The Meniscus is the C-shaped cartilage that sits between the thighbone and shinbone in the knee. It acts as a cushion. Meniscus tears are common, particularly among older adults and athletes. Some minor meniscus tears heal with conservative treatment symptoms for meniscus repair surgery like rest and physical therapist, but others require repair surgery.
How can you tell if surgery is needed? Understanding the symptoms that indicate meniscus repair surgery will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not this is necessary.
What is a Meniscus Tear
Understanding of symptoms for meniscus repair surgery
A meniscus tear occurs if the cartilage of the knee is damaged by sudden twisting, impact or wear and tear. The size and location of these tears vary and they are classified into:
- Radial tears
- Horizontal tears
- Complex tears
- Bucket handles tears
- Degenerative tears
Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend arthroscopic surgery for repair or removal of the damaged part, depending on the severity and type of tear.
Causes of Meniscus Tears
Meniscus injuries may occur as a result of:
- Sports activities that involve jumping, pivoting or sudden stops
- Direct Trauma of the Knee (e.g. in contact sports, accidents or other situations)
- Degeneration of the knee cartilage due to age-related factors
- Squatting or lifting heavy weights improperly
- Conditions that underlie osteoarthritis
Meniscus Repair Surgery Symptoms
Meniscus tears can cause a wide range of symptoms. However, not all meniscus tears require surgery. The following symptoms are red flags that indicate a condition that may need surgical repair.
Persistent knee pain
Chronic Knee Pain is a common symptom of a torn meniscus. It doesn’t improve with rest, medication, or ice. It’s possible that your knee pain, which is severe, sharp and occurs when you move, or gets worse when you try squat, twist or flex, indicates a significant tears requiring surgical intervention.
Swelling, stiffness and swelling
inflammation is often caused by meniscus injuries. If you notice swelling persisting for more than a couple of days or recurring, this could indicate internal damage. The stiffness of your knee when bending or straightening it is another warning sign.
Limitation of Range of Motion
If you have difficulty fully extending or bending your knee, it is likely that something is blocking the normal movement. The “locking” or catching sensation is often caused by torn cartilage that interferes with the joint’s function. This condition usually requires surgery.
The sounds or sensations of a popping sensation
A pop sound during the injury or popping sounds when moving afterward can indicate that part of the meniscus has moved. A tear in the meniscus could not heal without surgery.
Knee Locking
Knee Locking occurs when your knee becomes stuck in a certain position, and you are unable to move it. It usually occurs when a piece of torn meniscus gets caught or folds into the joint. To remove or repair a torn segment, surgical intervention is usually required.
Instability and Buckling
Do you feel that your knee might “give way” under your weight when you walk or climb stairs? If you feel instability, or you buckle while walking or climbing steps, this may be a sign of a severe or complex meniscus tear. This level of dysfunction is usually not resolved without surgery.
Pain after Activity
It could be that your knee pain increases following physical activity, or after exercising. This is due to a meniscus tear. Mild pain may be expected after physical activity, but persistent pain or pain that worsens is an indication of internal damage.
Failed Conservative Treatment
You have tried R.I.C.E. Have you tried R.I.C.E. Your doctor may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI. If non-surgical treatment fails to resolve a confirmed tear, surgery is often required.
What is a Meniscus Tear?
A specialist in orthopedics will usually perform the following:
- Physical Examination
- MRI scan for soft tissue visualization
- X rays for determining bone fractures
These diagnostic tools can help determine if surgery is required based on the location, size and pattern the tear.
What is meniscus repair surgery?
Meniscus Repair Surgery is usually performed via arthroscopy. The surgeon inserts an ultra-small camera into the knee and uses specialized tools to sew the meniscus, or trim away the damaged portion.
Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on your age, level of activity, and severity of the tear.
The Benefits of Early Meniscus Repair Surgery
- Restores normal knee functionality
- Reduces swelling and pain
- Osteoarthritis and joint damage can be prevented by preventing long-term damage.
- Improves mobility and stability
- Modern techniques for faster recovery
Recovery after Meniscus Surgery
The majority of patients are able to resume their daily routines within 4 weeks. Athletes or individuals who are active may need between 3 and 6 months to recover fully, depending on their procedure and compliance with physical therapy.
Post-surgical Care includes
- Physical Therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Pain Management
- After healing, avoid high-impact activities.
Conclusion
Ignoring knee pain can cause irreversible joint damage . Consult an orthopedic surgeon if you experience persistent pain, swelling, stiffness or instability in your leg. Early recognition of symptoms that indicate meniscus repair surgery can help protect your joint and allow you to return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
