What is medial meniscus root repair?
• In a meniscus root tear, the meniscus is damaged near its attachment to the bone. • In a ‘repair’ procedure, stitches are used to reattach the torn meniscus back to the bone. This is done by drilling a small tunnel in the bone from just below the knee, exiting where the meniscus tore away from the bone.
What is a root repair?
The technique of a meniscus root repair involves isolating the root, placing a minimum of 2 sutures in the remaining meniscal attachment, and trying to reposition it back to a more anatomic position. In some instances, the meniscus posterior horn may need to be released from scar tissue to allow it to be repositioned.
What are the 3 types of meniscus repairs?
At present, there are three main techniques for meniscal repair: inside-out, outside-in, all-inside.
What is a meniscal root?
The root is the anchor point of the meniscus on the tibia surface. If a torn meniscus root occurs, it can cause pain, instability and ultimately lead to the development of osteoarthritis. A meniscal root tear can occur in one of two ways, either from trauma or degeneration.
How long does it take for a meniscus root repair to heal?
A continuous passive motion (CPM) device will be used for the first 4 weeks for up to 4 hours a day. After 6 weeks, weight is allowed on the knee, but lifting, squatting or sitting cross-legged for 5-6 months should be avoided. Full recovery can take up to 1 year.
How long does it take to recover from meniscus root repair?
Squatting, lifting from a squat and sitting cross-legged should be avoided for 3-4 months. Stationary biking is allowed after 6-weeks with Dr. Nwachukwu’s approval and assessment of healing. Full recovery usually takes 6 months but can take up to 1 year.
What happens after meniscus root repair?
In general, patients will be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks post-surgery. A continuous passive motion (CPM) device will be used for the first 4 weeks for up to 4 hours a day. After 6 weeks, weight is allowed on the knee, but lifting, squatting or sitting cross-legged for 5-6 months should be avoided.
What is meniscal repair surgery?
A meniscal repair is a surgical procedure to repair a torn meniscus via keyhole surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure often undergone as an outpatient. Factors affecting success include tear age, location and pattern, age of the patient, as well as any associated injuries.
What is the success rate of meniscus repair?
What is the Success Rate of Meniscus Repair? In general, meniscus repair surgery has a high success rate from around 84% to 94%. Success rates tend to decrease if the patient experienced an injury which decreases knee stability, such as an ACL tear.
How serious is a meniscus root tear?
A meniscal root tear, which can occur with minor or seemingly trivial trauma, with a pop in the back of their knee with deep flexion, squatting and lifting, and other activities, can be quite severe. It is in this group of patients for which the rapid development of osteoarthritis can occur.
How painful is meniscus root repair surgery?
The pain from a meniscus root tear can be immediate and intense. Knee pain, especially at the back and medial side of the knee, or the patient hearing a “pop” at the time of injury, can indicate a meniscus root tear.
What happens if meniscus root repair fails?
Abstract. Meniscal root tears are increasingly recognized as an important pathology. Failure to recognize this pathology could lead to early onset osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral knee joint compartment similar to a total meniscectomy.