The knee is the largest joint in the human body in terms of volume. It coordinates the junction and connection between 3 bones which are the femur, the tibia and the patella. In the middle of the cross between these bones, and more specifically at the end of the femur and tibia and on either side of the kneecap, is the meniscus.
The meniscus is an organ shaped like a crescent moon and is made of fibro-cartilages. It has several roles such as cushioning, lubrication, and stabilization of the joint. However, it is often prone to lesions that require a surgical procedure called a meniscectomy.
When to undergo meniscus surgery
Meniscus injuries can have different causes. However, there are 3 which remain the main causes of the problems of this tissue :
- Aging
- Trauma
- Small repeated traumas
In addition, these lesions can be stable or unstable. When it is stable, medical treatment may be sufficient. For the second case, knee surgery is usually offered as a solution.
If surgery is recommended for unstable lesions, it is because the meniscus does not heal easily. After all, it is poorly vascularized. It allows the patient to resume activities such as walking by relieving pain and restoring fluidity to the joint by treating blockages.
Types of meniscectomy
This orthopedic surgery may differ depending on the type of injury that affects the meniscus. Indeed, if the latter is not degenerative and the lesion is recent, the surgeon will proceed to a meniscal suture. He uses this procedure because of the hopes that the wound may heal.
Meniscus suture
The meniscus suture is a surgery that keeps the entire meniscus. During the procedure, the surgeon passes one or more threads through the wound and then knots them to close it. Surgical threads also help to heal the lesion by stabilizing it.
Partial meniscectomy
If the injury is not recent and the meniscus is degenerative, the wound cannot heal. In this case, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the organ, this procedure is called a partial meniscectomy.
The procedure of the meniscectomy in Istanbul
Meniscus surgery can be done under local anesthesia, but if the patient wishes, it can be done under general anesthesia after consultation with the anesthesiologist. After that, the patient's leg is immobilized and a tourniquet is placed on the upper thigh to minimize bleeding during the operation.
The orthopedic surgeon uses the technique called arthroscopy. This technique avoids opening the joint by making a small opening of 1 cm to fit a mini-camera (endoscope) to view the inside of the joint.
After the endoscope is inserted, the joint is inflated with water to introduce the instruments. Next, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the meniscus using forceps. Finally, the joint is cleaned to remove any remaining debris and the wounds are sutured.
Recovery and rehabilitation after a meniscus surgery
If the patient had a meniscus suture, he will need to walk with two canes for 4 weeks and rehabilitation begins immediately after the operation. The goal of these sessions with the physiotherapist is not to lose the flexibility of the knee and to preserve muscle mass.
Recovery after a meniscus suture takes about a month. The patient can get back behind the wheel one month after the operation and can return to work before, depending on his profession. Physical activities such as sports can be resumed after the third month.
However, if he has a meniscectomy, he can resume walking after leaving the hospital while reducing movement for the first 10 days to prevent the knee from swelling. To regain the flexibility of his knee, the patient must begin functional rehabilitation one week after the operation.
Recovery lasts an average of two weeks for this type of surgery. He can nevertheless return to work after 15 days and drive after 5 days. As for sports activities, the patient can resume them after the second month.
Complications and side effects of meniscectomy
Knee meniscus surgery is a safe operation. However, some complications and side effects may appear. Among others:
- Stiffness of the joint in case of poor management of rehabilitation after the operation
- Hematoma and infection
- Phlebitis
- Sprain of the internal lateral ligament
- Accidental injury to nerves during surgery
Knee Meniscus Surgery Cost in Turkey
The cost of knee meniscus surgery depends on the type of procedure (meniscectomy or meniscal injury). Turquie santé guarantees you the lowest prices in Istanbul Turkey. In addition, our partner clinics and hospitals provide you with the best possible care for your orthopedic problem.
To receive a personalized quote for your meniscectomy as well as a free consultation, click on the link below. You can also consult the reviews of our patients.
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