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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryPreparation Timing Costs Surgical team Finding an experienced surgeon Facilities About the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: A minimally invasive method to repair torn knee cartilage

Edited By: John R. Green III, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, January 19, 2006

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Preparing for surgery

Preparation

Since arthroscopic meniscus repair is an elective procedure, the patient’s situation can be optimized for successful surgery. There should be someone to help at home for the first several days since mobility will be impaired. There should be no current infections. The knee should have no sores or scratches. The knee should not be shaved on the day of surgery or the day preceding surgery. Cutting down or stopping smoking will decrease risk of infection and blood clots, and improve healing. Airplane flights should not be scheduled within the first five days following surgery to decrease chances of blood clots. Dental work often releases bacteria into the blood, so should not be scheduled in the first six weeks after surgery. If unavoidable, antibiotics around the time of the dental work may decrease infection risk.

Timing

Meniscus repair is optimally performed within the first two months after meniscus tear to maximize meniscus healing. Walking on a knee that is ‘locked’ (does not fully straighten) may damage the meniscus further and make a tear unrepairable. Squatting should be avoided prior to surgery, as that may displace a piece of meniscus into the joint and cause ‘locking’.

Costs

The surgeon’s office should provide a reasonable estimate of the surgeon’s fees, the hospital fee, the anesthesia fee, and the degree to which these should be covered by the patients insurance.

Surgical team

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an advanced surgical skill that should be performed by an orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopic techniques. The surgery should be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center that handles a large volume of arthroscopic knee surgeries.

Finding an experienced surgeon

Surgeons who have had fellowship training in sports medicine have received additional advanced training in arthroscopic techniques such as meniscus repair. The operation is best performed by a surgeon with an interest and experience in arthroscopic meniscus repair. Surgeons with these qualifications can be located through university schools of medicine, and are often members of specialty societies such as the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Association of North America.

Facilities

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient surgery that is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. A center that handles a large volume of arthroscopic knee surgeries has experienced nurses and therapists to assist patients recover.

Surgery for Meniscus Tear at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 to make an appointment.

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