Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries, affecting athletes and non-athletes alike. Arthroscopic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of these tears, offering minimally invasive solutions to preserve knee function and prevent long-term complications like osteoarthritis. This guide explores the role of arthroscopic procedures in managing meniscal tears, including repair techniques, recovery, and outcomes.
What Are Meniscal Tears?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. Tears often occur due to:
- Trauma: Sudden twisting or pivoting motions (common in sports like soccer or basketball).
- Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear, especially in adults over.
- Associated Injuries: Often accompany ACL tears or other ligament damage.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee.
Types of Meniscal Tears
| Tear Type | Description | Common Treatment |
| Radial | Splits the meniscus from the inner edge outward | Partial meniscectomy or repair |
| Bucket-Handle | Large, displaced tear causing locking | Surgical repair (priority) |
| Horizontal | Splits the meniscus into upper and lower layers | Debridement or repair |
| Complex | Combination of tear patterns | Tailored repair or meniscectomy |
Arthroscopic Surgery for Meniscal Tears
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) and small incisions to diagnose and treat meniscal tears.
Key Procedures
- Meniscal Repair
- Ideal Candidates: Tears in the outer third (red zone) with adequate blood supply.
- Techniques:
- Inside-Out: Sutures passed through the meniscus and tied outside the joint capsule.
- All-Inside: Self-adjusting devices (e.g., FasT-Fix) secure tears without additional incisions.
- Recovery: 4–6 months of restricted weight-bearing and physical therapy.
- Partial Meniscectomy
- Ideal Candidates: Degenerative tears in the inner avascular zone (white zone).
- Procedure: Removal of damaged tissue while preserving healthy meniscus.
- Recovery: Faster than repair (2–6 weeks), but higher osteoarthritis risk long-term.
Advances in Meniscal Repair
- Biologic Augmentation: Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells to enhance healing.
- Hybrid Techniques: Combining repair with meniscectomy for complex tears.
- Preservation Focus: Prioritizing repair over removal to reduce osteoarthritis risk.
Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Surgery
- Degenerative Tears: Recent studies show limited benefit over physical therapy for mild osteoarthritis cases.
- Traumatic Tears: Repair significantly improves function and delays joint degeneration.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Post-Op Care: Ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Focuses on restoring range of motion, strength, and proprioception.
- Return to Activity:
- Meniscectomy: Light activities in 2–4 weeks.
- Repair: Full recovery in 4–6 months.
Risks and Complications
- Common: Swelling, infection, or stiffness.
- Rare: Nerve injury (e.g., saphenous neuropathy) or device failure.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic surgery offers precise, effective treatment for meniscal tears, with repair techniques preserving knee health and meniscectomy providing quick relief. Early diagnosis and a tailored approach are critical to optimizing outcomes and preventing long-term joint damage.
Related FAQs
1. How do I know if I need surgery for a meniscal tear?
Surgery is recommended for large, displaced tears causing locking or instability, or when conservative treatments fail.
2. Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Small, stable tears in the vascular zone may heal with rest and physical therapy, but most symptomatic tears require surgery.
3. What’s the difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy?
Repair preserves the meniscus using sutures/devices, while meniscectomy removes damaged tissue. Repair has better long-term outcomes.
4. How long does it take to recover from arthroscopic meniscus surgery?
Meniscectomy: 2–6 weeks; repair: 4–6 months with restricted activity.
5. Does meniscus surgery prevent osteoarthritis?
Repair reduces osteoarthritis risk by preserving cartilage, while meniscectomy increases long-term joint wear.
Welcome to our clinic, where advanced arthroscopic techniques repair meniscal tears and restore your knee’s strength and mobility. Visit https://orthoxpress.co/ or call us at (214) 949-8918 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins & new appointments are available.