Meniscus is a very tiny piece of the cartilage, even it is so small tearing it or torn meniscus may cause severe pain. This meniscus of cartilage is c-shaped and very small, and there are three parts that cushion and protect the knee joint: one between the shin bone and thigh bone (tibia and femur), one is on the outer side of the knee this is known as lateral meniscus, and the other one is medical meniscus which is on the inside of knee.

The meniscus can be usually injured by squatting down or twisting on foot and bending the knee forcefully. Occasionally a torn occurs with a little compression on the knee. Torn may occur due to the damage to the tissue since a long time as a result of diseases such as knee arthritis.

The most common case for a torn meniscus is due to degenerative process and traumatic injury. The traumatic meniscus torn occurs when the knee is twisted and the joint of the knee is bent.

Treatment:

Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on different factors that include the type of the torn, activity level of the person, and response or reaction to the simple treatments. Arthroscopic surgery is usually recommended to treat the torn meniscus. This surgery would remove the tissues that are torn and saves the meniscus that is healthy. Without a surgical treatment, the tear would likely go on with fragments and activity of the torn meniscus that can damage the smooth articular cartilage of the knee that would result not only pain but it may also lead to arthritis.

Types of arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus:

Surgery for a torn meniscus includes removal of meniscus, meniscus replacement, or meniscus repair. Meniscus repair would have been successful in most of the patients and the complications are at very low rate through this procedure. Meniscus repair is an elective method of arthroscopic surgery, so it can be scheduled depending on the patient’s needs, but it is best to perform within two months after the knee injury. This arthroscopic surgery can be performed by doing several small incisions to the knee area and repairing and examining the tissue. Three small portals or holes are made in the knee. Through one of the portals the arthroscope is inserted. Saline solution is sent through the second portal to improve maneuverability and visibility of the instruments. The third portal is used for working tools. The tools and arthroscope are roughly 4.5mm in diameter. In this process the fragment of the torn is then cut and removed. The edges of the remaining meniscus would be shaved smoothly. Any gliding cartilage can also be shaved smoothly. Finally large amount of saline is flushed through the knee area to wash out the tiny particles, which are lying on the surface. The incisions are then closed with a small stitch and a pain reliever would be injected into the knee joint this will act for a long time. This surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia and it takes about 60 to 120 minutes to complete. If you have decided to undergo the arthroscopic surgery, it is essential to choose a qualified orthopedic surgeon.

Usually, orthopedic implants are used to replace troubled or damaged joints, which are carried out only by highly trained and specialized surgeons. Every implant surgery involves removing damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial prosthesis.

Orthopedic implants made from Titanium alloys to offers strength and lined with plastic to serve as artificial cartilage. Some implants are cemented into place and some others pressed to fit and let your bones to grow into the implant for strength. Discuss with your orthopedic surgeon to know about the available implant options and the type that best suits your needs.

Orthopedic implants are available for the hip, shoulder, elbow and knee. Each implant is designed to withstand the movements and stress connected with each and every joint and to provide enhanced mobility and reduced pain.

Arthritis, a degenerative disease is the leading cause of considering orthopedic implants. Cartilage breakdown occurs as a result of obesity and or the lack of joint movement. Implants are the last option to consider when all the non-surgical treatments have failed including weight loss.

Orthopedic implants all are not similar. Different manufacturers use different methods to design the product according to the patient’s specifications. The various advantages of orthopedic implants include: reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life. There are few disadvantages but will subside soon, such as: infection, possible malfunction and strict post-surgery recovery pain.

Before going to consider the orthopedic implants, you need to choose a specialized orthopedic surgeon to make sure the surgery is a success.

Arthroscopic surgery is a most common form of orthopedic procedure that is used to diagnose and treat the problems in joints. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on any joints and as time passes, more and more joints are being arthroscopically treated. There are various types of arthroscopic surgeries, such as:

1. Knee arthroscopy

2. Ankle arthroscopy

3. Hip arthroscopy

4. Elbow arthroscopy

5. Shoulder arthroscopy

6. Wrist arthroscopy

Shoulder and knee arthroscopy are the most common procedures performed these days. These joints are large enough to alter the instruments around and also they are amenable to arthroscopic surgery treatments. Most of the arthroscopic surgeries include fixing cartilage and also meniscus issues in knees, restoring rotator cuff tears in shoulders, treatment of shoulder bursitis, and labral tears.

Arthroscopic surgery is generally easier on patients than performing an open surgery. There are several benefits of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery. Small incisions produce little scarring and heal quickly thus allowing you to return to normal activities in much less time than with open surgery.

Also, arthroscopic surgery has a reduced risk of infections and swelling associated with small incisions. Diagnosis and surgery can be carried out in one procedure. This procedure has less pain and is more successful than an open joint surgery. Small instruments used in the procedure cause less damage to the surrounding tissues than large surgical devices. A usual arthroscopic surgery takes less than an hour and you can return home the same day of the surgery.

There are some joint conditions that can’t be treated by arthroscopic procedures but arthroscopic diagnosis can be an invaluable tool to avoid invasive surgery. So, make sure that you understand all the available options and ensure that the arthroscopic surgeon is accustomed to these methods before proceeding and don’t hesitate to seek a second choice. Recovery time after arthroscopy is also less.