Meniscus Surgery in Turkey: Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Repair

When to undergo meniscus surgery?

Meniscus damage can occur for a number of reasons:

• Aging: Over time, the meniscus wears down naturally, making it more fragile and prone to tearing.
• Trauma: A violent blow to the knee, such as a fall or sports accident, can damage the meniscus.
• Repetitive microtrauma: Repetitive movements, such as those involved in certain sports, can weaken the meniscus and lead to tears over time.

These lesions can be classified as:

• Stable lesions: These do not affect the mobility of the knee. Medical treatment is often sufficient.
• Unstable lesions: These interfere with knee movement and cause significant pain. Knee surgery is usually necessary.

Surgery is recommended for unstable lesions because of the difficulty of healing the poorly vascularized meniscus.

In Turkey, meniscectomy can be performed in our partner clinics, which are equipped with the most modern equipment. It consists of removing the damaged part of the meniscus, thus relieving pain, improving mobility and allowing a return to daily activities.

Types of meniscectomy

Orthopedic meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of meniscus injury. If the injury is recent and the meniscus is not degenerative, the orthopedic surgeon may choose to perform a meniscal suture. This procedure is chosen because it may allow the injury to heal.

Meniscal Suture

Meniscal suturing is a procedure that preserves the entire meniscus. During surgery, the surgeon passes one or more stitches through the wound and then ties them together to close the wound. Surgical stitches also help heal the lesion by stabilizing it.

Partial meniscectomy

If the injury is not recent and the meniscus is degenerative, the wound may not heal. In this case, the surgeon will remove the damaged part of the meniscus in a procedure called a partial meniscectomy.

Meniscectomy process in Turkey

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 & post-operative rehabilitation

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.

Benefits of meniscectomy

While meniscal injuries are common, they can be effectively treated. In Turkey, meniscectomy offers a permanent solution to unstable lesions, allowing patients to return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
The benefits of meniscectomy are manifold and include:

• Substantial and effective pain relief, allowing patients to engage in physical activities without discomfort.
• Improved joint fluidity.
• Elimination of joint blockages, eliminating the sensation of catching or locking in the affected joint.
• Resumption of daily activities.

If you are suffering from meniscal lesions, don't hesitate to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the treatment options that are right for you.

Complications & 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