Our Summary

As more children are participating in sports, doctors are seeing more knee injuries, specifically in a part of the knee called the meniscus. Kids’ meniscus heal better than adults because they have better blood flow to the area. There’s a certain variant of the meniscus, known as the discoid meniscus, which is more likely to tear in children. Usually, surgeons treat these tears by removing the damaged part of the meniscus or reshaping it. However, repairing the injured meniscus, when possible, is preferable as it typically yields better results for kids than removing it.

FAQs

  1. Why are children more prone to meniscus tears?
  2. What is the difference between removing the damaged part of the meniscus and repairing it?
  3. Why does repairing the meniscus yield better results for children than removing it?

Doctor’s Tip

After a meniscectomy, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for physical therapy and rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. It is also important to avoid high-impact activities that could put strain on your knee and potentially cause further injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercises can help prevent future knee injuries.

Suitable For

In adults, meniscectomy is typically recommended for patients with a torn meniscus that is causing persistent pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee. Other factors that may indicate the need for meniscectomy include the inability to bear weight on the affected knee, locking or catching sensations in the knee joint, and difficulty performing daily activities or participating in sports.

Patients with degenerative meniscus tears, which occur as a result of wear and tear on the knee joint, may also be recommended for meniscectomy if conservative treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications have been ineffective in managing symptoms. Additionally, patients with certain types of meniscus tears that are unlikely to heal on their own, such as complex tears or tears in the avascular zone of the meniscus, may benefit from surgical intervention.

Overall, the decision to recommend meniscectomy for a patient will depend on the specific nature of the meniscus tear, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health, as well as the success of conservative treatments in alleviating symptoms. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual situation.

Timeline

  1. Injury occurs: The patient experiences a knee injury, often while participating in sports or physical activity, which results in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

  2. Diagnosis: The patient seeks medical attention and undergoes a physical examination and imaging tests, such as an MRI, to confirm a tear in the meniscus.

  3. Pre-operative preparation: The patient discusses treatment options with their orthopedic surgeon and decides to undergo a meniscectomy, which involves removing the damaged part of the meniscus.

  4. Surgery: The patient undergoes a meniscectomy procedure, which is typically performed arthroscopically. The surgeon removes the torn or damaged part of the meniscus through small incisions in the knee.

  5. Recovery: The patient goes through a rehabilitation program, which includes physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee. The patient may need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for support during the initial stages of recovery.

  6. Post-operative follow-up: The patient has follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to the rehabilitation program.

  7. Return to activity: The patient gradually resumes normal activities, including sports and physical exercise, once they have fully recovered and regained strength and stability in the knee.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after a meniscectomy can vary depending on the individual’s age, overall health, and the extent of the meniscus tear. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will the meniscectomy procedure be performed?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications of the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery?
  5. What are the long-term effects of having part of my meniscus removed?
  6. Are there alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of meniscectomy?
  7. How likely is it that I will need further surgery on my knee in the future?
  8. Will I be able to return to sports or physical activities after the surgery?
  9. How can I prevent future meniscus injuries or tears after the surgery?
  10. What are the success rates of meniscectomy in patients of my age and activity level?

Reference

Authors: Dale KM, Tenfelde A. Journal: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Dec 1;32(4):169-175. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000408. Epub 2024 Dec 10. PMID: 39655822