Knee - Arthroscopy and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai

Meniscus Repair

Dr. Aditya Pawaskar is one of top notch knee arthroscopy surgeon and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in orthopedics, he provides excellent care and effective treatments for patients with shoulder and knee problems.

Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a torn meniscus in the knee. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber and provides stability to the joint. When a meniscus tear occurs, especially in certain locations and types, repair may be a preferred treatment option over removal (meniscectomy) due to the potential long-term benefits it offers.

Here's a comprehensive overview of meniscus repair:

Indications for Meniscus Repair:

Meniscus repair is generally considered for:

• Acute Tears: Recent traumatic tears that are caused by sudden twisting or rotational forces, often seen in sports-related injuries.
• Red-White Zone Tears: Tears that occur in the "red-white" zone of the meniscus, which has a better blood supply. This increases the chances of successful healing after repair.
• Vertical Tears: Tears that are more vertical in orientation, as opposed to horizontal or radial tears. Vertical tears have a higher likelihood of successful repair.
• Younger Patients: Repair is more commonly considered in younger individuals who may benefit from preserving the meniscus to maintain knee function and reduce the risk of future complications.

Surgical Procedure:

• Arthroscopy: Meniscus repair is often performed arthroscopically. Small incisions are made around the knee, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize the inside of the joint.
• Assessment: The surgeon assesses the tear's location, type, and overall condition of the meniscus to determine if repair is feasible.
• Suturing: Specialized instruments are used to insert sutures through the torn meniscus to bring the edges of the tear together. The sutures are tied to hold the meniscus in place and facilitate healing.
• Healing Aids: In some cases, techniques such as fibrin clots, bioabsorbable implants, or other healing aids may be used to enhance the repair process.
• Recovery: The knee is typically protected with a brace or a limited range of motion for a period to allow the repaired meniscus to heal.

Sports Prone to Meniscus Repair and Injury Risks:

• Cricket: The repetitive running, sudden stops, and dynamic movements in cricket may lead to meniscus injuries requiring repair.
• Football (Soccer): Football involves frequent changes in direction, tackles, and abrupt movements, increasing the risk of meniscus issues.
• Field Hockey: Fast-paced actions and sudden stops in field hockey can contribute to meniscus injuries requiring surgical intervention.
• Badminton: While generally low-impact, the lateral movements and sudden accelerations in badminton may pose a risk of meniscus tears.
• Kabaddi: The physicality of Kabaddi, with its frequent tackles and rapid directional changes, may result in meniscus injuries.
• Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and rapid movements, can contribute to meniscus tears.
• Basketball: Frequent jumping, abrupt stops, and pivoting in basketball increase the likelihood of meniscus injuries.
• Volleyball: Jumping and sudden lateral movements in volleyball may pose a risk to the meniscus.
• Athletics (Track and Field): Certain track and field events, such as sprinting and jumping, can contribute to meniscus injuries.
• Weightlifting: The strain from heavy lifting in weightlifting may impact the meniscus over time.

Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.