Meniscal Surgery

Meniscal

Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, are at risk of meniscus tears due to trauma (sudden bend or twist in the knee). Degenerative meniscal tears are common later in life.

What is Meniscal Surgery?

Meniscal surgery is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of torn or damaged meniscal tissues in the knee. It is mostly performed as a minimally invasive keyhole procedure.

Anatomy of the Meniscus

Two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces are present between the thighbone and the shinbone. These are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers.

What are Meniscal Tears?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a traumatic meniscal tear. The elderly are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.

Symptoms of Meniscal Tears

A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in your knee, making you unable to move your knee through its complete range of motion.

Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears

Mr Taneja will examine your knee and evaluate your symptoms. You may need investigations like an X Ray and MRI scan.

Treatment of Meniscal Tears

The treatment of a meniscal tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level.

Surgical Treatment of Meniscal Tears

Knee arthroscopy is the commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears. The surgical treatment options include:

• Trimming/ partial removal of the torn & unstable bit of the meniscus (meniscectomy)
• Meniscus repair

Surgery can be performed using arthroscopy where a tiny camera is inserted through a small incision, which enables the surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen.

In arthroscopic meniscus repair, the torn meniscus is repaired to the main body, with sutures .

Mr Taneja's practice focusses solely on the knee, as a result he performs high volumes of meniscal surgery. Wherever possible, he will try to repair and thus preserve the meniscus.