Experience Innovative Torn Meniscus Surgery Solutions
Do you have a meniscus tear? A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. Although a majority of cases occur in athletes and sports players, it can happen to anyone at any age.
The next big question: Will you need torn meniscus surgery?
Certain torn meniscus cases can heal with nonsurgical solutions. But, if your torn meniscus needs surgical intervention, you can trust the board-certified, fellowship-trained Surgical Team at EmergeOrtho for expert care.
Utilizing minimally invasive surgical techniques, we take pride in providing our patients with the latest innovative surgical methodologies coupled with exceptional patient care. Our priority is always helping patients to Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.
Torn Meniscus Anatomy, Causes, & Symptoms
To understand the meniscus’ role in your knee, it is best to first go over the anatomical makeup of the knee.
Your knee joint connects through three bones: thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella).
Between the thigh bone and shin bone are two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci (singular meniscus). They act as “shock absorbers” to help cushion the joint and keep it stable.
When a meniscus tears, it is generally classified as one of the following tears:
- Bucket Handle Tear
A full-thickness tear in the inner portion of the meniscus.
- Flap Tear
A type of tear comprised of a displaced flap fragment.
- Radial Tear
The most common type of meniscus tear, it occurs where there is little blood supply, making it difficult for these tears to heal on their own.
- Degenerative Tear
These tears occur due to wear-and-tear and/or arthritis, and typically occurs in middle-aged to older adults.
The cause of a torn meniscus is typically attributed to sports injuries, a direct collision/hit, or degeneration/arthritis.
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the tear, but general symptoms include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Locking of the Knee
- Limited Range of Motion
Nonsurgical Treatment
If your meniscus tear is small and on the outer edge, one or more of the following nonsurgical treatments may be all that is needed:
- RICE Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Physical Therapy
Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment
If symptoms persist after nonsurgical treatment is administered or the tear is too severe, torn meniscus surgery (also called a meniscectomy) will likely be recommended.
At EmergeOrtho, our meniscectomies are performed arthroscopically. As a minimally invasive procedure, a meniscectomy requires smaller incisions than open surgery. Tiny surgical instruments (including a miniature camera) are inserted in the small incision. With this technique, patients experience less trauma and a quicker recovery time.
Depending on the type and severity of the tear, the damaged part of the meniscus will either be repaired, trimmed away, or removed.
Once the initial specified healing time has passed, your doctor will likely prescribe a rehabilitation plan. Some rehabilitation plans can be carried out at home, but others may require a formal physical therapy plan.
Is Torn Meniscus Surgery for You?
Only an in-depth consultation with one of EmergeOrtho’s highly skilled doctors will provide the answer.
Schedule an appointment now to explore our advanced torn meniscus solutions.
