Movement Orthopaedic Institute has established a reputation as the leading provider of orthobiologics, sports medicine, and orthopedic surgeries in the Houston area. If you are seeking a meniscus surgery in The Woodlands, orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Ozoude, invites you to reach out to your dedicated team of orthopedic specialists and physicians so that you can heal rapidly, and return to the sporting activities that you love as soon as possible.
Meniscus Tears Q & A
The following are commonly asked questions about meniscus tears:
- What is a meniscus tear?
- What are some symptoms of a meniscus tear?
- How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
- How are meniscus tears treated?
What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus is a section of tough cartilage acting like a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. This C-shaped piece of rubbery cartilage can be torn when it is bearing weight, and you suddenly turn your knee. If you are a frequent viewer of SportsCenter, you know how common this type of injury is among athletes.
Meniscus tears most commonly involve what is known as the posterior horn. In other words, at the back of the meniscus.
What are some symptoms of a meniscus tear?
If your meniscus is torn, you’ll likely be dealing with pain and swelling, with pain worsening when you engage in certain types of movements, such as twisting or bending your knee. Some movements may also result in a popping or clicking noise, as well as sharp pain, which is often felt in the space between the shinbone and thighbone.
In the case of a large meniscus tear, your knee may give way, catch, or lock.
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
Our orthopedic specialists will normally diagnose your meniscus tear using a physical exam along with imaging so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis and rule out other types of knee injuries. X-rays alone cannot confirm meniscus tears, but they can rule out things like broken bones, osteoarthritis, and other conditions mimicking the symptoms of a meniscus tear.
How are meniscus tears treated?
Meniscus tears can be treated in one of two ways: nonsurgical or surgical. Depending on the severity of your meniscus tear, our orthopedic specialists will perform your meniscus surgery in The Woodlands.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical meniscus tear treatments may involve icing, activity restriction, physical therapy, or medications to minimize pain and swelling, or a combination of these.
If you experienced a minor meniscus tear occurring on the outer meniscus edge, you may not need surgery to heal, since this area contains a rich blood supply to foster healing.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical meniscus repair can be handled in a variety of ways. Our medical providers will go over all of your treatment options so that you can make the best decision for your individual situation.
You may be advised to undergo arthroscopic surgery if nonsurgical treatment is ineffective, and your pain and swelling linger.
With arthroscopic surgery, your medical provider can perform your surgery without using large incisions. They would insert a small camera known as an arthroscope into an incision, allowing them to look inside of your knee with a monitor. They would perform your meniscus surgery in The Woodlands by inserting operating instruments into additional incisions. Since these incisions are small, your recovery time will be faster, and you will experience less pain while recovering.
Some patients are treated for meniscus repair by undergoing a procedure known as a meniscectomy. In other situations, torn meniscus repair can be accomplished by suturing.
Meniscus Surgery Recovery
You should be able to return home on the same day as your meniscus surgery. Your medical provider may offer you medications to help alleviate any pain that you may experience while recovering. You will also be working with physical therapists to improve the strength and mobility in your repaired knee.
After you have fully recovered, you should be able to resume all of your normal activities. The time it takes to fully recover will vary, depending upon the technique used to repair your meniscus tear. It normally takes from three to four weeks to recover from a meniscectomy, while recovering from a meniscus repair procedure typically involves a longer recovery time of about three months.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you would like to request additional information about meniscus surgery in The Woodlands, please contact Movement Orthopaedic Institute in Houston today to book your convenient consultation as your first step in recovering and re-engaging with your life.
