Before getting into the details of arthroscopic meniscus tear surgery, it is important to understand the role that the meniscus cartilage plays in our daily lives and the importance of taking care of it. The meniscus is a cartilage present in the knee joint. Considering the fact that the knees play a vital role in our ability to move around, damaging it is likely to cause a significant reduction in the ease with which you can get from one place to another. The two most common ways of damaging your meniscus is through a sudden traumatic injury and though periodical damage over a lengthy period of time as well as simple tissue /degeneration.
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is considered to be the most preferred option of surgeons when attempting to save the meniscus cartilage. In this procedure, the torn part of the cartilage is surgically removed, thereby leaving the healthy part of the meniscus intact. Most people will argue that an athlete or individual can perform almost just as well when the cartilage is only partially damaged and removal of the damaged tissue is not necessary. However, what happens when the damaged part of the tissue is allowed to remain in the area is that the fragments of the torn meniscus may damage the smooth articular cartilage of the knee -; leading to the possibility of development of arthritis. There are a few types of arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery, with removal, simple repair as well as replacement, all being possible. However this would depend on factors such as your age, level of physical activity as well as seriousness of the injury.
The arthroscopic meniscus repair recovery time will usually last a couple of weeks of basic rehabilitation before an elite athlete can get back to very light training as long as everything goes well. In order for the arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery to be as effective as possible, it is important for the surgery to be performed within 2 months of the original injury. The procedure is carried out by the insertion of a small instrument with an attached camera into the knee joint and examining as well as repairing the damaged tissue. Arthroscopic meniscus repair pain and swelling after surgery are usually controlled with the help of cold packs and medical braces. The brace also ensures that the leg is kept straight. Arthroscopic meniscus repair exercises will also be demonstrated by the physiotherapist and they will help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint thereby helping you bear your own weight in a few days.