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Meniscus Debridement and Repair

OVERVIEW

The meniscus is a pad that is wedge-shaped and semi-circular. It is made up of fibrocartilage that acts as a shock absorber of the knee. Acute meniscal tears normally occur due to twisting, loading or direct trauma to the knee. A torn portion of the meniscus may be repaired with sutures or removed while the healthy meniscus and cartilage remain in place. The two surgical procedures that may be performed to treat a meniscus tear are repair and debridement.

Symptoms of a torn meniscus

Torn knee cartilage causes pain in the region of the tear and swelling in the knee joint. Symptoms may progress when doing pivoting motions, squatting, and vigorous activities. Torn meniscus fragments may get caught in the knee joint, causing clicking and catching sensations. If a large fragment becomes stuck in between the bearing surfaces, the knee may lock, causing you to be unable to fully bend or extend your knee.

Meniscus debridement

A meniscus debridement is a procedure done to treat a meniscal tear by removing the damaged piece of the meniscus. Meniscus debridement is a common treatment that is indicated to treat a torn meniscus that can’t be repaired. Because the blood supply to the meniscus is poor, it normally doesn’t heal well on its own, if at all. Meniscus debridement is performed arthroscopically with the use of an arthroscope. The orthopaedic surgeon will first examine the knee joint and then make small incisions and pass through small surgical instruments to shave off and remove the damaged tissue.

Meniscus repair

Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure that is done to repair a torn knee cartilage. The main goal of meniscus surgery is to stabilise and preserve healthy meniscus tissue while allowing the tear to heal. This procedure is normally indicated for the patient whose meniscus tissue is of good quality, a patient who is healthy and is willing to remain healthy, and the meniscus tear is located in the periphery of the meniscus.

FAQ

1What happens if I don’t undergo surgery?

In the best-case scenario, the tear will heal on its own, achieving the same results as a meniscus repair. This is unlikely. In the worst-case scenario, a repairable meniscus would tear further, becoming unrepairable, and fragments of a torn meniscus may cause knee symptoms or lead to accelerated arthritis.

2What to expect after surgery?

Instructions will be given on how to care for your knee and the incisions. Depending on the type of surgery performed, you may be given a knee brace, and for some procedures, you might be asked not to walk on the affected limb for a few weeks. A physiotherapist will explain this in the ward before you go home and will schedule follow-up appointments with you.

3When will a meniscus repair be done?

Normally a meniscus repair may be done within a few weeks after a meniscus tear in order to maximise meniscus healing.

When is the right time to have surgery?

Typically, surgery is indicated when conservative treatment such as pain relievers or cold/heat therapy, has failed.
Dr le Roux will examine you and review your medical history before advising surgery.

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