Meniscus surgery (small volume)

Meniscus surgery

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage tissue that acts as a shock absorber and ensures stabilisation as well as other functions. Each knee joint has 2 menisci – medial and lateral. A meniscus injury is one of the most common knee joint diseases that can manifest at any age. Traumatic injuries are characteristic for children and young persons because of high meniscus elasticity. Elasticity is reduced with age; thus, the meniscus becomes harder therefore degenerative tears are more often reported in elderly people. Though injuries of medial meniscus are reported more frequently, tears of lateral meniscus or even of both menisci can occur. Meniscus tear results in knee pain, possible swelling, joint crepitation can be felt while climbing up a staircase or instability can occur while squatting down. Eventually pain does not resolve, but, on the contrary, becomes  more severe.

About the surgery:

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical treatment involving very small incisions about 0.5-1 cm long and the use of arthroscope as well as other arthroscopic equipment. An arthroscope is small devise sized as a pencil with a video camera.

To whom this surgery is indicated?

The surgery is required when the torn meniscus results in pain, seizing, walking with a limp, limits your everyday or sport activities and the conservative treatment fails.

Before the surgery:

The team of physicians in our clinic will carry out all necessary examinations and will assess general patients’ health condition. Aiming to ensure the best possible result, before the surgery you should follow physician's instructions.

During the surgery:

The surgery is usually carried out under the regional or spinal anaesthesia or their combinations. Several small 0.5- cm long incisions are made in the knee area and the arthroscope, which be used during the surgery is inserted. A meniscus is sutured or torn off pieces are removed. Usually, the surgery lasts for about 1 hour.

After the surgery:

After the surgery the patient for several hours is transferred to an intensive care ward for observation, later the in-hospital treatment is continued. Usually on the next day after the surgery the patient is discharged. A joint sparing regimen is recommended after the surgery for some time along with the rehabilitation treatment (physiotherapy procedures, special exercises etc.) to restore joint functions. Before leaving the hospital, the doctor will provide you with the instructions regarding your further treatment.