Meniscal repair is a surgical procedure that is used to treat a torn meniscus, which is a piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and the shin bone in the knee. The meniscus plays an important role in cushioning and stabilizing the knee joint, and a torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
Meniscal repair surgery is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon and is done arthroscopically, which means that the surgeon makes small incisions in the knee and uses a small camera (arthroscope) to visualize the inside of the knee joint.
During the surgery, the surgeon will first remove any torn or frayed pieces of cartilage that are causing pain or impeding the knee's movement. Then, the surgeon will use special sutures or anchors to sew or hold the remaining edges of the meniscus together. The goal is to repair the meniscus as much as possible to prevent further deterioration of the cartilage.
After the surgery, patients typically need to go through a rehabilitation process to help regain the strength and mobility of their knee. This may involve physical therapy, exercises, and in some cases the use of crutches or a knee brace. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the injury, the patient's age, and overall health. In general, most people can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, but it can take up to 3-6 months to be able to return to more strenuous activities like sports.
It's important to note that not all meniscus tears are candidates for repair. Some tears are too large or in a location that doesn't allow for repair, in those cases a meniscectomy may be performed, where the damaged cartilage is removed.
It's important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case. We can arrange a review imaging and appointment here in Southampton. Info@wessex-knee.com