Meniscectomy
If a meniscal cartilage is injured, typically during a twisting injury, and the patient suffers from pain or instability then the cartilage will require treatment. If the injury is not fresh (<6 weeks old) and is not in the periphery of the cartilage, then it is unlikely that the cartilage would be amenable to repair. In these cases, the cartilage fragment that is torn needs to be removed to relieve the symptoms.
Two keyhole incisions are made in the front of the knee so that a telescope (arthroscope) and tools can be introduced into the knee. The tools may be mechanical, electrical or use high frequency energy to remove tissue and frequently a combination of tools will be required. No stitches are required.
Following surgery the patient goes to physiotherapy and generally returns to work between 2 and 6 weeks later dependent on the nature of the job.
