Meniscal injuries

Meniscal injuries

The knee has two C-shaped cushions that act as shock absorbers called menisci. They are located in between the thigh bone (femur) and lower leg bone (tibia). They are at risk of injury and can lead to symptoms such as pain, locking, catching, giving-way and knee swelling

Treatment

Treatment is dependent upon the extent to which they are injured and patient physiology.

Debridement: The torn edges can be smoothed off to prevent it from flipping into the joint thus reducing friction. This can be performed arthroscopically. Patients can be fully weight bearing post-operatively.

Meniscal Tear

Repair: The torn meniscus ends can be sutured together and this is done arthroscopically. Patients will be partially weight bearing and may be in a knee brace for 6 weeks post-operatively in order to protect the repair and give it the best chance to heal.

Risks of surgery include; infection, bleeding, pain, stiffness, nerve and vessel damage, thrombosis, recurrence of symptoms, failure of repair and anaesthetic risks. The risks of this form of surgery are very low and you will only be offered this surgery if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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