Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: A minimally invasive method to repair torn knee cartilage
Edited By: John R. "Trey" Green III, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, January 19, 2006
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Preparing for surgeryWhat type of preparation needs to take place before arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear? 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.What about the timing of arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear? How long can it be safely delayed? 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’.How can the costs of arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear be anticipated? 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.Who should perform arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear and where? Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an advanced surgical skill that should
be performed by an orthopedic 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.How can surgeons experienced in arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear be found? 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 Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy
Association of North America.In what type of facility is arthroscopic meniscus repair for meniscus tear usually done? 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, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, 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. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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