Healing time

The healing time after an operation on the inner meniscus is influenced by a number of different factors. However, the type of injury as well as the selected surgical method are decisive factors in determining the time required for complete healing of the knee joint. Risk factors such as obesity and little physical activity as well as underlying diseases such as osteoarthritis of the knee joint or diabetes mellitus can have an unfavorable influence on the healing process. Immediately after the operation, the knee joint should be spared, although in many cases partial weight-bearing can take place after just a few days. The time until complete healing of the cartilage can take between 6 weeks and 3 months, whereby longer and shorter healing processes are possible.The healing time for cartilage transplants and cartilage refixation is usually relatively long, a few weeks or months, whereas partial cartilage removal can be expected to be completely cured after a few weeks.

Aftercare

The post-operative treatment of an operation on the inner meniscus is an important part of the therapy of cartilage damage and has a significant influence on the healing process. The individual follow-up treatment can vary greatly from case to case and is determined by the chosen surgical method and individual influencing factors. As a rule, the knee joint should be spared in the first days and weeks after the operation.

Full loading is usually only recommended after a few weeks. Crutches can help to avoid overloading the knee joint and thus not endanger the healing process. Since the protection and low load on the knee does not allow for comprehensive movement, the risk of a blood clot forming in the leg is increased.

To avoid such a clot, heparin is usually prescribed, a drug that reduces blood clotting and should be injected for the first few weeks. In addition, specific exercises and movements help to increase mobility in the knee joint and accelerate the healing process of the joint. These exercises are explained by the treating physiotherapist and can also be done at home.

Furthermore, special post-treatment measures, such as wearing special splints, can have a positive influence on the healing process. A consultation about which post-treatment is considered appropriate in the individual situation can be carried out by the treating physician, who will control the healing process during the post-treatment phase. If problems occur during the follow-up treatment, the attending physician should always be informed so that the treatment methods can be adjusted if necessary.