The menisci are crucial to the anatomy of the knee. They are responsible for the long-term health, stability, and strength of the knee. At Angelo Mattalino, MD, we specialize in multiple meniscus repair techniques, including partial and total meniscectomy.
Meniscus Repair: What You Need to Know
How Does the Meniscus Get Damaged?
The most common cause of an injured meniscus is when the knee suffers from a rotational injury. This occurs when you plant your foot and try to twist your knee. Other times, a contact injury or fall can be responsible for traumatizing the knee and tearing the meniscus. You may tear your meniscus when bending your knee deeply, such as when you are attempting to rise from a seated position and twist your knee. In the elderly, it is not uncommon for degenerative tears to happen gradually.
What are My Treatment Options?
The recommended treatment for your torn meniscus depends primarily on the size of your injury, what kind of tear it is, and where within your cartilage the tear is located. For mild cases, rest, painkillers, ice, and physical therapy are often recommended. Physical therapy is crucial for rehabilitation and repair because it strengthens the muscles surrounding your knee and will keep it stable.
To determine if more extensive repair options are required, you may be asked to have an MRI done. Furthermore, the inside of your damaged joint may be inspected with an arthroscope, a very fine tool with a camera and light at the end of it.
Types of Meniscus Repair
The type of meniscus repair our orthopedic specialist will recommend to you depends on several factors, including your age, your activity level, the extent of the damage to the meniscus, and if other parts of your knee also sustained damage. Grade 1 or 2 meniscus tears are considered mild and may not require a meniscus repair procedure. Grade 3, or significant, meniscus tears may require a more involved approach.
Can My Meniscus Heal Itself?
Unfortunately, your meniscus does not receive an adequate blood supply to heal itself after tearing. Only in the event of a tiny tear may you experience your symptoms subsiding following the injury, allowing you to resume your normal daily activities.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Is your knee swollen and stiff? Are you incapable of fully straightening your leg or supporting your body weight with your leg? For more information about meniscus repair, talk to the friendly professionals at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Tempe, AZ. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.