Torn Meniscus in Knee? Let's Talk About Meniscus Surgery!

Maybe you are an athlete. Have you ever had a sudden, severe knee pain while running or jumping? Or have you ever had a sudden, painful, popping sound while doing something normal? Now your knee is swollen, unable to bend or straighten, and feels like it's stuck inside? The main cause of these things is damage to the cartilage inside your knee called the meniscus. So today, let's talk about this and the surgery that is performed for it.

Simply put, what is meniscus surgery?

Okay, first let's look at what a meniscus is. Think of our knee joint. Between the thigh bone (Femur) on top and the shin bone (Tibia) on the bottom, there are two pieces of cartilage that are like a cushion, in the shape of the letter 'C'. That's what we call the meniscus. Like a 'shock absorber' in a car, this thing absorbs the pressure that comes to the joint when we walk, run, and jump, keeping the joint stable and helping the two bones move smoothly without hitting each other.

So, when this meniscus is torn, severe pain in the knee, swelling, knee locking, and instability or giving way can occur. If the condition does not improve with medication, rest, and physical therapy, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this surgery. Simply put, this surgery is used to repair the torn part of the meniscus or remove the damaged part.

How should I prepare before surgery?

There is a little preparation before surgery. Your doctor will explain these things to you.

Tests that are usually required:

You may be asked to do one or more of these tests to check your body's general health.

A few other important things:

• Tell your doctor about any medications you take: Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications (especially blood thinners) for a few days before surgery.
• Fasting: Your doctor will tell you how long you should stop eating and drinking the day before your surgery. Usually, you will need to fast for about 12 hours.
• Transportation: Since you will not be able to drive after surgery, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home.

What happens during surgery?

On the day of your surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia so you don't feel any pain. You may be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep. Or you may be given regional anesthesia, which numbs only the area below the waist. You will be given a sedative to help you relax.

This surgery is often done using the 'keyhole' method. This means that several small incisions are made in the skin around the knee, through which a small camera (arthroscope) and delicate instruments are inserted. We call this knee arthroscopy surgery. This method does not involve large incisions and reduces healing time.

There are three main types of meniscus surgery.

How long does the surgery take? What happens afterwards?

Meniscus surgery usually takes about an hour , but the time may vary depending on the type of surgery you have, the severity of the tear, and if you have other knee injuries (such as ligament tears).

This is often an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, you will be kept in a recovery room until you have fully recovered from the anesthesia, and then you will be allowed to go home once you are well enough to return to your normal life.

What are the benefits of this surgery?

• Being able to return to your sports or other physical activities.
• Improving your mobility.
• Knees become more stable.
• Knee pain and other symptoms have decreased or completely disappeared.

Are there any risks and complications of the surgery?

Although this is a very safe and successful procedure, like any surgery, there are some risks involved. However, these are very rare.

• Blood clots
• Bleeding inside your knee
• Infections
• Nerve damage or neuropathy
• Stiffness in the knee joint even after recovery

But for many people, the benefits of surgery far outweigh the pain of living with a torn meniscus. Discuss these risks with your doctor. He or she will explain the best course of action for your situation.

How is the recovery period?

This is the biggest problem for many people. The time it takes to fully recover varies depending on the type of surgery you had.

• If a damaged part is removed (Meniscectomy): This has a shorter recovery time. Usually, you can recover fully in about 6 weeks .
• If the meniscus was stitched (Meniscus repair): This takes a little longer. Because in addition to the surgical wounds healing, the meniscus that was stitched from the inside also needs to heal. This can take about 3 months .
• If you have had a meniscus transplant (Meniscus replacement): This is the longest recovery time. It takes several months to fully heal. You may have to wait about a year before you can resume strenuous physical activities (like sports).

After surgery, you will need the following:

• Crutches: Reduce weight on the knees.
• Knee brace: Keep the joint stable.
• Pain medications: Control pain.
• Follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
• Physical Therapy (PT):This is definitely important. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to help you regain movement, range of motion, and strength in your knee.

When will I be able to walk again? How is the pain?

If you have had a meniscus removal (meniscectomy), you will be able to walk with some weight on your knee right away. You will be able to return to normal activities in about a month.

If the meniscus has been sutured or grafted, you will need to use crutches for a few weeks. Only then can you gradually begin to walk with weight bearing.

It is normal to feel some pain for a few days after surgery. Don't worry. Your doctor will give you pain medication. You may also be given medications like NSAIDs. It is important to take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you.

Will my knee be the same after surgery?

Most people can return to their normal activities (including sports) after recovery. However, do not begin strenuous exercise until your doctor gives you the okay.

Sometimes, even though your body is healing, you may still have a little fear. "Will something happen to your knee again?" Especially if it was a sports accident, that fear is even greater. This is very normal. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what's on your mind. They can help you build that confidence back up.

When should you talk to the doctor?

If you experience any discomfort during your recovery, you should seek medical advice immediately. Be especially aware of the following signs.

Meniscus surgery can be a scary prospect. However, it is a safe, effective way to repair the damage to your knee, get you back on your feet, and get back to your normal activities. You may have to stay away from sports and exercise for a while. But if you recover properly, you can get back to doing those things with strength.