The most common injury to the meniscus is a tear or complete tear of the meniscus. In addition, however, a meniscus contusion can also occur. With such an injury, a break from sports of about three weeks is usually sufficient. In some cases, a relief incision can promote the healing process. If a meniscus tear is present, it does not necessarily require surgery. For example, if the injury is on the outside of the meniscus, conservative therapy may be sufficient under certain circumstances. In this case, the patient is prescribed decongestant medication, and the injured area may also be punctured. A walking aid can be used to provide appropriate relief to the affected joint during this form of treatment. If surgery is necessary, there are different options:
- Meniscus suture
- Partial meniscus removal
- Meniscus removal
Meniscus Suture
If there is a meniscus tear near the base of the meniscus, that is, where the meniscus is connected to the capsule, the tear may be able to be sutured. This is because since the meniscus is still supplied with blood vessels at this point, the suture can heal. However, due to the lack of blood vessels, suturing a meniscal tear at other locations of the meniscus is not feasible. If meniscal suturing is possible, it is always the preferred surgical method because it allows the meniscus to be completely preserved.
Partial removal of the meniscus
If a meniscus tear needs to be operated on, knee arthroscopy is the method of choice. This surgery is also called keyhole surgery because large wounds are avoided. Knee joint arthroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis – the patient can often leave the hospital after just a few hours. Open surgery is usually only performed if there is a ligament injury at the same time. If there is a major meniscus rupture and a meniscus suture is not possible, part of the meniscus must be removed. During the operation, the torn parts of the meniscus are removed, resulting in a disturbance of the joint function or damage to the joint surfaces. However, an attempt is always made to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible.
Complete removal of the meniscus (meniscectomy).
In some cases, complete removal of the meniscus is unavoidable. This form of treatment was used much more frequently in the past than it is today, because people were not aware of the important function of the meniscus back then. If a meniscus has to be completely removed today, it is usually followed by a meniscus transplant or the insertion of an artificial meniscus replacement. This is to prevent the premature development of knee joint arthrosis. Such surgery is usually followed by several months of follow-up treatment.
After meniscus surgery
After partial removal of the meniscus, the affected knee can usually be loaded again after a few days at the latest, depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, weight-bearing on the knee is possible again as early as the day of surgery. Shortly after the operation, physiotherapy exercises can be performed to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. The physiotherapist should draw up an individual training plan for the patient, with which the patient can work on the mobility of the knee in the long term. Sports should be avoided for about six weeks after the operation. Only sports that place little stress on the knee, such as swimming, can be resumed earlier. If the meniscus has been sutured, the healing process is usually much more protracted. The affected leg may only be partially loaded for the first 14 days, but in some cases this period can be extended to up to six weeks. Up to six months may pass before sports may be practiced again.
Prevent meniscus injuries
The best way to prevent a meniscus injury is to avoid sports such as soccer, tennis or skiing. For sports enthusiasts, however, this abstention is probably not a satisfactory solution. However, those who have already had meniscus surgery should take care to avoid sports that are prone to injury. To prevent damage to the meniscus, targeted stabilization and balance exercises as well as muscle-building training are recommended in any case.People who are overweight should also try to lose weight, as too much weight presses on the knees and promotes faster wear of the menisci.
