Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Are You Experiencing Knee Pain as a Result of a Sudden Injury or Overuse?

The orthopedic doctors and sports medicine experts at Westchester Sport and Spine are here to help you with your knee pain. With 40 years of combined experience diagnosing knee pain and treating knee injuries, the fellowship trained specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine provide you with the highest level of care for surgical and non-surgical knee procedures.

About Arthroscopic Meniscus

A meniscal tear is one of the most common knee injuries treated at Westchester Sport and Spine. The course of treatment for this injury depends on the severity of the tear. Some patients may have the option of more conservative treatments. Some conservative treatments include rest and over the counter pain medications. Other patients may need surgery to repair their meniscus.

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). Like the cartilage elsewhere in the body, the meniscus does not receive much blood flow. That means that many meniscal tears are unlikely to heal on their own.

Your surgeon may choose to perform an arthroscopic meniscus repair procedure. During an arthroscopic meniscus repair, the surgeon uses a scope to perform the procedure. This scope is equipped with a camera and tiny tools. The camera allows the surgeon to get a great view of the knee joint and meniscus without needing a big incision. The surgeon can then use the small tools to repair or remove damaged sections of the meniscus.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a modern surgical technique designed to improve patient outcomes. Patients who undergo an arthroscopic meniscus tear have:

  • increased mobility
  • improved strength in their knee
  • more comfortable movement

Arthroscopic procedures offer many benefits that apply to those undergoing a meniscal repair. During arthroscopic procedures, the joint is not exposed. Additionally, there is minimal damage to the surrounding areas of tissue. That’s why patients experience shorter recovery times and a lowered chance of complications.

This procedure is also often available in outpatient settings. For many people, this makes it more cost-effective and much more accessible.

Recovering from Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive. This approach allows the surgeon to visualize the meniscus and repair it without opening the entire joint. Because arthroscopic procedures create a few holes, this procedure comes with less scarring.

During this procedure, the surgeon must fill the joint with fluid to better visualize the meniscus. It may take time for the fluid levels in your knee to return to normal. Despite this, patients enjoy a shorter recovery period than traditional surgery.

Many patients are up and walking shortly after their procedure. Your surgeon will discuss what you should expect during the healing period. You may be prescribed prescriptions to manage your pain to make recovery more comfortable. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to build stability and strength within the joint.

Call Us Immediately

If your knee pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by any of the symptoms below, please call Westchester Sport and Spine immediately and then ask someone to drive you to our clinic.

  • Your knee appears deformed
  • Inability to use your knee or extend your leg
  • Intense pain
  • Continued orsSudden swelling