what are the treatments for a torn meniscus?

Question

i hurt my knee and went to the doctor got an mri and it can back saying i had a torn meniscus. i have yet to see an orthopedic but i would like to find out the treatments there are.

Answer 1

surgery, PT, or you can just leave it alone and see if it heals on it's own.

Answer 2

It depends on how badly it is torn and where. Usually arthroscopy takes care of the tear but there are tears that are small enough not to require surgery, just immobilization.

Wikipedia explains it well:

During an average knee arthroscopy a small fiberoptic camera, the endoscope, is inserted in the joint through a small incision that has an approximate size of 1/8 inch long. A special fluid is used to visualize the joint parts. More incisions might be performed in order to check other parts of the knee. Then other miniature instruments are used and the surgery is performed

Recovery after a knee arthroscopy is a lot faster compared to arthrotomy. Most patients can return home and walk using crutches the same or the next day after the surgery. Usually after a month a patient can fully load his leg and after a few weeks the joint function can fully recover. It is not uncommon for athletes who have a beyond average physical condition to return to normal athletic activities within a few weeks.

However the recovery time also depends on the diagnosis that the arthroscopy was performed for, thus each case is unique and the patient must consult his personal doctor and physician regarding his physiotherapy.

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The immobilization option simply finds the leg placed in an immobilizer from the thigh down so you can't bend. You're usually not allowed ot bear much weight and must use crutches. After a meniscal tear your PT may recommend a brace for hard activity but a GOOD therapist and doctor team will be able to repair the joint wihtout any further hindering of activity and no need for braces. However, you may have to have the joint wrapped for awhlie to ensure stability.

Good luck, this is not a big deal now a days and you will do fine!!!

Answer 3

I totally know what you are going through. I just recently (two or three days ago) got home from my partial menisectomy.

There are many factors to consider when deciding how to treat your torn meniscus, including the extent and location of the tear, your pain level, your age and activity level, your health professional's preference, and when the injury occurred. Your treatment choices are:

Nonsurgical treatment with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy. This may include wearing a temporary knee brace.
Surgical repair to sew the tear together.
Partial meniscectomy , which is surgery to remove the torn section.
Total meniscectomy, which is surgery to remove the entire meniscus. This is generally avoided, because this option increases the risk for osteoarthritis in the knee.
The location (zone) of the tear is one of the most important factors in determining treatment.


Personally, I had to reult to a partial menicsectomy because there was more of a fray than a tear.

My best advice is to listen to your doctor and do research befor you choose. Im a dancer. Because I had a few complications with my surgery, I cant dance for a few more months than originally expected. Im not saying this to scare you though. Im saying this because I want you to do the right thing. You can always go back. If you dont need surgery, then dont do it.

Best of luck,
SHAUNNAMONNA

ps.. good sources for info: down there vvvvv

Answer 4

I tore my meniscus playing football. I was in such excruciating pain. I went to get x-rays the next day but they didn't show anything. They scheduled an appointment for me to get an MRI the next week. The MRI showed that I had torn my meniscus. I ended up getting surgery, spent a month and a half on crutches and the full recovery time was six months. If you had torn your mensicus or something else then the pain would probably have been to bad. You probably would have already been to a doctor by now.

Answer 5

most of the time, it can be taken care of by a simple arthroscopic surgery. they can do either a local or general anesthetic (meaning they can keep you awake, but keep you numb, or just put you to sleep). there will be three small incisions around your knee joint, they will go inside your leg with a camera and small instruments to remove the flaps of torn cartilage. this is usually done on an out patient basis and you will actually be up walking short distances after wards, before they let you leave. scarring is very minimal. to help reduce the complications of scar tissue, you should be sure to talk to your doc about some kind of physical therapy to rebuild the strength in your leg and joint.

best of luck to you!!

Answer 6

it can be removed through arthroscopic procedure,or treated without surgery, left to the nature to cure it

Answer 7

what is the gel treatment

Answer 8

your orthopedist will decide which treatment is best for you.