Meniscectomy – Removal of the meniscus

Description removal of the meniscus

Meniscus – the cartilage in the knee joint, which helps to stabilize and soften the movement of the knee. Meniscectomy – removal of all or part of the cartilage.

Reasons for meniscectomy

Meniscectomy performed, when the cartilage is damaged and causes pain or problems with knee motion.

Possible complications meniscectomy

Complications are rare, but the procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to meniscectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Swelling;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Blood clots in the calf muscles;
• Chronic weakness in knee joint;
• The deterioration of the meniscus, or constant pain.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Poor diet;
• The tendency to form blood clots;
• Long-term illness;
• The use of some drugs.

How is meniscectomy?

Preparation for the procedure

Your doctor may conduct the following:

• Examine the history of the disease;
• Medical checkup;
• Roentgen both knees;
• MRT – test, which uses a strong magnetic field, to take pictures inside the knee joint;
• Blood test.

Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

Do not eat or drink for 8-12 hours before surgery, If the doctor does not allow the reverse.

Anesthesia

Depending on the procedure to be used by local, spinal or general anesthesia. With local anesthesia anesthetized area operations. With spinal anesthesia anesthetized lower body when administered anesthetic in the back. When using general anesthesia you will sleep during surgery.

Procedure meniscectomy

There are two ways to do meniscectomy:

• Arthroscopy;
• Arthrotomy – outdoor equipment, that is rarely used today.

Arthroscopy

Around the knee made small incisions. In the knee joint are special tools. With the help of a tiny camera the doctor examines the inside of the knee. The damaged meniscus is either restored, or is removed. If possible, the doctor will remove the cartilage. For the removal of accumulated fluid in the knee joint are placed drainage tubes. The incisions are closed with stitches. Stitches, usually, removed in the doctor's office one week.

Open meniscectomy / arthrotomy

In the knee joint is a large incision. The meniscus is restored or is removed. The incision is closed seams. Arthrotomy usually leads to an increase in the recovery period. This procedure is usually performed, when there is a problem with his knee, which make it difficult to arthroscopic surgery.

How long will meniscectomy?

This procedure usually takes less than one hour.

Meniscectomy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Analgesic help relieve pain during recovery.

Care after meniscectomy

• It is necessary to use an elastic bandage and ice for 48-72 hours after surgery. This will help reduce swelling;
• We need to move and lift the legs, especially while relaxing in bed;
• Use crutches during the first few days after surgery. Do not carry the weight on the operated leg;
• Do the exercises, recommended by the doctor. You can start with simple exercises for the thigh muscles the next day after surgery. More complex exercises to strengthen leg will be appointed later;
• Take pain medicine and antibiotics (to prevent infection) in accordance with the doctor's recommendations;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the cut by water;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

If the meniscus was removed, a return to normal activity usually takes 3-6 weeks.

If the cartilage was repaired, full recovery may take up to four months. The purpose of the first week – reduce pain and swelling. Thereafter, the main purpose is to increase the range of motion. Within four weeks and then once a week assigned physical therapy. On 6-8 week exercise can be added at low load. This will help in the preparation and return to sports or normal activities. Races, sudden movements must be avoided, at least, 16 weeks.

Contact your doctor after meniscectomy

Returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision;
• Swollen, discolored, or cold toes;
• Pain, redness or swelling in the joints;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Other painful symptoms.