Meniscus Tear treatments
Mr Deepu Sethi is an expert orthopaedic knee surgeon specialising in the treatment of meniscus tears, in London. He uses cutting-edge techniques, including meniscus repair surgery, to restore function and alleviate pain, allowing faster recovery.
How is a meniscus repaired??
A meniscus repair operation is normally performed under general anaesthetic and by "key hole" / arthroscopic surgery - often known as a "knee arthroscopy". A camera is put into the knee and the meniscus is assessed. If suitable for repair, Mr Sethi would then proceed to repair the meniscus with special stitches / sutures.
How successful is a meniscus repair operation?
There is no guarantee that a meniscus repair will be successful. Even after a successful operation, the meniscus may fail to heal or may re-tear again in the future. It can take some months after surgery to be sure that surgery has been successful. Nonetheless, in the correct patient, with modern surgical techniques, if a meniscus repair is performed, it leads on to a successful outcome in the majority of cases.
What if my meniscus cannot be repaired?
If your meniscus cannot be repaired, you would be initially advised to avoid surgery if possible. Though some patients can continue to experience pain, swelling and catching or locking of the knee - in these cases, surgery may be advised to trim the meniscus, otherwise called a meniscectomy.
What is a meniscectomy?
A meniscectomy operation is normally performed under general anaesthetic and by "key hole" / arthroscopic surgery - often known as a "knee arthroscopy". A camera is put into the knee and the torn meniscus is trimmed.
If I have a meniscectomy, how much meniscus is trimmed?
Mr Sethi would normally trim the least amount of meniscus necessary. Though depending on the type of tear, on some occasions the majority of the meniscus has to be trimmed, in other cases approximately 1/3 of the meniscus is trimmed.
What is the treatment for a meniscal tear?
Many people can be treated successfully with physiotherapy and sometimes an injection into the knee. Others may require surgery to repair or trim the torn meniscus cartilage.
Do I need surgery if I have a torn meniscus?
The majority of meniscus tears can be treated without surgery. But some by benefit from surgery and being repaired. A successful repair can restore function of the meniscus.
Can a meniscus tear be repaired?
In more recent years there has been increased focus on trying to repair and restore function of the torn meniscus. However, the meniscus has a poor blood supply and therefore it may not always be possible to repair the meniscus. In situations when symptoms persist, despite non-surgical measures and the meniscus cannot be repaired, then the meniscus would be trimmed. To learn more about meniscus surgery, click here.
Can my meniscus tear be repaired?
Many factors can determine whether a meniscus can be repaired, this includes the pattern of the tear, location of the tear, age of the injury and age of the patient. Even with a MRI scan, it is not always easy to determine whether a meniscus can be repaired and sometimes you only know at the time of surgery. If you have a meniscal tear, Mr Sethi would be able to assess you and advice whether you may be suitable for a meniscus repair.
