ORTHOPEDICS/HIP & KNEE/SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Meniscectomy is an Arthroscopic surgical process performed through small incisions with the support of a small camera inserted into the joint.
A Meniscectomy is recommended if feeling discomfort caused by a torn meniscus in your knee.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery is a technique used to look inside a joint.
A (size of a pencil) small camerais inserted into the joint through a small incision (about 1 centimeter).
By using one or more other small incisions, the specialist inserts other tools inside the knee to remove the torn cartilage.
A bandage is placed over the arthroscopic incisions for at least a day or two to maintain sterility of the incisions.
Once the tools installed, the torn meniscus can be removed by using small shavers and scissors.
The arthroscope will allow as well inspecting the knee joint relaxation, as it allows looking for Arthritis signs, loosing pieces of cartilage in the knee, the ligaments of the knee, and other problems inside the joint.
Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
Frequently, Arthroscopic knee surgery is lightly painful and analgesic medicine is required to prevent discomfort.
Icing the knee may help for the first few days that follow surgery.
Arthroscopic techniques can work with the following alternatives that include:
- General Anesthesia:
General anesthesia allows sleeping all the surgery time.
- Regional Anesthesia:
This is done through epidural and spinal anesthesia.
These alternatives are suitable for most kinds of knee Arthroscopy. They allow patients to remain awake during the process.
- Local Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia is an alternative used with some kinds of knee Arthroscopy. The surgery is typically performed with light sedation.
Supports
After most Arthroscopic knee techniques, supports are used just for comfort.
However, some processes, such as ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair, may recommend longer use of supports.
Rehab after Meniscectomy Operation
Patients who undergo arthroscopic knee operation to treat a meniscus tear can regularly regain their activities quite quickly.
Rehab may take a few days or a long weekend relaxation.
Note that if the meniscus is removed (partial meniscectomy), then few activity restrictions are usually recommended.
It depends on the comfort level.
For most meniscectomies, patients can practice their activities as rehab tolerated.