The knee is the largest joint in the human body, providing the connection between the femur, tibia, and patella. The meniscus, located at the center of this junction, is a crescent-shaped organ composed of fibrous cartilage. It plays a crucial role in cushioning, lubricating, and stabilizing the joint, but it is often prone to lesions, requiring a surgical procedure called a meniscectomy.
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People with meniscus damage
20 to 30 minutes
15 days to a month
- 95%
When to undergo meniscus surgery?
Meniscus injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Aging
- Trauma
- Repeated minor trauma
These injuries may be classified as stable or unstable:
- If they are stable, medical treatment may be sufficient.
- On the other hand, knee surgery is usually recommended for unstable lesions.
Surgery is recommended for unstable lesions due to the difficulty of healing the meniscus, which has little vascularity.
In Turkey, meniscectomy can be performed at our partner clinics at competitive cost and has proven to be effective in relieving pain, improving joint fluidity and healing blockages, and allowing patients to resume daily activities such as walking.
Types of meniscectomy
Orthopedic meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of injury affecting the meniscus. When the injury is recent and the meniscus is not degenerative, the orthopedic surgeon may opt for a meniscal suture. This procedure is chosen because it is possible that the injury can 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 a technique called arthroscopy to avoid opening the joint. A small incision of about 1 cm is made to insert a mini-camera (endoscope) to visualize the inside of the joint.
Once the endoscope is inserted, the surgeon will inflate the joint with water to facilitate the insertion of the instruments. The damaged portion of the meniscus is then removed with 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 maintain the flexibility of the knee and to preserve muscle mass.
Recovery after a meniscus suture takes about a month. Patients can return to driving a month after surgery and, depending on their occupation, can return to work sooner. Physical activities such as sports can be resumed after the third month.
However, if the patient has had a meniscectomy, he or she can resume walking after leaving the hospital, with limited activity for the first 10 days to prevent the knee from swelling. To regain flexibility in the knee, the patient must begin functional rehabilitation one week after surgery.
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 procedure. However, some complications and side effects may occur. These include:
- Stiffness of the joint if rehabilitation after surgery is poorly managed
- Hematoma and infection
- Phlebitis
- Sprain of the internal lateral ligament
- Accidental nerve injury 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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