Meniscus Tear Surgery In New Jersey

Experiencing pain, swelling, and instability in your knee following a sports injury or accident? A torn meniscus could be the underlying cause.

Schedule an appointment at Modern Orthopaedics today to receive an accurate diagnosis for your knee pain and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and mobility goals!

Meniscus Anatomy And Function

The knee brings together the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Between the ends of these bones lie two wedge-like cartilage structures known as the menisci (singular meniscus).

Each knee has two menisci – both crescent-shaped and composed of dense, flexible fibrocartilage. The medial meniscus is found on the inside of the knee joint, and the lateral meniscus is found on the outside of the knee joint.

Together, the menisci fulfill a number of critical functions within the knee, including:

• Cushioning the knee joint – acting as an essential shock absorber
• Providing stability to the knee joint
• Reducing friction within the knee joint
• Helping to distribute weight evenly within the knee joint

When the cartilage of the meniscus becomes damaged or torn, this is known as a meniscus tear. Meniscus tears are relatively common knee injuries that can be very painful and significantly limit mobility – particularly in more severe cases.

Common Causes Of Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear often occurs as the result of an acute injury, but can also develop more slowly over time, especially with age. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our experienced specialists have the knowledge and expertise to effectively diagnose and treat both types of cases.

Acute meniscus tears often occur due to a sudden rotation or twisting movement, especially when the foot is planted and the knee is forced to rotate.  This type of injury places excessive pressure on the knee joint and is common among athletes involved in contact sports, like football and rugby, as well as sports that require sharp turns, pivots, and changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball, and tennis. Acute meniscus tears may also occur as a result of a direct blow to the knee, such as from a fall or car accident.

Degenerative meniscus tears have a more gradual onset and typically occur in patients whose menisci have become weakened and/or brittle with age. These types of injuries often result from less intense movements, such as squatting down or standing up from a seated position.

Risk Factors For Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear can happen to anyone, but you may be at increased risk of experiencing this type of injury if you:

• Are over the age of 40
• Participate in contact sports or sports that require sudden twisting or pivoting
• Have a history of previous knee injuries
• Have a physically demanding job involving frequent squatting, kneeling, or heavy lifting
• Are overweight or obese
• Wear improper footwear, especially during physically demanding activities

Meniscus Tear Surgeries

Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Arthroscopic meniscus repair involves suturing the torn edges of the meniscus back together. This type of surgery is often recommended in cases where tearing has occurred in the outer zone of the meniscus.

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

During an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, the damaged portion of the meniscus is trimmed away or removed, leaving the healthy cartilage intact.

Arthroscopic Total Meniscectomy

An arthroscopic total meniscectomy involves the removal of the entire meniscus. It is rarely used as a first-line treatment and is generally reserved for cases where the meniscus is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, or in cases of extensive degenerative changes.  

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, all of our minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries are performed using cutting-edge tools, techniques, and technology to minimize surgical/recovery times and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Recovery Timeline And Rehabilitation

The recovery timeline following meniscus tear surgery depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, the age, overall health, and activity level of the patient, and the consistency with which rehabilitation best practices are followed. In general, recovery following a partial meniscectomy procedure is between 4 to 6 weeks, while recovery following an arthroscopic meniscus repair or total meniscectomy is closer to 3 to 6 months.

Speak directly with your surgeon for a more accurate recovery and rehabilitation timeline based on your mobility goals and the specifics of your case.

Schedule An Appointment

Take the first step toward full mobility and pain-free living with state-of-the-art meniscus tear treatment at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey. Schedule your appointment today!