Doctors for Meniscus Tear

A meniscus is a piece of cartilage that helps provide the cushion between the femur and the tibia. It protects the bone from wear and tear. The chances of a meniscus tear are high in people who perform activities that put pressure on or rotate the knee joint. It usually occurs while taking a hard tackle on the football field or a sudden pivot on the basketball court. However, it can occur at any age to anyone.

Meniscus tears are common knee injuries. Like lots of knee injuries, it also causes pain, stiffness, swelling, inability to move your knee, etc.

A doctor first diagnoses the condition to understand the severity of the injury and then plans the treatment accordingly.

A doctor suggests a variety of diagnostic tests to examine the knee and check the range of motion. Some common diagnostic tests are as follows:

• MRI: In this test, strong magnetic fields are used to take multiple images of the knee. It also takes pictures of cartilage and ligaments to determine the meniscus tear.
• Knee X-ray: This test won’t show a meniscus tear. However, this test helps in determining the causes of knee pain, like osteoarthritis.
• Ultrasound: In this test, strong sound waves are used to take images inside the body. This test helps in evaluating the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones surrounding the knee.
• Arthroscopy: It is usually suggested when a doctor is unable to determine the cause of knee pain. In this test, a small incision is made in the knee, and then an arthroscope (a thin and flexible fiber optic device) is inserted through the incision to understand the severity of the condition.

Surgical treatment options:

• Knee arthroscopy: It is a common surgical procedure to treat meniscus tear. During this procedure, a surgeon inserts an arthroscope ( a medical device with a camera on it ) through the incision in the knee. It provides a clear view of the inside of the knee and helps the surgeon in performing the procedure more precisely. Afterward, a surgeon inserts the other surgical instruments through the incision to trim or repair the tear.
• Partial meniscectomy: In this surgical procedure, a surgeon trimmed the damaged meniscus tissue. Partial meniscectomy helps restore function and relieve pain. This surgical procedure helps in repairing the partial meniscus.
• Meniscus repair: In this procedure, a meniscus tear is repaired by suturing the pieces together. The recovery period for meniscus repair is long as compared to meniscectomy.

A doctor usually recommends non-surgical treatment options if the symptoms do not persist for long and you have no locking or swelling of the knee. Some common non-surgical treatment options are as follows:

• RICE: It is an effective treatment procedure for various sports-related injuries. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
1. Rest: A doctor usually recommends rest and taking a break from activities that caused the injury. You can also use crutches to avoid weight on your leg.
2. Ice: You can use cold packs for 10-20 minutes several times daily. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
3. Compression: You can wear an elastic compression bandage to prevent additional blood loss and swelling.
4. Elevation: Try to recline when you rest, and put your leg higher than your heart to reduce swelling.
• Steroid injection: A doctor usually recommends injecting a corticosteroid medication into the knee to reduce swelling and pain.
• Biologics injections: A doctor usually suggests biologics injections such as platelet–rich plasma (PRP) for meniscus tear treatment.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, can significantly reduce pain and swelling. It is important to note that these drugs can have side effects, including risk of ulcers, bleeding, etc. You must take these drugs occasionally.

Listed below are some steps to follow to prepare yourself for meniscus tear surgery and reduce the chances of complications during or after surgery:

• Bath with antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of surgery. It helps in reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin that can potentially cause an infection after surgery. Use soap that contains chlorhexidine.
• Discuss all the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies that you take with your doctor. A doctor may recommend to stop taking some medicines that prevent blood clots,
• Discuss your medical history with a doctor and tell him/her about your allergies to avoid the chances of complications during surgery.
• You must avoid eating anything at least 8 hours before surgery to eliminate the anesthesia-related complications.

Listed below are some potential benefits of meniscus tear treatment:

• Active and healthy lifestyle: After surgery, you can move your knee without any hassle and can enjoy your life and maintain your health.
• Reduce the risk of further injury: After meniscus repair surgery, the meniscus ensures the stabilizes better stability and cushioning of the knee. Surgery also decreases the risk of future injury, especially for athletes.
• Elimination of pain: In most cases, meniscus tear surgery provides relief from pain. The surgery improves mobility and stability and enhances the quality of life.

The recovery period after meniscus surgery depends on multiple factors, including the age of the patient, type of surgery, complications during surgery, pre-existing health of the patient, etc. After surgery, it is important to undergo multiple physiotherapy sessions to promote recovery. In most cases, complete recovery takes about 4-6 months. Here are some tips to follow to promote the healing:

• Avoid doing physical activities that may cause excessive pain or put a strain on the healing knee.
• Do not skip physiotherapy sessions, as it can delay the healing.
• Eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to boost healing.

Like any surgical procedure, meniscus tear surgery also carries certain risks and complications, including

• Infection: Infection is a rare complication after surgery, but it can still occur. It usually occurs at the surgical site, or it can also occur within the knee joint. In some cases, antibiotics can cure the infection. However, if the infection occurs in the knee joint, additional surgery may be required to eradicate the infection.
• Blood clots: The chances of blood clots are less after knee arthroscopic surgery. The chances of blood clots are high in patients who have blood disorders or genetic conditions. A doctor usually recommends anticoagulant drugs or blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
• Swelling: It is an indication of inflammation in the joint. Swelling is the result of persistent inflammation within the joint, infection, or bleeding within the joint.
• Stiffness: It usually occurs as a result of scar tissue formation around the joint. Stiffness can be managed with appropriate therapeutic intervention following surgery.
• Nerve damage: During surgery, a surgeon makes tiny incisions around the front of the knee, which increases the risk of nerve damage. The chances of nerve damage are high during the meniscus suturing.

It is important to make some lifestyle changes after meniscus tear surgery to promote the healing process:

• Take proper rest post-surgery and give yourself enough time to promote proper healing. Avoid intense physical activities as they can delay the healing,
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid stress on your knee joint and reduce the risk of further complications.
• Enrich your diet with enough protein and all the essential nutrients to help in repairing and rebuilding the damaged tissue in your knee. Some protein-rich food sources are beans, fish, nuts, and lean meats.
• Wear supportive and comfortable footwear that provides stability and cushioning your feet and ankles. Wearing comfortable footwear alleviates stress on the knee.
• Avoid all the follow-up appointments to monitor the recovery and address any concerns.

Here is a list of questions that you must ask your surgeon before the treatment to understand the severity of the condition.

• What is the best treatment option for a meniscus tear?
• What type of surgery is right for me?
• What are the potential risks and complications of meniscus tear surgery?
• What is the success rate of meniscus tear surgery?
• How long is the recovery period after meniscus tear surgery?
• What precautions do I need to take after surgery to promote healing?
• How long is the rehabilitation period after meniscus tear surgery?
• What are the risk factors for meniscus tear surgery?
• Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
• Is meniscus tear a serious condition?
• How can I prevent meniscus tear injury?
• Can the meniscus get torn even after surgery?
• How long does it take to return to regular activities after surgery?
• Who is the right candidate for surgical treatment for a meniscus injury?

The cost of meniscus tear surgery in India typically ranges from INR 60,000 to INR 80,000. This is the estimated cost of surgery, the final cost can vary depending on various factors, including

• Consultation fees of the surgeon
• Cost of diagnostic tests
• Type of surgery
• Choice of hospital (government or private)
• Cost of medication
• Cost of rehabilitation
• Post-surgery complications
• Cost of anesthesia