Definition:
- Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure, that is performed to repair torn or injured meniscus cartilage of knee. The meniscus cartilage provides stability and cushion to the knee joint. The surgery is done either arthroscopically or through open surgery. It is not as common as some other knee related surgeries.
- The incidence of meniscus tear is more common in athletes or players, especially who plays contact sports. It can also be found in old aged people, due to degenerative changes of meniscus.
Details of Procedures:
The meniscus repair surgery is performed to save injured cartilage when the non surgical treatments fail to relieve the symptoms. The most common symptoms of meniscus tear are:
- Severe pain at the knee area
- Stiffness and swelling of the knee joint
- Locking of knee
- The sensation of knee “giving way”
- Restricted movement of knee
Facts and Figures:
- Meniscal injuries may be the most common knee injury. The prevalence of acute meniscal tears is 61 cases per 100,000 persons.
- The ratio of male-to-female incidence is approximately 2.5:1. The meniscal injury is most common in male in the age of 31-40 years where as in females, it is found more in those aged between aged 11-20 years.
- The rate of degenerative meniscal tears is 60% in patients aged more than 65 years.
- Surgical procedures of the meniscus are performed on an estimated 850,000 patients each year.
- The published data suggests that, the number of meniscus repair surgeries is double in United States than the rest of world.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Timely performed surgery to repair meniscus, may reduce the risk of long –term joint problems
- Successful meniscus repair lowers the risk of osteoarthritis by saving meniscal cartilage which in turn reduces the stress put on the knee joint.
- High success rate- surgical repair of meniscal tear relieves 80 to 90 percent of symptoms in most cases.
- Short duration of procedure- 1-2 hours
- No need for hospital stay- it is an out patient procedure (arthroscopy)
- Patients seeking meniscus repair through medical tourism can return home within 1-2 days in most cases.
Disadvantages
- Slow recovery or continued pain and joint stiffness after surgery.
- Second surgery may required to remove and repair re-torn meniscus when the first surgery fails.
- A horizontal, long-standing, degenerative or flap tear of the meniscus cannot be repaired by this surgery
Pre-operative and Post-operative Care:
Pre-operative preparations:
- Complete physical examination
- Blood and urinalysis
- ECG and x-ray chest for patient above 50 years of age
- Consultation with surgeon or doctor a week ago, and have a list of medicine which are to be taken or needed to be stopped.
- Inform the surgeon about habit of smoking and alcohol.
- Visit to physical therapist to know about the post surgery rehabilitation program and how to use of crutches or a walker
- Arrangement for leave from work, help at home, helps with driving and during rehabilitation program.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery
- Medical tourist are advised to select a comfortable and handicap accessible hotel room, for recovery after getting discharge from hospital
Post-operative care:
- After the arthroscopic meniscal surgery, patients are usually discharged from the hospital as the anesthesia worn off. Patient requires to wear a knee brace or an immobilizer and is instructed to use crutches for several weeks following the procedure.
- It is important to follow long and extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program to ensure the proper healing and better outcome from surgery.
