HOW CAN THE MENISCUS TEAR?

Meniscal tears usually occur during sport-related activities such as squatting, sudden twisting of the knee or stepping on an uneven surface. Over time, knee cartilage weakens and wears thin; therefore older people are more prone to tears from normal daily activity.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A TORN MENISCUS?

Symptoms of a meniscal tear include:

• Pain on the side or center of the knee
• Stiffness and swelling
• Catching or locking of the knee
• Loss of mobility
• Sensation of the knee “giving way” or feeling unstable

CAN ALL TYPES OF MENISCAL TEARS BE REPAIRED?

Only tears located in the middle and outer area of the meniscus can be repaired because that is the only area where enough blood supply is delivered that promotes healing. However, meniscal tears in children and adolescents have a higher chance of healing compared to adults because of the better blood supply to the meniscal tissue during youth.

Some tears cannot be repaired due to the severity or type of tear pattern. In this case, a partial removal of the meniscus is performed.

WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?

For a small tear on the outer edge of the meniscus, generally rest and physical therapy may be all that is required. However, your physician may choose to manage pain with medication or non-surgical methods. Additionally, if your type of meniscal tear is deeper and on the outer rim of the meniscus, your surgeon may elect the repair the tear.

For larger tears on the outside of the meniscus, surgical repair may be considered.

If the tear is irreparable due to location or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, a meniscectomy (surgical removal of part of the meniscus) may be performed.

Treatment options should be discussed with your orthopedic surgeon.

IF I NEED MENISCAL SURGERY, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Meniscal repair surgery is an outpatient procedure generally performed using an arthroscope through small incisions and performed by an orthopedic surgeon while the patient is under general anesthesia. The procedure time for a minimally invasive repair vary but is generally under an hour.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MENISCAL REPAIR?

Meniscal repair is generally a safe procedure. As with all types of surgery, there is a limited chance complications may arise during surgery or recovery. Discuss these potential risks with your physician.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF PROCEDURES TO FIX MY TORN MENISCUS?

The most common meniscal repair techniques involve using either a tack (device left in the knee) or a surgical stitch (suture) to close the tear. Suturing is considered the “gold standard”; however, it has mostly been performed as an open surgical procedure.

HOW DOES MENISCAL REPAIR WITH THE CROSSFIX® II SYSTEM COMPARE TO OTHER REPAIR PROCEDURES?

The CrossFix® II System is an all-inside, all-suture device that replicates the strength of open suturing, but offers a less invasive alternative through a single incision in the front of the knee. The unique CrossFix® II device allows surgeons to repair the meniscus in minutes, compared to traditional open suturing which requires much more time to complete the procedure.

For more information about CrossFix® II Click Here

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT REGARDING REHAB?

Patients work with a physical therapist to develop a program that fits their personal needs. Regular rehabilitation to restore your knee mobility and strength is necessary.

CAN BOTH MY MENISCAL TEAR AND OTHER KNEE LIGAMENTS (SUCH AS MY ACL) BE REPAIRED DURING THE SAME SURGICAL PROCEDURE?

Meniscal repair and other knee ligament reconstruction can be performed during the same surgical procedure. In fact 20% of meniscal repairs are done in conjunction with an ACL reconstruction.