Damage of the meniscus
General
The so-called “menisci” are crescent-shaped fibrous cartilage discs positioned on the periphery of the joint between the joint surfaces which serve as buffers and stabilisers inside the knee. Injuries in the menisci can develop due to wearing (chronic overstressing) but they can also occur as a consequence of accidents or defective positions of the joint or other joint injuries. Twisting traumas of the knee joint (e.g. football or skiing injuries) are said to be the most frequent cause for meniscus injuries. Such injuries need to be detected by means of specific examinations (e.g. ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance therapy) and of course by means of a clinical examination. Meniscus injuries in turn can lead to further damage of the joints (e.g. cartilage damage/ arthrosis).Treatment
Damages of the meniscus need to be clearly diagnosed and need to be treated appropriately. Surgery (arthroscopy/ keyhole surgery) is the most frequent method to treat meniscus injuries. Thereby a camera is inserted into the joint via two small cuts in order to subsequently examine the menisci. With the help of surgical hooks that are inserted via a separate access the menisci are differenciated and searched for and via the same access they are either removed with small forceps or, if possible, sutured with special suture techniques so that the meniscus can be preserved fully intact. If, however it is necessary to completely remove the meniscus it is now possible to replace the meniscus by means of a collagen fleece or with a transplant obtained from donors. However, unfortunately the studies carried out so far are not convincing enough to assume a definite procedure. Furthermore, the costs for meniscus transplants have so far not been covered by the public or private insurance companies.Post-operative care
In the aftermath of an uncomplicated meniscus surgery the patient should initially relieve the respective extremities with the help of underarm crutches for 2 to 3 days.Subsequently, within the framework of physiotherapeutic care the knee joint is increasingly stressed up to a full weight bearing capacity. Approx. 14 days after the operation the patient will be fully able to resume gentle professional activities (mainly in a sitting position) whereas physically strenuous activities can be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks. Sports activities such as cycling and walking are generally possible after 3 to 4 weeks. However, stop-and-go sports (e.g. football, tennis, badminton) can be restarted approx. 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery.
Complications
Every surgical intervention carries certain risks. Amongst those are thrombosis and embolism, wound healing problems and infections of the joints.The complication rate recorded in our medical practice the complication ratio amounts to less than 1%. Please do not hesitate to ask specifically about the risks of complications connected with a planned surgery.
