Leading Meniscal Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

Do you have any pain and swelling in your knee region, and walking seems to be a a daunting task? It is highly likely that your meniscus might be torn, causing the complication in your knee. People suffering from this condition require immediate medical help, and experts usually recommend Meniscal Surgery. This surgery helps repair or remove the torn meniscus.

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our orthopaedic specialists provide this excellent treatment option with the highest success rates. By performing this surgery, we provide an active lifestyle and desired quality of life to our patients.

What is Meniscal Surgery?

The meniscus is a rubber-like padding that covers the bone and allows them to move. It is a type of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the bones. Sometimes this meniscus gets injured or torn. To treat this condition, orthopaedic surgeons perform a surgery called Meniscal Surgery which can be of two types – Meniscectomy and Meniscal Repair. Let’s understand.

Types of Meniscal Surgery Procedures

Meniscal Surgery can be performed in two ways:

• Meniscectomy – This surgical procedure is done to partially or completely remove the torn meniscus. During this process, a large incision is made to replace the damaged meniscus.
• Meniscal Repair – This procedure is done when the meniscus has a cut in the inner or middle part with no blood supply. During meniscal repair, the damaged part is sutured, allowing it to heal.

Both types are done through various arthroscopy techniques. These techniques involve:

• Arthroscopic repair – In this, an arthroscope is used to repair the torn meniscus.
• Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy – In this, a piece of torn meniscus is removed.
• Arthroscopic Total Meniscectomy – In this, the whole meniscus is removed.

Meniscal Surgery Procedure at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, our orthopaedic surgeons follow the underlying treatment procedure. 

Before the Procedure

Before the Meniscal Surgery, several steps are taken by your doctor.

• A physical examination will be conducted to assess your knee joint and check your eligibility for surgery.
• Certain imaging tests such as MRI or X-ray will be performed to get a clear picture of the damaged meniscus.
• Your doctor will check for pre-medical conditions by conducting blood tests.
• An anaesthesia consultant will decide which type of anaesthesia you will receive; Local, Regional or General anaesthesia.
• Your consultant will give you some preoperative instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will use Arthroscopic techniques to treat your torn meniscus. First, you will be given anaesthesia. Then, your surgeon will make several incisions around the knee joint to insert an arthroscope and surgical instruments. These instruments will help him to see and repair the damaged meniscus. Your meniscus will either be repaired or removed based on your condition. After repairing or removing, the surgeon will close the incisions with sterile tape or stitches.

After the Procedure

You will not be allowed to stay for long in the hospital. After the procedure, you will be admitted to the recovery, where you will be monitored until you get stable and the effects of anaesthesia wear off. You will also be asked to wear knee braces to protect your knee joints.

Recovery Period

The recovery period of the surgery can vary from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, the patient’s condition, his overall health, the extent of damage, etc. In general, it takes 4-6 weeks for a person to return to normal activities. If you will take proper care and follow up, you will recover fast.

Complications & Risks of Meniscal Surgery

There are certain risks and complications of Meniscal Surgery that patients should be aware of.

• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Reaction due to anaesthesia
• Blood vessel or nerve damage
• Arthritis
• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Cardiac or Kidney disorders

Patients must discuss these risks with their consultants before undergoing Meniscal Surgery.

Who is not eligible for Meniscal Surgery?

Though Meniscal Surgery is a common treatment, some factors determine the ineligibility criteria for this surgery. These are:

• Pre-Medical Conditions – If the patient has pre-medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, then Meniscal Surgery is not recommended. This is because these conditions may increase the risks of the surgery.
• Infection – People having an infection in the knee joints or the surrounding area are not considered good candidates for surgery.
• Unstable knee joint – Meniscal Surgery is not a good option for people having unstable knee joints as it can further cause more instability.
• Arthritis – If a person has arthritis, the surgery may not be effective as it may increase the risks of other knee symptoms and could worsen Arthritis.
• Pregnancy – Pregnant women are not allowed to undergo Meniscal Surgery before delivery to avoid the risks of the surgery.

Meniscal or Cartilage surgery is one of the most effective orthopaedic surgeries. This surgery treats your damaged meniscus and provides stability. We at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, provide our patients with this surgical treatment. Our highly certified and experienced orthopaedic surgeons ensure to deliver the best post-operative outcomes as we have state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class medical facilities, and well-trained medical staff that make it comfortable for our patients to stay in the hospital and recover fast.