Meniscus Repair Surgery

What is a Meniscus Tear?

In the younger population, your knee meniscus is usually torn traumatically, by a twisting on a slightly flexed knee. The traumatic type of meniscal injuries are most often sports-related. The meniscus can be torn anterior to posterior, radially (parrot beak), or can have a bucket handle appearance.

In the older adult, the tear may be due to a natural age-related degeneration of the meniscus or a rough arthritic femoral bone surface tearing into the softer meniscus. In this case, surgery may be required to attend to both the meniscal repair and to repair the damaged joint surface.Depending on the type of meniscus tear, meniscus repair be complicated. A large meniscus tear that is inadequately treated may cause premature degenerative bony (arthritis) changes.

You might experience a "popping" sensation when you tear the meniscus. Most people can still walk on the injured knee and many athletes keep playing. When symptoms of inflammation set in, your knee feels painful and tight. For several days you have :

• 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 doctor will initiate diagnosis by enquiring about your symptoms and discussing your medical history. He will then physically examine your knee and will check for tenderness, along the joint line where the meniscus is situated, as it is indicative of a tear.

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

A tear on the outer edge of the meniscus can be treated with non-surgical methods such as RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

With proper treatment, and rehabilitation patients often return to their normal lives.

How do I make an appointment with Best Orthopedic Surgeon in India?

How do I make an appointment with Best Orthopedic Surgeon in India?

Send us your medical reports and after consulting our experts, we shall inform you the about the scheduled visit and date on which you can travel for your Orthopedic Surgery in India.

What are the Benefits of getting Orthopedic Surgery in India?

Hospitals in India are equipped with the most advanced medical treatment. They have the most extensive -diagnostic and imaging facilities including Asia’s most advanced technology. Personalized care and attention is provided with value added services besides results of world class standard at a very low cost affordable to all sections of society.

Which is the Best Hospital in India for Orthopedic Treatment?

India has not one but many better than the best hospitals for orthopedic treatment. Mail us your medical report and we will find the hospital most suitable to treat your medical condition.

Is it safe to get Orthopedic Treatment and Surgery in India?

The medical fraternity in India is famed for excellence, and leads in Orthopedic surgeries. Thousands of Orthopedic operations are performed in India each year with maximum success rate, making the safety obvious.

Any special facilities and services that you provide to international patients?

We provide a wide range of services to our international patients, like visit to rejuvenation centres, arranging tour to tourist places, special meals, foreign exchange facility etc. Send us your query and we shall do our best to fulfill your need.