Our Summary

This study looked at trends in meniscus surgeries in Korea from 2010 to 2017. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. Meniscus surgeries can either involve removing the damaged part (meniscectomy) or repairing it (meniscus repair). The researchers found that the number of both types of surgeries increased over the study period, but the increase was more significant for repairs. They also found that people in their 50s and 60s were most likely to have these surgeries. Additionally, more women had meniscectomies, while more men had repairs. This research could be useful for understanding how often these surgeries are done, how to prevent the injuries that lead to them, and how to save money on their cost in Korea.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between meniscectomy and meniscus repair surgeries?
  2. Did the study find any differences in the prevalence of meniscus surgeries among different age groups and genders in Korea?
  3. How did the trends in meniscus surgeries change in Korea from 2010 to 2017?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might recommend that a patient undergoing a meniscectomy follow a post-operative rehabilitation plan to help regain strength and mobility in the knee. This may include physical therapy, exercises to improve range of motion, and guidance on when to gradually return to activities like walking or running. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations for a successful recovery and to prevent future knee problems.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy are those who have a torn meniscus that is causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the knee. Meniscectomy may be recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medications.

Patients who have a meniscus tear that is causing mechanical symptoms such as catching, locking, or giving way of the knee may also be recommended for meniscectomy. Additionally, patients with complex tears or tears in the inner two-thirds of the meniscus, where blood supply is limited, may be better candidates for meniscectomy rather than repair.

Overall, the decision to recommend meniscectomy is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, age, activity level, and the location and severity of the meniscus tear. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis of a meniscus tear.
  3. Non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and pain medications may be recommended to manage symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are not effective, the patient may be scheduled for a meniscectomy surgery.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  2. Recovery period typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and pain medications to manage pain and swelling.
  3. Patient may need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for support during the initial recovery period.
  4. Physical therapy is important to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee.
  5. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after surgery, depending on the extent of the meniscectomy and individual healing process.
  6. Long-term outcomes of meniscectomy may include increased risk of osteoarthritis in the affected knee, so ongoing monitoring and appropriate activity modifications may be necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a meniscectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies I can try before considering surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a meniscectomy?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a meniscectomy and how long will it take before I can return to normal activities?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery and if so, for how long?
  6. How successful are meniscectomies in relieving pain and improving knee function?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having a meniscectomy?
  8. Is a meniscus repair a better option for me compared to a meniscectomy?
  9. What factors will determine whether I am a candidate for a meniscus repair instead of a meniscectomy?
  10. How many of these surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate with them?

Reference

Authors: Chung KS, Ha JK, Kim YS, Kim JH, Ra HJ, Kong DH, Wang PW, Choi CH, Kim JG. Journal: J Korean Med Sci. 2019 Aug 19;34(32):e206. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e206. PMID: 31432650