Arthroscopic Meniscus Operation

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that protects the lower part of leg from the shock created by the body. They are made of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction between the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur).

Meniscus tear, or a meniscus damage, happens most often from a sudden twist or forceful rotation of the knee caused by sports, sudden twists, or age-related (degenerative) wear. Sports activities involving sudden movements, like soccer, tennis, or basketball, put extra strain on the meniscus, which leads to a potential injury. In these cases, the cartilage weakens over time, making it more susceptible to tearing even during minor movements or activities.
The meniscus is an avascular, this means it has limited blood supply, especially in its inner portion. When the meniscus is torn, this poor blood flow makes it difficult  for it to heal on its own. Consequently, meniscus tear leads to inability to fully move the knee and persistent knee pain.

When the meniscus is damaged, people may feel a sharp “pop” in the knee at the moment of injury. This is followed by symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness which develops over the next day or two. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain which limits movement depending on the severity of the tear. If the torn meniscus is left untreated, it can lead to the onset of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is a minimally invasive operation that aims to treat torn meniscus (damage inside your knee). The damaged part of your meniscus will either be removed or repaired by an orthopaedic surgeon. This surgery not only helps repair the torn cartilage but also supports long-term knee stability and reduces pain, giving patients a path to recovery and improved joint function.

Surgeons try to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible due to its crucial role in absorbing shock, supporting weight and mobility. Your doctor will recommend a meniscus surgery depending on its severity, where it’s located, and the tear pattern. Young athletes are a good candidate for meniscus surgery. This may not be the same for older adults with degenerative tissue in the meniscus. They may benefit from non-surgical procedures. However, regardless of age, if you have a tear and experience symptoms like knee locking, arthroscopic surgery may be the best solution.

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is beneficial for tears that are located in the periphery of the meniscus where blood flow is better, and the tissue remains in a good condition for repair. The best candidates are young, athletic individuals, or those under 40 or 50 who love to stay on the move to help them get back to what they were doing without compromise. Patients with a meniscus tear experiencing symptoms like knee pain, swelling, or a feeling of the knee giving way.

Patients who have given non-surgical treatments a try for three months but haven’t seen enough improvement should consider a more permanent solution with meniscus repair surgery.

Treating a torn meniscus often involves one of the three surgical options: meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and meniscus replacement. The ideal choice is meniscus repair, as it preserves as much of the healthy tissue as possible, but it can only be done for tears that can be repaired. Meniscectomy, which removes the damaged meniscus, offers quick results. For younger active individuals who have already had a significant portion of their meniscus removed and are experiencing pain but haven’t yet developed significant cartilage damage, meniscus replacement may be considered.

This minimally invasive approach allows for more rapid healing as well as recovery as compared to a larger open incision. Arthroscopic Meniscus surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure which typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour though this depends on the size of the tear.

After the Arthroscopic Meniscus surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room. To ensure proper healing, your doctor may recommend using crutches for up to six weeks to keep weight off the knee as it heals. Physical therapy can help you regain most of your knee function within two to three months.

Recovery from arthroscopic meniscus surgery can take anywhere from a week to several months. A full recovery could take up to six months depending on the severity of the injury, your overall health, and the joint affected.

Post arthroscopic meniscus surgery exercises can help with recovery. These include quad sets, straight leg raises, knee bending, hamstring stretch, ankle movements, and exercise bike.

After two weeks, you might be cleared for walking, but check with your doctor before running. You should avoid swimming or water activities until your stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed. Regular knee movement and exercises will help regain strength and mobility. To minimize swelling, ice your knee for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day during the first days post-surgery.

For those considering arthroscopic meniscus surgery, Turkey stands out as an appealing destination that combines;
• Expert medical care
• Affordability
• The charm of a travel experience.

Turkey’s hospitals and clinics boast advanced facilities, including the state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and surgical equipment that enable effective treatment and faster recovery times.
At Prospero Medical, our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced in advanced arthroscopic procedures, often with training from internationally recognized institutions, so patients receive top-tier care. Many internationally patients are drawn by the opportunity to avoid long waiting lists and the welcoming, patient-centered care offered here.

When considering arthroscopic meniscus surgery in Turkey, the exact cost of the surgery varies based on several key factors. It is important to understand what influences the pricing and how to choose the right clinic for a successful outcome.

• Top clinics in Turkey prioritize international standards of patient care, with quality facilities, advanced technology, and a strong emphasis on patient care and safety.
• Meniscus repairs can range from simple suture repairs to partial meniscectomies. The tear location as well as the extent of damage and the need for specialized tools and techniques also contribute to the cost of the procedure.
• The best clinics in Turkey provide transparent pricing structures, outlining every aspect from initial consultation to follow-up services. This helps patients plan their medical trip with confidence.

While the cost of arthroscopic meniscus surgery in Turkey is attractive, it is essential not to prioritize affordability over quality.