Meniscus Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for tears that are central, cause locking or instability of your knee, or for injuries that don’t heal on their own.

The decision whether or not to undergo meniscus surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury and the expectations of the patient. Your ProSports physician will determine the degree of the injury or injuries to the knee.

For younger patients with moderate to several injuries and laxity, who want to continue with a broad range of physical activities, surgery will most likely be necessary. For older patients and others with less severe injuries, who anticipate less vigorous physical activity, a rehabilitation program will be prescribed.

Preparing for Surgery

Arthroscopy surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. If you decide to have arthroscopy, you may be asked to have a complete physical with your family physician before surgery to assess your health and to rule out any conditions that could interfere with your surgery.

Before surgery, tell your orthopaedic surgeon about any medications that you are taking. You will be informed which medications you should stop taking before surgery.

Tests, such as blood samples or a cardiogram, may be ordered by your orthopaedic surgeon to help plan your procedure. Your doctor will provide you with any specific instructions prior to your surgery.

The Surgery

Surgery usually involves using a small, pen-sized camera (called an arthroscope) which is inserted into the knee. First the doctor will inspect the entire knee to joint to see if there are any other problems contributing to the symptoms.

Next the tear itself is inspected to determine whether it should be repaired or removed. Meniscetomy involves cutting and removing the torn portions of the meniscus. The remaining cartilage is smoothed and contoured. The meniscus is an important shock-absorbing structure in the knee, therefore, the surgeon will try to leave as much cartilage in place as possible. Most meniscus tears need to be removed.

In some cases the meniscus is repaired using a technique to sew the meniscus back together.

Recovering from Meniscus Surgery

Often, a brace or cast is needed after surgery, and physical therapy is an important part of recovery to relieve pain and strengthen and stabilize the muscles around your knee. Recovering from the removal of a meniscal tear is much quicker than the time needed for a repaired meniscus.

Meniscus tear rehabilitation includes exercises to restore the full range of motion to the knee, followed by a program of strengthening exercises. These programs continue until the leg strength and flexibility are nearly back to normal.

If you have undergone surgery for a Meniscus tear, the Arthroscopy protocol contains instructions and exercises to help you recover.