Meniscus Tear Surgery In Chennai

How can you treat a torn meniscus at home?

The following are a few home remedies that may help you reduce discomfort and pain caused due to meniscus tear (mild to moderate)-

• Rest the knee: Don’t put too much weight on the knee, especially if it’s painful. Use crutches when you have to move. Wear a brace on the joint whenever possible to reduce the pressure on the joint.
• Ice the knee: Ice your knee for at least 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for at least 2 to 3 days after the injury till the swelling is gone.
• Compress the joint: Compress the knee joint by wrapping it tightly with an elastic bandage or a neoprene-type sleeve. This helps control and reduce the swelling.
• Elevate the knee: Elevate the knee by placing a pillow under your heel whenever you are sitting or lying down.
• Take the pain and anti-inflammatory medications: Pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), help reduce swelling in the injured joint. However, it is best to get a prescription from an orthopedic doctor near you before using such drugs.
• Exercises: Perform stretching and strengthening exercises as directed by the doctor. This will help reduce stress on the knee joint. However, be careful about overstretching as that may exacerbate the injury.
• Avoid high-impact activities:  Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping till the injury has fully healed.

Procedure of Meniscus Repair Surgery 

You can expect the following things during meniscus surgery-

• An anesthetist will administer anesthesia to prep and numb the affected area for the surgery. 
• The orthopedic surgeon will clean the area with a solution to make a few incisions to proceed with arthroscopic surgery. 
• The surgeon will use an arthroscope to insert from one incision and will put surgical tools from another incision to repair the meniscus tear. 
• Once the surgery is completed, the surgeon will seal the incisions with sutures and put a bandage on it to secure the surgical site. 

When is meniscus repair surgery required?

If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, it can be an indication of a meniscus tear and you may need medical assistance for the same. Some of the signs can be-

• Swelling around the knee joint
• A popping sensation during the knee injury
• There is difficulty in bending or keeping the leg straight. 
• Not able to move the legs because of stuck-up knee joint

How to prepare before meniscus surgery?

The following are a few tips that can help you prepare for meniscus surgery- 

• Tell your doctor in detail about the injury. 
• Let your doctor know about your medical history and medicines in advance if you are taking any. 
• Get your diagnostic tests on time as recommended by the doctor to initiate the treatments. 
• Avoid eating food at least 8 hours before surgery to eliminate the risk of allergy to anesthesia. 
• Keep your home prepared before your surgery to make it more accessible and comfortable for your recovery duration. 

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Meniscectomy 

Meniscectomy is an advanced surgical procedure that is performed with a minimally invasive technique. The following are the benefits of undergoing minimally invasive meniscectomy as compared to the traditional method of meniscus repair-

• A faster recovery with minimal discomfort
• Reduced chances of excessive bleeding
• Fewer chances of post-surgical complications
• Minimal to no chances of infection 
• The size of incisions are smaller 
• The success rate is higher than in conventional surgery