Damage to the meniscus can destabilize the entire knee joint, cause pain and restrict mobility. In order to avoid consequential damage such as osteoarthritis, meniscus surgery may be necessary under certain circumstances.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about meniscus surgery, possible procedures, risks and aftercare. You can also find selected specialists for meniscus surgery here.
Meniscus surgery is a surgical procedure to treat a damaged meniscus. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage disc in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. If the meniscus is torn or worn, this can lead to blockages, pain and swelling in the knee.
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, meniscus surgery involves either removing the injured part of the meniscus (partial meniscus resection), suturing it (meniscus suture) or, in rare cases, replacing it with an implant or donor tissue.
The menisci consist of a resistant fibrous cartilage tissue and are shaped like “crescent-shaped washers”.
Doctors distinguish between:
They form shock absorbers between the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau and ensure even pressure distribution on the joint cartilage surfaces.
The initially elastic and tear-resistant meniscus tissue is subject to natural ageing in humans.
Causes of premature degeneration are common:
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The aim of the operation is to relieve pain, restore mobility to the knee joint and prevent consequential damage - in particular joint arthrosis.
Reasons for meniscus surgery can include:
The procedure is usually performed in a minimally invasive way as part of an arthroscopy. Doctors insert instruments and a camera into the knee through small incisions. Depending on the findings, the following procedures are available:
This method is used for severely damaged or irreparably torn parts of the meniscus. The loss of cushioning function is deliberately accepted in order to prevent mechanical damage to the joint.
Modern materials such as self-dissolving sutures or small anchors improve healing. Rigid implants (e.g. screws) have not proved successful due to complications.
Various suturing techniques are used here. The video shows the procedure for arthroscopic meniscus surgery:
Long-term success depends heavily on the biological integration of the transplant.
The results of an American study to date are encouraging. Doctors can insert the implant in both the inner and outer meniscus.
The preserved ring on the outer wall of the meniscus is a prerequisite for the functioning of the CM. It serves as a mechanical anchor for the sutures and as tissue from which the cells can grow into the collagen scaffold. CMI is not recommended for older people with a low biological regenerative capacity.
The right follow-up treatment is crucial for the success of the operation. The rehabilitation program depends on the procedure and the individual healing process.
Important measures after the procedure are
In the case of meniscus sutures, weight-bearing on the knee is significantly restricted in the first few weeks. Complete healing can take up to 6 months.
As with any surgical procedure, meniscus surgery also involves certain risks. However, these are relatively low with minimally invasive procedures.
Possible complications:
In the long term, extensive meniscus removal increases the risk of osteoarthritis in the knee joint.
The prospects of a full recovery are very good with the right indication and aftercare. Young, physically active patients in particular benefit from early surgery. Surgery can also improve the quality of life and ensure mobility in older people with degenerative meniscus damage.
Important: Preserving as much functional meniscus tissue as possible significantly improves the long-term prognosis.
Meniscus surgery is a proven procedure for treating meniscus damage. It can relieve pain, improve joint function and prevent long-term consequences such as osteoarthritis. Which surgical method is suitable depends on the age of the patient, the type of damage and the individual requirements. Early diagnosis and an experienced specialist are crucial for successful treatment.
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