Clear Answers to Your Questions About Meniscal Tear Surgery in New Jersey

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Specializes in Surgeries for Meniscal Tears

If you or someone you love has experienced a meniscus injury, it’s natural to have a number of questions. Are there treatments available to address painful symptoms? What types of surgical operations are available? Where can patients find the most advanced and reliable meniscal tear surgery in New Jersey?

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we are happy to provide you with answers to these questions as you wait to talk to your knee specialist about the specifics of your case.

Torn Meniscus: The Basics

For a great number of patients, the first question to be answered is the most basic one: what is a meniscus?

The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). Without the cartilage structures known as menisci, these bones would lack adequate structural support and cushioning needed to prevent damaging impacts.

The menisci are tough, wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that are situated between the femur and the tibia. When healthy, they serve to absorb shock between the knee bones and stabilize the knee joint. However, a tear of the meniscus can compromise these important functions, necessitating knee surgery. Meniscus tears may either occur traumatically (often during athletic activity) or as the result of gradual degeneration.

Treatment Options for Meniscal Tears

After you’ve visited a knee specialist and been officially diagnosed with a meniscal tear, it’s time to begin the treatment process. The type of treatment that is prescribed in your particular case will depend upon the severity of your injury. Mild tears are typically treated with non-operative care, while tears of a more severe grade usually require surgical treatment.

Two Types of Meniscal Tear Surgeries in New Jersey

For patients with severe tears that require meniscal tear surgery, there are typically two different procedures that may be considered: repair or removal.

Both of these procedures are usually performed arthroscopically. An arthroscopic procedure uses miniature surgical tools to minimize the invasiveness of the operation. During the procedure, a miniature camera is used to visually render the interior of the knee and guide the surgeon’s movements. Patients interested in learning more about meniscal tear arthroscopies can watch a procedure be performed in this medical video.

Meniscal repair surgery uses sutures to repair the tear, so that it may heal properly over time. Because the meniscus plays an important role in the protection of the knee, repair surgery is the preferred option in most cases.

However, in some cases a repair is not feasible because of poor blood supply to the affected area of the meniscus. In these cases, a repair surgery is not advised as the meniscus will not be able to adequately heal following the procedure. In these instances, meniscus removal surgery (or excision) will usually be prescribed. As the names suggests, this procedure involves the removal of damaged parts of the meniscus.

After Meniscal Tear Surgery

The success rate for meniscal tear surgery in New Jersey is very high. The procedure is often followed by a recovery stage that may include bracing and physical therapy.

During this recovery period, it is important for patients to follow the instructions of their knee surgeon to ensure the best possible healing. Doing so will help the patient return to her or his normal activities sooner and help to ensure long-term orthopaedic knee health.

A Trusted Orthopaedic Practice

If you or someone you love is in need of meniscal tear surgery in New Jersey, you can trust the knee specialist team at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Our elite knee doctors have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating meniscus injuries. This enables them to provide patients like you with the highest grade of compassionate care.

For more information about Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, or to schedule an appointment with one of our knee specialists, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.