What Is the Meniscus, and Why Is It Important for Joint Function?

What Is the Meniscus, and Why Is It Important for Joint Function?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral) of the joint. These structures act like shock absorbers, helping to cushion the bones, distribute weight evenly, and stabilize the joint during movement.

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci — one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral) of the joint. These structures act like shock absorbers, helping to cushion the bones, distribute weight evenly, and stabilize the joint during movement.

When the meniscus is torn often due to twisting or sudden impact patients may experience pain, swelling, locking, or difficulty moving the knee properly. Depending on the severity and type of tear, surgical treatment may be required to restore normal function and relieve symptoms.

When the meniscus is torn — often due to twisting or sudden impact — patients may experience pain, swelling, locking, or difficulty moving the knee properly. Depending on the severity and type of tear, surgical treatment may be required to restore normal function and relieve symptoms.

mpfl-reconstruction
mpfl-reconstruction

How Is a Meniscectomy Procedure Performed?

A meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus to alleviate pain and improve knee mobility. The procedure is usually done using arthroscopy, where small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to guide miniature surgical instruments.

How Is a Meniscectomy Procedure Performed?

meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus to alleviate pain and improve knee mobility. The procedure is usually done using arthroscopy, where small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Latest Techniques & Advanced Technologies: FLOW 50 COBLATION

Latest Techniques & Advanced Technologies: FLOW 50 COBLATION

At our center, we go beyond traditional techniques by incorporating advanced technologies to ensure precision, safety, and faster recovery. One such innovation is the FLOW 50 COBLATION® technique.

COBLATION (Controlled Ablation) is a modern, low-temperature technology that uses radiofrequency energy combined with saline to gently and precisely remove damaged tissue. The FLOW 50 wand is specifically designed for knee procedures like meniscectomy, offering:

Latest Techniques & Advanced Technologies: FLOW 50 COBLATION

At our center, we go beyond traditional techniques by incorporating advanced technologies to ensure precision, safety, and faster recovery. One such innovation is the FLOW 50 COBLATION® technique.

COBLATION (Controlled Ablation) is a modern, low-temperature technology that uses radiofrequency energy combined with saline to gently and precisely remove damaged tissue. The FLOW 50 wand is specifically designed for knee procedures like meniscectomy, offering:

  • Targeted removal

    Targeted removal

    of torn meniscus with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue

  • Reduced heat

    Reduced heat

    compared to traditional lasers or electrocautery, minimizing the risk of injury

  • Improved visualization

    Improved visualization

    during surgery due to integrated suction and fluid flow

  • Faster recovery

    Faster recovery

    and less post-operative pain in many cases

  • By using FLOW 50 COBLATION, we aim to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible, which is critical for maintaining long-term knee health and preventing arthritis down the line.

  • Targeted removal

    of torn meniscus with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue

  • Reduced heat

    compared to traditional lasers or electrocautery, minimizing the risk of injury

  • Improved visualization

    during surgery due to integrated suction and fluid flow

  • Faster recovery

    and less post-operative pain in many cases

  • By using FLOW 50 COBLATION, we aim to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible, which is critical for maintaining long-term knee health and preventing arthritis down the line.

Technical Advantages of FLOW 50 COBLATION

Precision and Control:

Precision and Control:

The FLOW 50 wand features a 45-degree ceramic bevel tip, allowing surgeons to target damaged tissue accurately while preserving healthy cartilage.

Variable Power Settings:

Variable Power Settings:

The system offers multiple operating modes tailored for different tissue types, enhancing versatility during procedures.

Enhanced Visualization:

Enhanced Visualization:

Integrated suction and fluid flow improve the surgical field's clarity, facilitating more efficient tissue removal.

Reduced Thermal Damage:

Reduced Thermal Damage:

Operating at lower temperatures compared to traditional RF devices, the system minimizes the risk of thermal injury to surrounding tissues.

Technical Advantages of FLOW 50 COBLATION

Precision and Control:

The FLOW 50 wand features a 45-degree ceramic bevel tip, allowing surgeons to target damaged tissue accurately while preserving healthy cartilage.

Variable Power Settings:

The system offers multiple operating modes tailored for different tissue types, enhancing versatility during procedures.

Enhanced Visualization:

Integrated suction and fluid flow improve the surgical field's clarity, facilitating more efficient tissue removal.

Reduced Thermal Damage:

Operating at lower temperatures compared to traditional RF devices, the system minimizes the risk of thermal injury to surrounding tissues.

Advanced Techniques and Technologies in MPFL Reconstruction
Advanced Techniques and Technologies in MPFL Reconstruction
Advanced Techniques and Technologies in MPFL Reconstruction

Clinical Implications

Clinical Implications

The FLOW 50 COBLATION system offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional mechanical debridement in meniscectomy and chondroplasty procedures. Its precision and reduced thermal impact contribute to better patient outcomes, including improved knee function and reduced need for revision surgeries.ResearchGate

The FLOW 50 COBLATION system offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional mechanical debridement in meniscectomy and chondroplasty procedures. Its precision and reduced thermal impact contribute to better patient outcomes, including improved knee function and reduced need for revision surgeries.ResearchGate

For patients considering meniscectomy or chondroplasty, discussing the potential benefits of the FLOW 50 COBLATION technique with your orthopedic surgeon can provide insights into the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.

For patients considering meniscectomy or chondroplasty, discussing the potential benefits of the FLOW 50 COBLATION technique with your orthopedic surgeon can provide insights into the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.

Clinical Outcomes and Safety Profile

1. Two-Year Clinical

2. Comparative Study

3. Long-Term Benefits

Two-Year Clinical Study on Knee Chondroplasty

A retrospective study evaluated 85 patients who underwent knee chondroplasty using the FLOW 50 COBLATION wand.
At an average follow-up of 27.5 months:onderzoekmetmensen.nl+9smith-nephew.com+9smith-nephew.com+9
ResearchGate+1PMC+1

Only 14% required further surgery, primarily due to advanced cartilage damage (grade 4 lesions).

  • No complications related to thermal injury were observed.

  • Patient-reported outcomes, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, indicated significant improvements in knee function and quality of life. ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2PMC+2

1. Two-Year Clinical

2. Comparative Study

3. Long-Term Benefits

Two-Year Clinical Study on Knee Chondroplasty

A retrospective study evaluated 85 patients who underwent knee chondroplasty using the FLOW 50 COBLATION wand.
At an average follow-up of 27.5 months:onderzoekmetmensen.nl+9smith-nephew.com+9smith-nephew.com+9
ResearchGate+1PMC+1

Only 14% required further surgery, primarily due to advanced cartilage damage (grade 4 lesions).

  • No complications related to thermal injury were observed.

  • Patient-reported outcomes, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, indicated significant improvements in knee function and quality of life. ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2PMC+2

1. Two-Year Clinical

2. Comparative Study

3. Long-Term Benefits

Two-Year Clinical Study on Knee Chondroplasty

A retrospective study evaluated 85 patients who underwent knee chondroplasty using the FLOW 50 COBLATION wand.
At an average follow-up of 27.5 months:onderzoekmetmensen.nl+9smith-nephew.com+9smith-nephew.com+9
ResearchGate+1PMC+1

Only 14% required further surgery, primarily due to advanced cartilage damage (grade 4 lesions).

  • No complications related to thermal injury were observed.

  • Patient-reported outcomes, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, indicated significant improvements in knee function and quality of life. ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2PMC+2

Famous Athletes Who Returned to Sport After Knee Replacement

Famous Athletes Who Returned to Sport After Knee Replacement

While ACL reconstruction is more common in elite sports, interest in ACL repair is growing with advancements in technique. Several athletes are now returning to play after undergoing ACL repair:

While ACL reconstruction is more common in elite sports, interest in ACL repair is growing with advancements in technique. Several athletes are now returning to play after undergoing ACL repair:

While ACL reconstruction is more common in elite sports, interest in ACL repair is growing with advancements in technique. Several athletes are now returning to play after undergoing ACL repair:

  • Dwyane Wade

    Dwyane Wade

    NBA

    In 2002, during his college career at Marquette University, Dwyane Wade underwent surgery to remove the meniscus from his left knee. He later expressed regret over the decision, noting that it led to ongoing knee problems throughout his professional career with the Miami Heat. Wade highlighted that, at the time, the focus was on immediate return to play rather than long-term knee health, a perspective that has since evolved with advancements in surgical techniques.ESPN.com

  • Blake Griffin

    Blake Griffin

    NBA

    Blake Griffin had a partial meniscectomy in college and another during his NBA career. He managed to return to professional basketball, demonstrating the potential for athletes to regain high performance levels post-surgery.Reddit

  • Russell Westbrook

    Russell Westbrook

    NBA

    Russell Westbrook underwent a meniscectomy after a knee injury during the 2013 NBA playoffs. Despite the surgery, he returned to play at an elite level, showcasing his resilience and the effectiveness of modern surgical interventions in facilitating athlete recovery.Wikipedia+2Reddit+2ESPN.com+2


  • Dwyane Wade

    Dwyane Wade

    NBA

    In 2002, during his college career at Marquette University, Dwyane Wade underwent surgery to remove the meniscus from his left knee. He later expressed regret over the decision, noting that it led to ongoing knee problems throughout his professional career with the Miami Heat. Wade highlighted that, at the time, the focus was on immediate return to play rather than long-term knee health, a perspective that has since evolved with advancements in surgical techniques.ESPN.com

  • Russell Westbrook

    Russell Westbrook

    NBA

    Russell Westbrook underwent a meniscectomy after a knee injury during the 2013 NBA playoffs. Despite the surgery, he returned to play at an elite level, showcasing his resilience and the effectiveness of modern surgical interventions in facilitating athlete recovery.Wikipedia+2Reddit+2ESPN.com+2

  • Blake Griffin

    Blake Griffin

    NBA

    Blake Griffin had a partial meniscectomy in college and another during his NBA career. He managed to return to professional basketball, demonstrating the potential for athletes to regain high performance levels post-surgery.Reddit

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Guided By Top Orthopedic Surgeons

Guided By Top Orthopedic Surgeons

Pathway Surgery partners with leading experts to deliver exceptional care through evidence-based plans that drive results.

Credible Specialists

Over 20 years of experience in orthopedics.

Credible Specialists

Over 20 years of experience in orthopedics.

Credible Specialists

Over 20 years of experience in orthopedics.

Healthcare Reimangined

A personalized, tailored and timely delivery of care to our clients.

Healthcare Reimangined

A personalized, tailored and timely delivery of care to our clients.

Healthcare Reimangined

A personalized, tailored and timely delivery of care to our clients.

Technology-Driven Care

Utilizing innovative technologies such as robotics, navigation and biologics for more effective and patient centred care.

Technology-Driven Care

Utilizing innovative technologies such as robotics, navigation and biologics for more effective and patient centred care.

Technology-Driven Care

Utilizing innovative technologies such as robotics, navigation and biologics for more effective and patient centred care.

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Your information is safe with us. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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