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Edited By: Seth S. Leopold, M.D.Last updated Wednesday, February 09, 2005
What surgery is available for a torn knee meniscus?
Several options are available for treating a torn knee meniscus. Broadly speaking, torn menisci can either be repaired or they can be trimmed back (debrided) so they are not unstable or painful. The decision to repair or debride depends on the size, shape, and location of the tear, as well as the age and expected demands of the patient. Most of the time, either procedure can be performed using an arthroscope, which is a small, fiber-optic camera system used with small instruments so the incisions are very small, and the recovery is relatively quick. The success rate is very high, in most cases.
The best way to decide what procedure (if any) is best for you is by seeing a surgeon with considerable experience in the surgical and non-surgical approaches that are available to treat knee problems of this type.
Surgery for Hip and Knee at the University of Washington
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