The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that helps cushion and stabilize the knee. It is prone to injury, especially in athletes who participate in contact sports or activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops and starts. When the meniscus tears, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and restore proper knee function. In this blog, we will discuss the surgery and recovery procedure for meniscus repair.

The meniscus repair surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of the body. The surgeon will make two or three small incisions around the knee joint and insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, to view the inside of the knee. The surgeon will use tiny instruments to repair the torn meniscus by either stitching it back together or trimming the damaged part of the meniscus. The type of repair will depend on the location, size, and severity of the tear.

Now let’s understand the recovery procedure post-surgery:

• Rest 

After the surgery, the patient will need to follow a recovery plan to ensure a successful recovery. The first few days after surgery will involve resting and elevating the leg to reduce swelling. The patient will need to use crutches to move around and avoid putting weight on the repaired knee. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.

• Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery procedure. The therapist will create a personalized rehabilitation plan for the patient, including exercises to improve the range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the knee. The patient will begin physical therapy a few days after surgery and will continue for several weeks or months, depending on the extent of the injury and the type of repair.

Meniscus repair surgery is a common procedure to repair a torn meniscus and restore proper knee function. The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and involves using arthroscopic instruments to repair the damaged meniscus. The recovery procedure involves resting, physical therapy, and avoiding activities that may put too much stress on the repaired knee. It is important to follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. Call us today to book an appointment with bone and joint expert, Dr. Debashish Chanda.