Knee Arthroscopy and Meniscus Surgery

Introduction

Knee arthroscopy and meniscus surgery are cornerstone procedures in orthopedic medicine, addressing knee joint issues that impair mobility and quality of life. These minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the treatment of knee injuries, offering patients faster recovery times and improved outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.

At Ackland Sports Medicine, we specialize in advanced arthroscopic procedures that help patients return to their active lifestyles with minimal downtime and maximum effectiveness.

Understanding Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside the knee joint. The procedure involves making small incisions (typically 2-3 small cuts) through which a tiny camera called an arthroscope is inserted.

The arthroscope provides a clear, magnified view of the knee's internal structures, including:

• Cartilage surfaces
• Meniscus (shock-absorbing cartilage)
• Ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
• Joint lining (synovium)
• Bone surfaces

The Meniscus: Your Knee's Shock Absorber

The meniscus consists of two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci:

• Medial meniscus: Located on the inner side of the knee
• Lateral meniscus: Located on the outer side of the knee

These structures are crucial for:

• Distributing weight across the knee joint
• Providing stability during movement
• Protecting the cartilage surfaces
• Facilitating smooth joint motion

Common Meniscus Injuries

Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in workplace settings and sports activities. These injuries can occur through:

Acute Injuries

• Sudden twisting or pivoting movements
• Direct impact to the knee
• Forceful squatting or kneeling
• Workplace accidents involving falls or heavy lifting

Degenerative Tears

• Age-related wear and tear
• Repetitive stress from occupational activities
• Gradual deterioration of meniscal tissue

Symptoms of Meniscus Tears

Patients with meniscus tears typically experience:

• Knee pain, especially along the joint line
• Swelling and stiffness
• Catching or locking sensation
• Difficulty fully straightening the knee
• Feeling of instability or "giving way"
• Popping sensation during the injury

Diagnostic Process

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Our comprehensive evaluation includes:

Physical Examination

• McMurray test
• Apley compression test
• Joint line tenderness assessment
• Range of motion evaluation
• Stability testing

Imaging Studies

• MRI: Gold standard for meniscus evaluation
• X-rays: Rule out fractures and assess joint alignment
• Ultrasound: Dynamic assessment of meniscal movement

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery Options

Based on the tear pattern, location, and patient factors, we offer several surgical approaches:

Meniscal Repair

When possible, we prioritize preserving the meniscus through repair techniques:

• Suture repair for tears in the vascular zone
• All-inside repair techniques
• Outside-in repair methods
• Inside-out repair procedures

Partial Meniscectomy

When repair isn't feasible, we remove only the damaged portion:

• Preservation of healthy meniscal tissue
• Smoothing of torn edges
• Maintenance of joint stability

Meniscal Transplantation

For young patients with complete meniscal loss:

• Allograft meniscal transplantation
• Restoration of joint mechanics
• Prevention of early arthritis

The Arthroscopic Procedure

Our arthroscopic meniscus surgery follows a systematic approach:

Pre-operative Preparation

• Comprehensive medical evaluation
• Pre-surgical imaging review
• Anesthesia consultation
• Patient education and consent

Surgical Technique

1. Patient positioning and sterile preparation
2. Creation of arthroscopic portals
3. Systematic joint inspection
4. Identification and assessment of meniscal pathology
5. Surgical intervention (repair or debridement)
6. Final inspection and irrigation
7. Portal closure and dressing application

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery timelines vary based on the procedure performed:

Partial Meniscectomy Recovery

• Immediate: Weight bearing as tolerated
• 1-2 weeks: Return to desk work
• 4-6 weeks: Return to physical labor
• 6-8 weeks: Return to sports activities

Meniscal Repair Recovery

• 0-6 weeks: Protected weight bearing
• 6-12 weeks: Gradual activity progression
• 3-4 months: Return to full activities
• 4-6 months: Return to competitive sports

Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, arthroscopy offers numerous benefits:

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Faster recovery and return to work
• Lower infection risk
• Outpatient procedure capability
• Improved cosmetic outcomes
• Enhanced diagnostic accuracy

Potential Complications

While arthroscopic meniscus surgery is generally safe, potential complications include:

• Infection (less than 1%)
• Blood clots
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Stiffness or loss of motion
• Persistent pain
• Re-tear of repaired meniscus

Long-term Outcomes

Research demonstrates excellent long-term outcomes for arthroscopic meniscus surgery:

• 90-95% success rate for symptom relief
• High patient satisfaction scores
• Successful return to work and activities
• Preservation of joint function

Prevention Strategies

While not all meniscus injuries can be prevented, risk reduction strategies include:

• Proper warm-up before physical activities
• Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings
• Workplace ergonomics and safety protocols
• Appropriate protective equipment
• Gradual activity progression
• Maintaining healthy body weight

Workers' Compensation Considerations

For work-related meniscus injuries, important considerations include:

• Prompt reporting of the injury to your employer
• Seeking treatment from approved healthcare providers
• Maintaining detailed documentation of symptoms and limitations
• Following prescribed treatment plans
• Communicating with case managers and insurers

Conclusion

Knee arthroscopy and meniscus surgery represent the gold standard for treating knee joint problems. These minimally invasive procedures offer patients the best chance for successful outcomes with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

At Ackland Sports Medicine, our commitment to excellence in arthroscopic surgery, combined with our expertise in workers' compensation cases, ensures that patients receive comprehensive care from diagnosis through full recovery.

If you're experiencing knee pain or have been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, don't delay treatment. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery. Contact Ackland Sports Medicine today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain-free mobility.