Meniscus Tears and Knee Pain: How Knee Arthroscopy Can Provide Relief

Meniscus tears are a common cause of knee pain and discomfort, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer within the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus can occur due to sudden twisting or pivoting motions, degenerative changes associated with aging or repetitive stress over time. When left untreated, meniscus tears can lead to persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness and limitations in mobility. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly used to diagnose and treat meniscus tears, offering patients relief from their symptoms and a path to recovery.

Understanding Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears can occur in various locations within the knee joint and can be classified based on their size, shape and pattern. Common types of meniscus tears include:

• Degenerative Tears: These tears typically occur with age-related changes in the meniscus, such as weakening and thinning of the cartilage. Degenerative tears are often associated with chronic knee pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic Tears: Traumatic tears result from sudden, forceful twisting or impact to the knee joint, such as those sustained during sports activities or accidents. These tears may cause sharp pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee.
• Complex Tears: Complex tears involve multiple layers or patterns of tearing within the meniscus and may require specialized treatment approaches.

The symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. Common signs and symptoms include knee pain, especially with movement or weight-bearing activities. Patients may also experience swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, instability and a locking or catching sensation within the knee joint.

Knee Arthroscopy for Meniscus Tears

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly used to diagnose and treat meniscus tears. During knee arthroscopy, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through tiny incisions. The arthroscope allows Dr. Farzin Kabaei to visualize the inside of the knee joint and assess the extent of the meniscus tear.

Once the tear is identified, Dr. Kabaei can perform various surgical techniques to address the tear, including:

• Meniscal Repair: In cases where the meniscus tear is located on the outer edge of the meniscus, where blood supply is sufficient, a meniscal repair may be performed. During this procedure, the torn edges of the meniscus are sutured together to promote healing and preserve the integrity of the meniscus.
• Meniscectomy: If the meniscus tear is located in an area with poor blood supply or is too large to repair, a partial meniscectomy may be performed. During this procedure, the damaged portion of the meniscus is trimmed or removed to alleviate symptoms and restore knee function.
• Meniscal Transplant: In cases of extensive meniscus loss or irreparable tears, a meniscal transplant may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the damaged meniscus with donor tissue to restore stability and function to the knee joint.

Following knee arthroscopy for a meniscus tear, patients typically undergo a structured rehabilitation program to optimize healing and restore strength and mobility to the knee joint. Most patients can expect a gradual return to normal activities and sports within several weeks to months after surgery, depending on the extent of the meniscus tear and the individual’s overall health and fitness level.

Meniscus tears are a common cause of knee pain and discomfort, often requiring surgical intervention for resolution. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers an effective treatment option for meniscus tears, providing patients with relief from their symptoms and a pathway to recovery. By addressing meniscus tears early and undergoing appropriate treatment, individuals can regain function and mobility in their knees and resume their normal activities with confidence.

If you are experiencing knee pain or suspect a meniscus tear, contact Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA to explore your treatment options. During a consultation with Dr. Kabaei, he can determine a personalized plan for managing your condition.