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Johannesburg, South Africa
| Speciality | Orthopedics |
| Procedure | Meniscectomy |
| Success Rate | 85-95% |
| Recovery Time | 2-6 weeks |
| Treatment Time | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Chances of Recurrence | Low |
A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a damaged or torn meniscus in the knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion and stabilizer between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). The procedure can be done using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. Minimally invasive surgery is often suggested as it offers a small scar, a quick recovery, and less pain.
Meniscectomy treats various conditions such as meniscal tears caused by twisting or wear, meniscal injuries leading to pain and swelling, and knee osteoarthritis when conservative treatments fail. The surgical procedure addresses these issues by repairing or removing the damaged meniscus, providing relief, and improving knee function for patients.
The duration of recovery after meniscus surgery varies based on the procedure. Meniscectomy recovery can take six to eight weeks to heal completely. Post-surgery care includes crutches to ease the stress on the knee, a knee brace for joint stabilization, pain medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises at home to improve mobility, range of motion, and strength. Employing RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is also recommended for effective healing.
Walking, climbing stairs, and participating in one's favorite sport can all become quite difficult due to knee pain. The cause of severe soreness for many is a torn meniscus, which is a crescent-shaped cartilage cushion in the knee.
