Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus Surgery in Colorado Springs, CO
A torn meniscus can cause knee pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, locking, and difficulty moving the knee normally. For patients who need surgical treatment, meniscus surgery in Colorado Springs, CO may help address damaged cartilage and improve knee function. The menisci are two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone that help cushion the knee, absorb shock, and contribute to joint stability.
Meniscus tears can occur during sports or other activities involving sudden twisting, bending, or pivoting of the knee. They can also develop gradually as the meniscus becomes weaker with age. Treatment depends on factors including the location, size, and type of tear, as well as the patient's age, activity level, symptoms, and overall knee health.
Dr. John C. Redfern, MD, provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in the Colorado Springs area with meniscus injuries and other knee conditions. Depending on the injury and response to nonsurgical treatment, care may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, or surgical treatment. When surgery is appropriate, minimally invasive knee arthroscopy may be used for procedures such as meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.
What is Meniscal Surgery?
Meniscal surgery is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of torn or damaged meniscal tissues in the knee. It is mostly performed as a minimally invasive keyhole procedure.
What is Anatomy of the Meniscus?
Two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces are present between the thighbone and the shinbone. These are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers.
What are Meniscal Tears?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a traumatic meniscal tear. The elderly are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.
What are the Symptoms of Meniscal Tears?
A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in your knee, making you unable to move your knee through its complete range of motion.
How are Meniscal Tears Diagnosed?
Your orthopaedic surgeon will examine your knee, evaluate your symptoms and medical history before suggesting a treatment plan.
What is the Treatment for Meniscal Tears?
The treatment of a meniscal tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. If the tear is small, with damage limited to the outer edge of the meniscus, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. However, if the symptoms do not resolve with non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment of Meniscal Tears
Knee arthroscopy is the commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears. The surgical treatment options include:
- Meniscus removal (meniscectomy)
- Meniscus repair
- Meniscus replacement
Surgery can be performed using arthroscopy where a small camera will be inserted through a small incision, which enables your surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen.
The surgery will be performed through other small incisions. During meniscectomy, small instruments called shavers or scissors may be used to remove the torn meniscus.
In arthroscopic meniscus repair, the torn meniscus will be pinned or sutured depending on the extent of the tear.
Meniscus replacement or transplantation involves the replacement of a torn cartilage with the cartilage obtained from a donor or a cultured patch obtained from the laboratory. It is considered as a treatment option to relieve knee pain if you have undergone meniscectomy
Why Choose Dr. John C. Redfern for Meniscus Surgery in Colorado Springs?
A meniscus tear can interfere with walking, exercise, work, sports, and everyday activities. Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, with meniscus tears and other knee injuries.
The appropriate treatment for a meniscus tear depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the tear, symptoms, age, activity level, and condition of the surrounding knee structures. Some tears may improve with nonsurgical treatment, while others may require surgical intervention when symptoms persist or the injury is unlikely to heal on its own.
When surgery is recommended, knee arthroscopy can allow the surgeon to evaluate the inside of the knee through small incisions and treat the damaged meniscus. Depending on the tear, treatment may involve repairing the meniscus or removing the damaged portion while preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible.
Patients in Colorado Springs can discuss their knee symptoms, injury history, activity goals, and treatment options with Dr. Redfern as part of an individualized plan of care.
Meniscus Surgery FAQs
Schedule a Meniscus Surgery Consultation in Colorado Springs
Persistent knee pain, swelling, catching, or locking can make it difficult to participate in the activities you enjoy. An accurate diagnosis can help determine whether your meniscus injury can be managed conservatively or whether meniscus surgery may be appropriate.
Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, including evaluation and treatment for meniscus tears and other knee conditions. If you have experienced a knee injury or continue to have symptoms despite conservative care, schedule an orthopaedic consultation to discuss your condition and treatment options.
Contact Dr. John C. Redfern in Colorado Springs to take the next step toward appropriate treatment for your meniscus injury and a return to your normal activities.
Patient Services and Care Coordination
Our team can assist with appointments and general inquiries.
