Meniscectomy
What is a meniscectomy?
This procedure involves the partial or complete removal of the meniscus and is also known as a meniscal debridement. The medial (inner) and lateral (outer) menisci lie on the tibial (shin bone) plateaus. The surgeon will delicately and minimally damaged remove menisci to preserve as much cartilage as possible while returning it to a smooth shape to restore knee joint motion. This is typically done as an arthroscopic surgery that requires a small incision and arthroscope (camera) to minimize muscle loss and damage. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary. Surgeries are also done in the “red zone” of the menisci, the area supplied by blood, which responds favourably to surgical intervention. In that case, patients will have the impaired meniscus replaced by a donated meniscus transplant. Partial meniscectomies are done in the “white zone” or area with no blood flow in the menisci. The surgeon will decide based on your age, tear location, tear length, and overall stability of your knee.
Who needs a meniscectomy?
Torn menisci are common knee injuries. They are often seen in football and hockey athletes and become more frequent with age. The menisci are made of cartilage and act to absorb shock and stabilize the knee. Surgery is done when a patient’s knee becomes misaligned, stiff and/or locked in position because of meniscal shards impeding knee joint movement. It is also done when patients fail to respond favourably to conservative treatments like corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy and/or rest.
More about meniscectomies...
After the procedure, patients have their skin sutured, bandaged, and are taken to recovery. They are then monitored by the staff at our clinic as they progress through their physiotherapy to move in a biomechanically safe manner to ensure a healthy and safe return to the activities, sports and life they had prior to their condition.
Life after meniscectomies...
Partial meniscectomies are more frequently performed in younger patients to preserve maximal cartilage over time. Patients report reduced pain and restored function.