If you are experiencing pain and swelling of the knee, you may have damage to your meniscus. Angelo Mattalino, MD can help you determine if meniscus repair surgery is the best option for relieving your pain. Angelo Mattalino, MD is led by Dr. Mattalino, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who strives to improve the wellness of all of his patients. Dr. Mattalino and his expert medical staff welcome patients from all areas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can restore a healthier and improved quality of living!
What is Meniscus Repair?
The meniscus is made up of two C-shaped discs of cartilage that act as shock absorbers for the knee. It also helps keep the knee stable when you are in motion. Symptoms of a torn meniscus include pain and swelling of the knee. Often, that pain worsens when the joint is under stress through motions such as squatting or pivoting. Sometimes, the knee may feel like it is catching on something when you try to move. A piece of the meniscus in the joint may cause this sensation.
If the meniscus is damaged, more pressure is transferred to the articular cartilage, which is the cartilage that allows the joint to slide freely. This excess pressure over time on the articular cartilage may damage it. Therefore, meniscus damage can cause damage to other parts of the knee if not addressed.
Meniscus repair involves the correction of irregularities in the surface of the meniscus. It is performed to preserve healthy tissue. To recover, a blood supply is necessary. Only the outer third of the meniscus has a good enough supply of blood to support meniscus repair. This means meniscus repair is generally only performed when the damage is limited to this area.
What Can I Expect?
Knee arthroscopy is used by Dr. Mattalino to identify any damage to the meniscus and perform the necessary repairs. During the process, Dr. Mattalino will remove any fragments of the meniscus that have broken off. Removing these pieces will reduce irritation of the knee joint when the patient moves the knee after the meniscus repair surgery. This technique is minimally-invasive, which means less discomfort and a quicker recovery time for the patient.
When is Meniscus Repair Recommended?
Meniscus repair surgery is recommended when non-invasive methods do not provide long-term relief of knee pain. The procedure is also recommended for more severe injuries. During your evaluation, Dr. Mattalino will determine if meniscus repair is the best option for you.