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Arthroscopic total meniscus repair surgery is a surgical procedure used to address extensive damage or tears in the meniscus. Unlike partial meniscectomy, where the damaged portion is removed, total meniscus repair involves preserving and repairing the entire meniscus. Orthopedic surgeons use specialized instruments and a tiny camera (arthroscope) inserted through small incisions to access the knee joint and suture the meniscus back together. This minimally invasive approach helps to restore knee function, alleviate pain, and prevent further degeneration of the joint.

Arthroscopy for meniscus repair may be required for several reasons:

• Extensive Meniscal Damage: When the meniscus is extensively torn or damaged, affecting a large portion of the meniscus, repair may be necessary to restore knee stability and function.

• Preservation of Meniscal Function: Unlike partial meniscectomy, which involves removing a portion of the meniscus, total repair aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible to maintain the cushioning and shock-absorbing functions of the meniscus.

• Prevention of Joint Degeneration: Repairing the entire meniscus can help prevent early-onset osteoarthritis by preserving the natural biomechanics of the knee joint and reducing stress on the articular cartilage.

• Faster Recovery and Return to Activity: While recovery from total meniscus repair still requires rehabilitation, the minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery generally allows for faster recovery times and earlier return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.

The right candidates for arthroscopic total meniscus repair typically include:

• Candidates with large or complex tears that affect a significant portion of the meniscus may benefit from total repair to restore knee stability and function.

• Younger individuals who have supported meniscal injuries and wish to maintain an active lifestyle are often suitable candidates for total meniscus repair, as preserving the meniscus may reduce the risk of future knee problems.

Preparing for arthroscopic total meniscus repair involves various steps to ensure the surgery goes smoothly and the recovery process is successful. Here's general instructions on how to prepare:

• Consultation with Surgeon: Consult with your orthopedic surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. Ask any questions you have and ensure you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

• Medical Evaluation: Undergo a complete medical evaluation, including physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as MRI, to assess your overall health and the extent of the meniscal injury.

• Medication Review: Inform your surgeon about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as the surgeon may recommend you to adjust or temporarily stop them before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

• Lifestyle Changes: Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise to optimize your overall health and facilitate recovery.

• Pre-operative Instructions: Follow any specific pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications or food and drink in the hours leading up to the procedure.

By following these steps and working closely with your surgeon, you can help ensure a smooth and successful experience with knee meniscus surgery.

Arthroscopy for meniscus repair is typically performed as follows:

• Anesthesia: You will be given either general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure, or regional anesthesia, which numbs the lower part of your body. Your surgeon will discuss the best option of anesthesia for you.

• Incisions: Small incisions, typically less than 1 cm in length, are made around the knee joint. These serve as entry points for the arthroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) and surgical instruments.

• Arthroscopic Examination: The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions, providing your surgeon with a clear view of the knee joint on a monitor. Your surgeon will assess the area of the meniscal damage and any other abnormalities.

• Meniscal Repair: Using specialized instruments inserted through the other incisions, your surgeon will remove any damaged tissue and prepare the torn edges of the meniscus for repair. Sutures or other fixation devices may be used to reattach and connect the torn edges.

• Closure: Once the repair is completed, the surgical instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape. A sterile dressing may be applied to the knee.

Arthroscopy for meniscus repair offers several advantages compared to traditional open surgery or partial meniscectomy:

• Preservation of Meniscal Tissue: Total meniscus repair helps to preserve as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible, which helps maintain the natural shock-absorbing and stabilizing functions of the knee joint. This can reduce the risk of future knee problems, including osteoarthritis.

• Minimally Invasive: Arthroscopic total meniscus repair is performed using small incisions and specialized instruments, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

• Improved Knee Function: By restoring the integrity of the entire meniscus, total repair can help improve knee stability, range of motion, and overall function. This may allow patients to return to their normal activities, including sports and recreational activities, with better performance and less pain.

• Lower Risk of Complications: Minimally invasive techniques and advancements in arthroscopic technology have led to lower rates of complications such as infection, blood loss, and nerve damage associated with total meniscus repair compared to open surgery.

• Long-term Joint Health: Preserving the meniscus through total repair may help delay or prevent the beginning of osteoarthritis by maintaining the natural biomechanics of the knee joint and reducing stress on the articular cartilage.

• Shorter Recovery Time: Patients undergoing arthroscopic total meniscus repair typically experience shorter recovery times and earlier return to normal activities compared to those undergoing traditional open surgery, allowing for a faster resumption of work, sports, and daily life.

Overall, torn meniscus surgery offers a less invasive, more effective approach to treating extensive meniscal injuries, restoring knee function, reducing pain, and promoting long-term joint health.

After arthroscopy for meniscus repair, you can expect the following:

• Pain and Swelling: It's normal to experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort around the knee joint following surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage these symptoms.

• Restricted Movement: Initially, you may have a limited range of motion in your knee due to swelling and the healing process. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will provide specific exercises to gradually improve mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy is an important part of the recovery process. Your physiotherapist will create a customized rehabilitation program to help restore knee function, improve strength and flexibility, and prevent stiffness and scar tissue formation.

• Weight-Bearing: Depending on the extent of the repair and your surgeon's instructions, you may be advised to limit weight-bearing on the affected leg for a while. Crutches or a knee brace may be recommended to assist with mobility and support.

• Follow-up Appointments: You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that the knee is healing properly. X-rays or other imaging tests may be performed to evaluate the repair and track your recovery.

• Gradual Return to Activities: Your surgeon will provide guidelines for gradually increasing your activity level based on the progress of your recovery. It's important to follow these recommendations to avoid re-injury and optimize long-term outcomes.

Overall, the recovery process after arthroscopic total meniscus repair requires a commitment to rehabilitation and proper self-care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Be sure to communicate openly with your surgeon about any concerns or questions you have during the recovery process.

After arthroscopic total meniscus repair, it's important to follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions. Here are some general care guidelines:

• Manage Pain and Swelling: Take prescribed pain medication as recommended or use over-the- counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Apply ice packs to the knee for 20 minutes at a time many times a day to reduce swelling.

• Protect the Incisions: Keep the incision sites clean and dry. Follow any instructions regarding dressing changes and wound care provided by your surgeon. Avoid soaking the incisions in water until they are completely healed.

• Use Assistive Devices: If advised by your surgeon, use crutches or a knee brace to support and protect the knee while walking. Follow weight-bearing instructions carefully to avoid putting excess strain on the repaired meniscus.

• Elevate the Leg: Elevate your leg above heart level whenever possible to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Use pillows or a footrest to support the leg while sitting or lying down.

• Follow Rehabilitation Program: Attend physiotherapy sessions and follow the exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist. These exercises are important for restoring knee strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

• Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or high-impact movements that could stress the healing meniscus. Follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding when it's safe to return to work, sports, and other activities.

• Monitor for Signs of Complications: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision sites, and report any concerns to your surgeon immediately. Also, notify your surgeon even if you experience sudden severe pain, fever, or any other unusual symptoms.

• Follow-Up Care: Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon as scheduled. These visits are important for monitoring your progress, evaluating the healing of the meniscus, and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

By following these care guidelines and staying in close communication with your surgeon, you can promote optimal healing and recovery after arthroscopic total meniscus repair.

While arthroscopic total meniscus repair is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. These include:

• Infection: Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision sites. Quick treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if an infection occurs.

• Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs after surgery, especially if mobility is limited. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in the affected leg. Blood-thinning medications or compression stockings may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots.

• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Damage to nerves or blood vessels surrounding the knee joint is possible during surgery, although rare. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or other sensory or motor depletion in the affected leg.

• Constant Pain or Stiffness: Some patients may experience constant pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion in the knee joint following surgery. This could be due to incomplete healing, scar tissue formation, or other factors.

• Failure of Meniscus Repair: In some cases, the repaired meniscus may not heal properly, leading to ongoing symptoms or the need for additional surgery. Factors that can affect the success of the repair include the size and location of the tear, the quality of the meniscal tissue, and adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols.

• Osteoarthritis: Despite efforts to preserve meniscal tissue, some patients may still develop osteoarthritis in the affected knee joint over time, especially if there is pre-existing joint damage or if the injury is severe.

The cost of arthroscopic total meniscus repair can vary depending on several factors:

• Geographical Location: The costs can vary significantly from one region to another.

• Hospital Fees: The type of hospital where the procedure is performed can affect the overall cost. Hospitals tend to have higher overhead costs compared to outpatient facilities.

• Orthopedic Surgeon's Fees: The experience and reputation of the surgeon performing the procedure can affect the cost. Orthopedic surgeons with specialized expertise or a high demand for their services may charge higher fees.

• The Extent of Damage: The severity of the meniscal injury and whether additional procedures, such as ligament repair or reconstruction, are needed can affect the overall cost.

• Insurance Coverage: The extent of insurance coverage and the patient's deductible, copayment, and coinsurance requirements can affect out-of-pocket expenses for the procedure.

• Diagnostic Imaging: Preoperative diagnostic tests such as MRI scans or X-rays may be required to assess the extent of the injury, and these costs can add to the overall expense.

• Postoperative Care: The cost of postoperative care, including physiotherapy sessions, pain management medications, and follow-up visits with the surgeon, should be considered.

• Implants and Equipment: The type of surgical implants or equipment used during the procedure can affect the overall cost. Advanced technologies or specialized implants may incur additional expenses.

• Complications: In the event of complications or unforeseen circumstances during or after the surgery, additional medical interventions may be necessary, leading to increased costs.

Patients need to discuss these factors with their surgeon and insurance company to get a clear understanding of the expected costs and any potential financial responsibilities.

Miracles Apollo Cradle/Spectra is the best orthopedic hospital in Gurgaon, providing an extensive range of orthopedic surgeries, including arthroscopic total meniscus repair surgery. Our distinguished team comprises highly experienced orthopedic surgeons in Gurgaon specializing in meniscus repair. Leveraging advanced arthroscopic techniques, they ensure optimal outcomes for patients. Beyond expertise, our hospital has state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate seamless procedures and swift recovery.

Whether addressing sports injuries or degenerative conditions, we prioritize precision and patient comfort.

Ready to reclaim your mobility and live pain-free? Don't wait another day. Contact us now to schedule your consultation online with our best meniscus repair surgeon near you to get a second opinion for arthroscopic meniscus tear surgery.