- What are the benefits?
- Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time.
- That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not.
- Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.
Subsequently, What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus? An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.
Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery? Most meniscal surgeries (95%) are partial meniscectomies where part of the meniscus is actually removed, not just repaired. Therefore, the remaining meniscus is now smaller and does not perform as well.
Yet, How serious is a torn meniscus? Left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily life and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.
Is meniscus surgery painful? Arthroscopic meniscus repair is moderately painful. Because more soft tissue surgery is performed, it is more painful than a standard arthroscopy, but less painful than a ligament reconstruction or another procedure that requires drilling holes through the bone.
What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?
Symptoms
- A popping sensation.
- Swelling or stiffness.
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
- Difficulty straightening your knee fully.
- Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
- Feeling of your knee giving way.
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus? Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
Is it better to repair or remove meniscus?
In most patients, meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal. That’s because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.
What aggravates a torn meniscus?
You’re most likely to injure your meniscus when suddenly twisting or turning while your foot is stationary and planted. You could injure your meniscus while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or baseball. You could also injure your meniscus off the field by lifting heavy boxes or slipping on a wet floor.
What happens if you don’t fix a torn meniscus?
If not treated, part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
How long is a meniscus surgery recovery?
If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.
Can you walk immediately after meniscus surgery?
You can’t walk right after surgery. How long recovery takes depends on the type of meniscus surgery and the severity of the injury, but expect two weeks down time, at minimum. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage located in the knee that helps stabilize and cushion the joint.
