Meniscus Repair Surgery in India
A tear of a meniscus is a rupturing of one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee called menisci. When doctors and patients refer to "torn cartilage" in the knee, they actually may be referring to an injury to a meniscus at the top of one of the tibiae. Menisci can be torn during innocuous activities such as walking or squatting. They can also be torn by traumatic force encountered in sports or other forms of physical exertion. The traumatic action is most often a twisting movement at the knee while the leg is bent.
Tears can lead to pain and/or swelling of the knee joint. Especially acute injuries (typically in younger, more active patients) can lead to displaced tears which can cause mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or locking during motion of the knee joint.The joint will be in pain when in use, but when there is no load, the pain goes away.
• Stiffness and swelling.
• Tenderness in the joint line.
• Collection of fluid ("water on the knee").
• Without treatment, a fragment of the meniscus may loosen and drift into the joint, causing it to slip, pop or lock—your knee gets stuck, often at a 45-degree angle, until you manually move or otherwise manipulate it. If you think you have a meniscal tear, see your doctor right away for diagnosis and individualized treatment.
The doctor will initiate diagnosis by enquiring about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis is confirmed with the help of imaging tests such as X-ray and MRI.
The McMurray test is the most significant test for meniscal tears. To carry out this test, the doctor will bend your knee, then straighten it after which it will be rotated to exert tension on the meniscus. In case of a tear, a clicking sound will be heard during this movement. You may also be asked to squat down. Pain, or an inability to squat will allow your doctor to localize the injury. To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests such as X-ray and MRI are recommended.
X-rays do not reveal meniscal tears clearly but are capable of showing other problems affecting the knee like osteoarthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), on the other hand, is capable of creating better images of the soft tissues and hence is capable of revealing most meniscal tears.
Non-surgical Treatment
• Rest. Take rest. You may have to take a break from all activities that put pressure on your knee. Your doctor may advise that you use crutches while moving around, to avoid putting weight on your injured leg.
• Ice. Use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times through the day. Use a towel when applying ice. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin.
• Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage around the knee to prevent additional swelling.
• Elevation. Recline with your leg placed on a higher level than your heart, to reduce swelling.
Surgical Treatment
If your symptoms continue to persist despite non-surgical treatment, your may have to undergo surgery. Knee arthroscopy is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Here, a small camera is inserted through a tiny incision to generate a clear view of the inside of the knee. A miniature surgical instrument is inserted through the incision to trim away a tear (meniscectomy) or to repair it by suturing the torn pieces.
After surgery, your knee will be put in a cast or brace to restrict movement. Using crutches, while moving around, will help to take the pressure off your leg. After healing is initiated you may have to do strengthening exercises and exercises to improve your motility and range of motion.
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