What Are the Menisci
in Your Joints
?
The menisci are a
pair of unique cartilages with shock-absorbing properties found at the sides of
your joints. Direct trauma and advancing age can do a number on your joints and
can even cause the meniscus to get torn. Meniscal tears cause pain on certain
movements of the joint and they can also cause the joint to swell. A large tear
can even cause the joint to get locked.
How Are Meniscal
Tears Diagnosed
?
Apart from the
history and symptoms, meniscal tears can easily be found on MRI.
What Can Be Done
About a Meniscal Tear
?
Depending upon the
extent of the tear, we’ll determine whether you need surgery (arthroscopy) or
not. Also known as the keyhole surgery, arthroscopy makes use of a tiny camera
called the arthroscope that is inserted inside the joint. This procedure is
done under general anaesthesia.
With the arthroscope,
we will be able to visualise all the damaged tissues and meniscal tears.
Reconstructive surgery is then performed to fix the torn structures in the
joint. Loose debris is also sometimes removed, and the meniscal damage may also
be corrected through trimming the damaged meniscus.
What’s The Prognosis
of Arthroscopy
?
Most patients will be
able to resume their daily activities in a few days to weeks. Combined with
proper physiotherapy, you will also be able to play active sports.