Meniscal Repair

Meniscal Repair is the process or technique used to prepare torn Meniscus. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is successful. The meniscus helps to protect the knee from wear and tear. Often an injury in the Meniscus occurs as a result of twisting, turning, or squatting, putting excessive stress on any activity. If you are searching for Meniscal Repair near me, schedule an appointment with Dr. Biren Nadkarni. Let’s find out more about Meniscus and Meniscal Repair.

Anatomy

The meniscus is a very crucial part of the knee joint. They are 2 crescent ( half moon ) shaped fibrocartilage structures. We have medial and lateral menisci which have an anterior horn and posterior horn. It not only provides cushioning but also increases the depth of the joint for easy gliding of the femur bone. These are usually called the shock absorber of the knee. When sudden twisting activities are done they get injured.

Meniscal Repair

Epidemiology

The meniscus is commonly injured when a sudden twisting force acts in the knee which can rupture the menisci, the most common is radial rupture. Certain sports can cause meniscal tears like football, soccer, basketball, tennis, etc. it can be injured by anyone, not just sports activity. Any motion which causes a sudden twisting or high pressure at the knee joint can cause meniscus rupture. These can be squatting, getting up too quickly, and children playing can rupture their menisci. it can occur with both contact and non-contact sports.

Symptoms

The appearance of symptoms depends on the severity of the meniscus rupture. A minor rupture might show symptoms after 24 hours and a severe rupture may show early symptoms. some common signs and symptoms are 

  • you might hear a popping sound after a meniscal injury
  • pain, tenderness around the knee
  • swelling around knee
  • there will be the inability to move the knee to its normal range
  • unstable knee

It is advised to contact a Meniscal Repair Doctor in Delhi, if you experience any of the above symptoms to prevent any complications.

Your doctor will take your history and physically examine you using clinical tests like the McMurray test, alleys compression test, etc that will help diagnose a meniscus rupture.

Your doctor might investigate with an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI for more clarity and will decide the severity of your injury to make a suitable treatment plan including torn meniscus surgery.

Meniscus Repair Treatment

During the initial few days of Injury, it is advised to treat the knee with conservative methods like RICE i.e 

  • Rest – rest your knee initially, don’t put any weight, you can use a walker or crutch to walk 
  • Ice– use ice therapy around your knee to decrease swelling caused by Injury
  • Compression – ties or compresses the knee with a crepe bandage.
  • Elevation – elevate your leg to prevent further inflammation

Dr. Biren Nadkarni can suggest you meniscal surgery depending on your condition. Initially, Dr Biren Nadkarni will suggest you medication for pain relief and inflammation.

Physical therapy is required to bring the knee back to the normal pain-free range and to strengthen the weakened muscles.

Do you need Meniscus Repair Surgery?

If the tear is 1 or 2 grade the Doctor will not suggest surgery. However, if its grade 3, the doctor might choose: 

  • Arthroscopy repair 
  • Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy
  • Arthroscopic total Meniscectomy 

Meniscus tear Surgery is low risk, complications, in this case, are very rare. However, in case of infection(rare), after Surgery, Dr. Biren Nadkarni will provide antibiotics or may recommend compression stockings depending on the condition. 

After Meniscus Tear Repair Surgery in Delhi NCR, patients might have a brace or cast and later go for physical therapy. It generally takes 3 months to recover after Meniscus Repair.

FAQs

  • What is meniscal repair?

    Meniscal repair is a surgical procedure that involves repairing a torn meniscus, which is a cartilage structure in the knee joint that provides cushioning and stability.

  • What causes a meniscus tear?

    Meniscus tears can occur due to sudden traumatic injury or repetitive stress on the knee joint. Athletes, older adults, and individuals with arthritis are at higher risk of developing meniscus tears.

  • How do I know if I need meniscal repair surgery?

    If you have knee pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee joint, you may have a meniscus tear. Your doctor can perform imaging tests and physical examination to diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment options, which may include meniscal repair surgery.

  • What are the benefits of meniscal repair surgery?

    Meniscal repair surgery can help to relieve pain, improve knee function, and prevent further damage to the knee joint. It may also allow you to return to your normal activities more quickly than non-surgical treatments.

  • How is meniscal repair surgery performed?

    Meniscal repair surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, which involve making small incisions in the knee and using specialized instruments to repair the torn meniscus. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day as surgery.

  • How long does it take to recover from meniscal repair surgery?

    Recovery time after meniscal repair surgery can vary depending on the extent of the injury and individual factors. On average, patients can expect to return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, but may need up to 3-6 months for full recovery.

  • What are the risks associated with meniscal repair surgery?

    Like any surgical procedure, meniscal repair surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these risks can be minimized through proper preparation and careful monitoring during and after surgery.

  • How can I find the best meniscal repair surgeon in South Delhi?

    To find the best meniscal repair surgeon in South Delhi, you can ask for recommendations from your primary care doctor, friends or family, or search online for reviews and ratings. When choosing a surgeon, factors to consider include their experience, expertise, credentials, and patient satisfaction ratings.

  • What should I do after meniscal repair surgery to promote healing?

    After meniscal repair surgery, it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking pain medications, keeping the knee elevated, and performing exercises and physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.

  • How can I prevent meniscal tears in the future?

    To prevent meniscal tears in the future, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, use proper technique when participating in sports or physical activities, and avoid sudden movements or excessive stress on the knee joint. If you have a history of knee problems, you may also benefit from wearing supportive knee braces or seeking professional training and advice.