results from a knee injury, may also lead to degeneration of the knee A tissue that lines the joint and seals it into a joint The meniscus is a tough, rubbery joint that forms between the shin and thigh bones and absorbs . The risk of blood clots in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) of the lower leg is small, but it does occur. And, in some cases, surgery isnt necessary because the meniscus will heal on its own. Here are the four R.I.C.E guidelines for recovery after meniscus surgery: Make sure to rest as much as possible and avoid putting any strain on your knee. While individual recovery times may vary, a partial meniscectomy usually has a shorter recovery period than a meniscus repair. Your doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and the RICE method first, especially in mild cases. (2017). 1 Removal of an entire meniscus may increase the risk of arthritis about 10 years later. You have two menisci (plural for meniscus) in each knee. She has extensive experience writing about health issues like sepsis, cancer, mental health issues, and womens health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. You might need physical therapy for a few months to help you maintain your strength and range of motion. Submission of this form is subject to Healthgrades, Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/meniscal-tears, https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zc2311, http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/sports/arthroscopic-meniscus-repair.html, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/meniscal-transplant-surgery/. Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Ahmed I, et al. Drive, if the affected leg is to be used for gas and brake or for clutch . The soap contains chlorhexidine. As you prepare for meniscus surgery, speak to your surgeon about what types of surgery are available and any benefits, risks or additional concerns that may arise. Your doctor can begin or change your treatment to help you manage depression. As with any surgery, there are ways to prepare that can alleviate any stress you may feel after the procedure. Infection is rare, but always a risk with any surgical procedure. The skin over the surgical site will be cleansed with an Other risk factors include smoking, oral contraception, and blood clotting disorders, which may require additional precautions. How will surgery increase or decrease such risks? They may also recommend compression stockings to help prevent blood clots. A different type of cartilage capping the tibia and femur also helps your bones move smoothly. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Arthroscopic repair: A surgeon will make small cuts in the knee and insert an arthroscope (a small camera) to get a better look. It allows doctors to see inside your joints. Preparing for Meniscus Tear Surgery and Recovery therapist may recommend an assistive device (cane or walker) to help A type of tissue that covers the surface of a bone at a joint. Your surgeon may recommend using over-the-counter pain medication thereafter. Potential risks and complications from a meniscectomy include: Stiffness of the knee joint can occur as a result of persistent swelling or scar tissue formation around the knee joint. They may also share some exercises you can do at home. Doral MN, et al. Two weeks before your surgery, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. exercise program for you. If your tear is too extensive for physical therapy or other minor treatments to be effective, its time for surgery. joint. You may be a good candidate for meniscus surgery if you are an athlete or an active adult who must frequently squat, do heavy lifting, or are constantly bending at the knees. 11 Things Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You to Know. (n.d.). After cleaning the affected area, your surgeon will make a small incision through the skin and muscle of your knee. Youll need to avoid food and drink after the midnight before your procedure. You are not taking opioids. Meniscal Repair Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide - Medbelle Before your procedure, you may need additional imaging tests, like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopaedics: an update. 1. The procedure can vary from small trims to almost removing the entire meniscus. You may be able to go home on the day of your surgery. Should I take these alongside the RICE method? Find out about psoriatic arthritis. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of general). 1 to 2 weeks, if: You have regained motion with minimal pain. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should If you are having a regional anesthesia, you will be given an injection directly into your spine. uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a porous The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee You can prepare for meniscus surgery by: Protecting your knee from further damage while waiting for surgery. Nonsurgical treatments for meniscus tears. Uncemented prostheses are not commonly used anymore. After surgery, you will need to do exercises to increase and maintain knee strength and stability. All rights reserved. Submission of this form is subject to Healthgrades, Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion). Meniscal transplant surgery is a type of surgery that replaces your missing or damaged meniscus with a meniscus from a cadaver donor. At first, a torn meniscus may be asymptomatic. A meniscectomy is performed in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical center. With general anesthesia, youll receive medication to put you to sleep through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or through a breathing mask. Johns Hopkins Medicine Virtual Advisors (Virtual Advisors) is a group of individuals who share their insights about the Johns Hopkins care experience. Your healthcare provider may give you a prescription for pain medicine in advance of your procedure so you can have it filled and on-hand to use after surgery. Patients will be anesthetized during their procedure. (If so, make sure you have someone who can drive you home.) Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that can diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. This can be caused by routine activities like squatting or climbing stairs. Should You Have Knee Replacement Surgery? Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. She serves as an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and practices in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Your surgeon will make other repairs, if necessary. The arthroscope sends images of the inside of your knee to a screen, allowing your surgeon to visualize the tissue and repair the meniscus. Its typically done as an arthroscopic procedure. opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the Bring or wear loose shorts or pants that will be easy to fit over your bandage and dressing after surgery. She is also author of the book Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Medications and How to Take Them Safely. Rather than heal, the meniscus tear is scarred down and absorbed to a degree that it no longer causes pain. Menisci are crescent-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage that are essential to the function and health of the knee joint. (2018). Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Youll be asked to change into a hospital gown before the procedure. See additional information. Meniscal transplant surgery might make sense for you if your meniscus was removed in a previous surgery. Those over 30 may be less likely to have a successful surgical repair since meniscal tissue begins to weaken with age. You may undergo blood tests or surface onto which the bone grows to attach to the prosthesis. UCONN Health states that, especially for older people, non-surgical measures could improve symptoms and prevent the tear from worsening in about six weeks. How long do you expect my recovery process to take after surgery? Meniscus Replacement: What Is It, Risks, Benefits & Outlook You have two C-shaped discs of cartilage (soft tissue) that connect your thigh bone to your shinbone. Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect at Home | Kaiser Permanente When will I be able to resume my normal activities? Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. of the thighbone; and the patellar component (to resurface the From there, your surgeon may remove a portion of the meniscus via a procedure called a partial meniscectomy. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 8 Tips for Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon. Non-surgical treatment of a torn meniscus includes the RICE treatment, along with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen: Ice: Apply ice packs to your knee for 20 minutes at a time, at least every two hours. clipped off. They also will pinpoint its location. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, You may need to rearrange your living arrangements as you recover because youll need to use crutches for several weeks. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. Click here for an email preview. Torn Meniscus Surgery | NY Orthopedics American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2 That's because the meniscus helps decrease stress on the knee and provides shock absorption, stability, and joint lubrication. The Ice and over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful. Find out whether the time is right for you to have knee replacement surgery. Your doctor will apply a dressing to the surgical area and wrap it with a bandage, which should stay in place until you start physical therapy. by Emily Socolinsky, SSC | September 11, 2019. For most people, the stiffness resolves with appropriate therapeutic intervention following surgery. There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a knee replacement What are the long-term benefits and consequences for removal versus repair? You have a few surgical options based on your level of severity: Complications during meniscus repair are rare as this surgery is low-risk. membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know: The reason you are having the test or procedure, What results to expect and what they mean, The risks and benefits of the test or procedure, What the possible side effects or complications are, When and where you are to have the test or procedure, Who will do the test or procedure and what that persons qualifications are, What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure, Any alternative tests or procedures to think about, Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems, How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure. This will give you a chance to find out more about the risks and benefits specific to your condition. Treatment for a meniscus tear will depend on its size, what kind it is, and where its located within the cartilage. visit. Questions may include: When will I be able to return home after the procedure? Knee Arthroscopy: Reasons, Procedure & Benefits - Healthline Physical therapy can help you strengthen the muscles around your knee and in your legs to help stabilize and support the knee joint. Your healthcare provider will insert a very small camera through this incision, using this camera to guide the surgery. Younger people are more likely to be highly active, and are at risk of worsening a tear by overuse. It may be Your privacy is important to us. Treatment for a torn meniscus often begins conservatively, depending on the type, size and location of your tear. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be For the first two days after surgery, your surgeon may suggest putting ice on your knee for 20 minutes at a time several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling. How large is my meniscus tear- could it heal without surgery? Review/update the However, if your knee pain and swelling continues to interfere with your daily activities, or if your tear is over 1 cm, you may consider discussing surgery with your doctor. Some ligaments of the knee provide stability and protection of the Also bring any paperwork, your insurance card, and a form of identification like a drivers license. following: Removing loose carpets and electrical cords that may cause you Anesthesia reaction, such as an allergic reaction and problems with breathing. antiseptic solution. Does your knee ever "lock" or feel blocked when you're trying to move it? Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota You can usually go home the on same day of your surgery., Your knee will be wrapped with dressing and an elastic bandage, and you will be given an ice pack to help with pain and swelling. We avoid using tertiary references. The risk of injury increases as you get older, when bones and tissues around the knee begin to wear down. tibial component (to resurface the top of the tibia, or shin The pain and disability associated with a torn meniscus prompt many people to seek emergency care. Meniscus-targeted injections for chronic knee pain due to meniscal tears or degenerative fraying: a retrospective study. Meniscus Surgery: Before Your Surgery | Kaiser Permanente Smoking can increase your risk of complications because it affects blood flow, increasing the chance of a blood clot. necessary for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure. A cemented Before an appointment, be prepared to answer the following questions: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. As part of your preparation, make arrangements for someone to bring you home after surgery. Call your doctor if you notice an elevated temperature, increasing drainage on the bandage, difficulty breathing, swelling in the foot, calf or ankle, or any foul smelling or pus-like drainage from the incisions. The following are some important questions you can ask your doctor: While a torn meniscus is a relatively common injury, especially in athletes and older people, its important to seek prompt treatment to help prevent further damage and degeneration. Youll be numb below the waist but awake during the surgery. General anesthesia uses a combination of medication given to you through an intravenous (IV) line, and gas which you breathe in through a mask. bleeding. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery. William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. A meniscectomy may be an option if you have a meniscus tear causing severe symptoms that arent improving with conservative treatment. the tibia (shin bone). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In most cases, a partial meniscectomy is done to try to preserve as much of the cartilage as possible. An orthopedic surgeon is the specialist who does meniscus surgery. This machine moves your new knee A popping sensation during the injury Difficulty bending and straightening the leg A tendency for your knee to get "stuck" or lock up At first, the pain may not be bad. Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the Knee replacement surgery is most often performed while you are asleep if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, One risk factor for developing a blood clot is prolonged immobilization of the leg. Meniscus Surgery: Recovery Time | Kaiser Permanente Knee arthroscopy. To be sure, your doctor will probably have an MRI done. When youre asleep, your anesthesiologist may put a breathing tube in your windpipe to protect your airway. be used to begin the physical therapy. observation. How effective is knee replacement surgery in relieving severe knee pain? lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint. procedure. Policy What is a meniscus? Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. Meniscus. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the effectiveness of meniscectomy for your condition and whether it might lead to future surgeries. The knee may swell or Physical Therapy for Meniscus Tears - Verywell Health A curved part of cartilage in the knees and other joints that If the damage is severe enough, your surgeon may need to remove your meniscus. After the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room for If you currently smoke, let your surgeon know before the surgery. Meniscus repair surgery. include protected health information. Your surgeon will then cut and remove the torn piece with small instruments called punches. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may Mohamadi A, et al. Your doctor will give you specific bathing instructions. Under what situations should I call you before the scheduled follow-up? A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied. This article discusses what's involved in having the surgery, why it's done, how to prepare, and what to expect with surgery and recovery. A meniscectomy is not recommended if at-home treatment can adequately reduce your symptoms or if your torn meniscus can be repaired via meniscus repair surgery. It can help identify joint pain. Knee Swelling After Meniscus Surgery - Health Pages Each bone end In general, you can expect the following: A healthcare provider (anesthesiologist) will give you medicine so that youll sleep through the operation and wont feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. NYU Langone Health. You may meet with a physical therapist prior to your surgery to The knee consists of two bones (shinbone, thighbone) that meet together to form the knee joint. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.