The meniscus is the “C” shaped cartilage between the thigh bone and shin bone. The meniscus functions to maintain knee stability so that you remain stable and absorb excessive force on the knee. Twisting movements at the knee that are too extreme can cause tears in the meniscus. Therefore, this injury often occurs in football and basketball players. However, this injury can also occur when you kneel, squat, or lift heavy objects. If there is swelling in the knee accompanied by a 'pop' sound, it can be suspected that a meniscus tear has occurred.
When is Meniscus Repair necessary?
The doctor will determine whether surgery is necessary based on the severity of the meniscus tear through an MRI examination (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) . Small tears in the meniscus can heal on their own, with anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. However, if the tear in the meniscus is large and causes problems in moving the knee, or even the inability to straighten or bend the knee, then meniscus repair surgery is needed to repair the tear.
Also Read: Sports Injuries in the Gym, How to Prevent and Treat Them
The handler
Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure performed to repair a torn meniscus. Meniscus repair surgery is minimally invasive and is performed under anesthesia, which can be done with one of the following procedures
- Arthroscopic Repair
The doctor will make a small incision in the knee and use it to stitch up the tear in the meniscus - Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy
The doctor will remove part of the torn meniscus so that the knee can function normally
Meniscus Repair Complications
Although all operations have certain risks, meniscus repair surgery is considered a low-risk procedure, complications that can occur include:
- Cutaneous nerve injury
- Infection of the surgical wound
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
Meniscus Injury Recovery Process
After partial meniscectomy surgery, the patient's recovery time is around one month. For meniscus repair surgery, a recovery time of up to 3 months is required. Patients will be advised to use a device in the form of a brace to maintain knee stability. In addition, the doctor may recommend using a walking aid so that the knee does not support all body weight for several weeks. The wound must also be kept clean and dry for two weeks after surgery so that it does not become infected and can heal properly. Then, physiotherapy is highly recommended as part of your recovery program. Physiotherapy is useful for strengthening the muscles around the knee.
If you & your family have conditions as described above & need treatment. Immediately go to Grha Kedoya Hospital to consult with our best specialist doctor to immediately get appropriate & fast treatment and treatment.
Article written by:
Dr. Kisli Setiawan, Sp.OT
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology
Because We Care