Meniscus injuries and surgical rehabilitation: procedure and advantages
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia. Each knee has two menisci - the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. The meniscus helps to keep the knee stable, absorb shock and distribute weight in activities such as walking, running and jumping. It is an important factor in everyday movement and physical activity, which in the event of injury causes pain, reduces joint mobility and in the long term can lead to knee degeneration if not treated correctly. Meniscus injuries can be treated conservatively and surgically, depending on the type of injury.
Meniscus injuries: what are the causes?
Meniscus injuries can be caused by a number of factors, and both age and the patient's age and activity level play an important role.
- Acute injury, especially during activities such as basketball, football or skiing.
- Degenerative changes due to age, as the meniscus becomes more fragile and prone to rupture, even from simple activities.
- Overuse and repetitive strain, usually in athletes or people with physically demanding jobs.
Meniscus injuries: symptoms and diagnostic procedure
The symptoms that accompany a meniscus injury vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling around the knee joint, especially after activity.
- The sensation of "locking" or gripping.
- Instability in the knee joint.
- Restricted range of motion
- Tenderness upon touch/palpation of the joint, and especially along the joint line where the meniscus is located.
Meniscal injuries are diagnosed by physical examination with special tests (during which the knee is bent, rotated and extended) and imaging modalities (usually MRI).
How meniscus injuries are treated
The way different meniscus injuries are treated depends on the location, the severity of the injury and the age and activity level of the patient. Treatment of a minor injury or an injury in the early stages can be conservative, focusing on reducing symptoms. Conservative treatment methods include:
- The RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) to reduce swelling and manage pain.
- Physiotherapy, with exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability and restore range of motion.
- Medication to reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgical repair (suture) of injuries to the menisci.
For injuries that do not respond to conservative treatment or in severe cases, surgical repair (suture) is the ideal option when possible.
Meniscus repair is usually performed arthroscopically, with small incisions around the knee joint. First, the surgeon inserts a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee to get a clear view of the injury. The injury is then sutured using the appropriate technique. Otherwise a partial miniscectomy is performed.
After surgery to suture a meniscus injury in order to preserve it, a period of limited mobility is necessary to allow the meniscus to heal. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, patients may need to wear a splint and use crutches in order to avoid strain on the knee. A physiotherapy program is then recommended to gradually strengthen and improve range of motion.
Full recovery of a sutured meniscus can take three to six months, depending on the severity of the injury, the surgical technique used and the patient's adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
Benefits of surgical repair (suture) of meniscus injuries
- Preservation of knee functionality and shock absorption.
- Reduced risk of early onset of arthritis
- Improved long-term results, better joint function and duration of results.
How to prevent meniscus injuries
Although meniscus injuries cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce the chances by:
- Strengthening the quadriceps ,hamstrings and hip muscles for better support in the knee joint.
- Correct technique in terms of jumping, changes of direction and sudden accelerations or decelerations, especially during sports activities.
- Appropriate footwear that provides adequate support and stability during activities.
- Maintaining a healthy weight in order to avoid extra strain on the knee.
Surgery to repair meniscus injuries is aimed at maintaining the functionality of the knee both in the short but also in the long term.
To find out more about how meniscus injuries are treated surgically, contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat) or 6949196061 (doctor) and at orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
