Orthopedic
Treatments
Meniscus Surgery
Both meniscal repair and meniscectomy use a common surgical procedure call arthroscopy in which a joint(arthro-) is viewed (-scopy) using a small camera. During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope (a small camera instrument about the size of a pencil) into your knee joint through a small incision in the knee. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor. On the monitor, your surgeon can see the structures of the knee in great detail. Your surgeon will either repair or remove damaged tissue depending on the type, location and severity of the tear. Your doctor will remove the instruments and close the incisions with a stitch.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than traditional open knee surgery. You may have some slight swelling in the knee after surgery. Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days following surgery and ice your knee following the instructions given by your doctor. You may or may not be placed on crutches. Your surgeon will make that decision and discuss with you. Your surgeon will most likely prescribe physical therapy for 6-12 weeks as well.