by kerlanjobe
12. February 2012 18:32
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.