Why is this procedure done?
The knee is a large, complex joint. It is made up of four bones: the thigh bone, two lower leg bones, and the kneecap. A meniscus is a type of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber at the knee. It also helps protect the cartilage on the end of the knee bones. Your meniscus also helps the knee glide. There are two of them in each knee. The one on the inside of your knee is shaped like the letter C. The meniscus on the outside of the knee is shaped like a letter U. ‚
You may have injured your meniscus. Sometimes, this happens by twisting or flexing your knee too much. Most often, it happens when playing sports. You may need to have surgery to fix the problem. One of the ways to fix the problem is when the doctor takes out all or part of the meniscus. This surgery is called a meniscectomy. It is done when: ‚
- The meniscus is torn
- The tear in the meniscus causes too much pain
- You have problems moving your knee
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What will the results be?
- All or part of your torn meniscus is removed
- Better range of knee motion and weight bearing
- Pain and swelling is relieved
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You may not have surgery right away. The doctor may wait for your swelling to go down.
- Your doctor may have you wear a brace on your knee before the surgery. This will keep your knee stable. You may also go to physical therapy before your surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The doctor may give you a drug to make your leg numb. This will last for a few hours.
- When you fall asleep, your doctor will clean your knee using an antiseptic and place a band around your leg above the knee. The band will lessen bleeding in your knee during the surgery.
- Your meniscus may be repaired with one of two different surgeries.
- Arthroscopy ¢ ˆ ’ This is a laparoscopic surgery. The doctor will make 2 to 3 small cuts. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the knee. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to fix or take out the meniscus.
- Arthrotomy ¢ ˆ ’ This is an open surgery. The doctor will make one bigger cut on your knee. The doctor will fix or take out the meniscus.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. The nurses will give you drugs for pain if you need them.
- Your leg will be propped up on pillows and you will have a large wrap around your knee.
- Your doctor will tell you when you can go home. Often, you will go home the same day as the surgery.
- You will have a brace or cast on your knee to keep it from moving while it heals.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Less range of motion in your knee
- Nerve and blood vessel injury
- Blood clot
- Scarring
- Ongoing pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear protective gear and padding when playing contact sports, or riding bikes or scooters.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run.
- Strengthen your hip and thigh muscles to support your knee better.
- Wear supportive shoes when walking, running, or playing sports.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being heavy puts more stress on your knees. This makes them more likely to be hurt.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00358 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/sports_safety/meniscus_tear.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚