tissue in the knee. This surgery is usually performed with the arthroscopic surgery method. Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, it offers a fast and effective treatment for patients.

Meniscus tear surgery, is a surgical procedure that takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour on average. The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the size of the meniscus tear and the area where the tear is located. If the tear is small and only requires partial repair, the procedure can be completed in a shorter time. However, if the meniscus needs to be repaired or a larger portion needs to be removed, the surgery may take longer.

Anesthesia is administered prior to surgery, and this preparation process usually takes about 30 minutes. After surgery, the patient must rest for 1-2 hours to recover from anesthesia and be monitored. Therefore, the total hospital stay may be 3-4 hours. Most patients are discharged the same day after surgery.

Meniscus tear surgery Recovery after a knee injury varies depending on the severity of the tear and the patient's health. It takes a few weeks to a few months to begin physical therapy and regain knee movement. Following your doctor's advice during this time will speed up recovery.