Meniscus arthroscopy in Dnipro

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage that is located in the knee joint between the femur and tibia. It performs the function of shock absorption and stabilization of the joint.

The meniscus of a knee is often damaged by sudden movements, such as turning or bending the leg. No one is immune from such an injury, since it can happen both in everyday life and while playing sports. However, athletes are at increased risk, especially those who participate in contact sports or who run and jump.

What are the causes of meniscus tear?

A torn meniscus can be caused by the following reasons:

  • sudden movements of the knee,
  • age-related loss of elasticity of cartilage, which makes it more susceptible to damage,
  • repetitive stress on the knee,
  • poor circulation in the meniscus, for example, due to injury or chronic disease,
  • genetic factors that affect the structure and function of the meniscus.

What are the types of meniscal damage?

There are two menisci in the human knee:

  • medial meniscus: located inside and less often damaged,
  • lateral meniscus” located on the outside and is damaged more frequently due to greater mobility.

A medial meniscus tear happens when the leg rolls inward or outward, causing it to become dislodged and tear under pressure from the bones.

A tear of the lateral meniscus is caused by an indirect injury or a combined injury when the tibia turns inward.

Types of meniscus tears are:

  • longitudinal or perpendicular,
  • patchwork or oblique
  • degenerative,
  • transverse or radial,
  • horizontal tear of the posterior or anterior horn of the meniscus.

A meniscus tear can vary in severity:

  • 1st degree: the injury causes discomfort and swelling in the knee area,
  • 2nd degree: there is pain in the central part of the knee, severe swelling, it is impossible to bend the leg,
  • 3rd degree: knee movements are limited, there may be stiffness and unsteadiness, the knee does not straighten, severe swelling, and there may be hemorrhage.

What are the signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear?

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be a sign of a torn meniscus:

  • sharp pain in the knee that gets worse with movement or pressure,
  • swelling of the knee,
  • redness around the damaged area,
  • limited movement in the knee: difficult or impossible to bend or straighten the leg,
  • clicking in the knee when moving,
  • feeling of instability in the joint.

At the first symptoms, it is better to consult an orthopedic doctor to diagnose and treat the problem.

How dies the diagnosis of a meniscus tear go?

To diagnose a meniscus tear, you need to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, where a specialist:

  • performs a knee examination and movement tests,
  • learns about the injury that could have caused the rupture,
  • looks at the x-ray to rule out other causes of knee pain,
  • prescribes an ultrasound examination to assess the condition of the soft tissues of the knee,
  • refers you for an MRI to see in detail the condition of the knee structures.

After this, the doctor will make a diagnosis and select an individual treatment plan.

What are the types of treatment for a torn meniscus?

Based on the nature and degree of damage to the meniscus, the orthopedic doctor chooses treatment for the patient:

  • Conservative treatment: a complex approach that includes physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the knee muscles, ice packs and medications to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Surgical treatment: an arthroscopic or open surgery to remove or stitch the meniscus.

What are the stages of preparation for meniscus arthroscopy at N1 Clinic in Dnipro?

After consulting with an orthopedic doctor and confirming the need for surgical intervention, the doctor will tell you about the features of the operation and the rehabilitation period.

Next, you agree with your doctor on the date of the operation, closer to which you will need to undergo preoperative tests in our clinic and consult with an anesthesiologist.

How does an arthroscopic meniscus surgery at N1 Clinic go?

During the arthroscopy for a torn meniscus, the surgeon will make two 5 mm incisions in the knee area, where a camera and surgical instrument will be inserted. The arthroscope camera displays the internal image of the joint on a screen, which helps the surgeon perform the operation as efficiently and accurately as possible.

The operation lasts 30-60 minutes.

As a result of the operation, pain, and swelling will go away, fluid will stop accumulating, and knee mobility will be restored.

What’s the rehabilitation period after arthroscopic surgery?

The rehabilitologist performs the first procedures 2-3 hours after the operation, when the anesthesia wears off. After about the same time, the patient gets to his feet and walks independently without crutches.

A patient leaves the hospital on the same or the next day, depending on the instructions of the orthopedic doctor.

Next, you should undergo a rehabilitation course, which the attending physician will describe in detail upon leaving the hospital.

What’s the cost of arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus?

During a consultation with an orthopedic doctor after a complete diagnosis, the specialist will tell you about the cost of the operation. The price of the operation for a meniscus depends on the nature and complexity of the damage.

What are the advantages of treatment at N1 Clinic?

Surgical treatment for a torn meniscus at N1 Clinic is carried out by qualified orthopedic doctors with specialization in the biomechanics of the knee joint and more than 20 years of experience. Treatment is carried out using modern equipment for minimally invasive surgery.

In our clinic, a surgery is a complex service that includes:

  • hospital stay in a comfortable modern room,
  • full medical support,
  • 3 meals a day, almost like at home,
  • high-quality anesthesia performed by an experienced anesthesiologist.

Sign up for a consultation with our specialists to get an effective solution to your problem.