Meniscus Surgery in Turkey: Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Repair

When to undergo meniscus surgery?

Meniscus damage can occur for a number of reasons:

• Aging: Over time, the meniscus wears down naturally, making it more fragile and prone to tearing.
• Trauma: A violent blow to the knee, such as a fall or sports accident, can damage the meniscus.
• Repetitive microtrauma: Repetitive movements, such as those involved in certain sports, can weaken the meniscus and lead to tears over time.

These lesions can be classified as:

• Stable lesions: These do not affect the mobility of the knee. Medical treatment is often sufficient.
• Unstable lesions: These interfere with knee movement and cause significant pain. Knee surgery is usually necessary.

Surgery is recommended for unstable lesions because the poorly vascularized meniscus heals with difficulty.

In Turkey, meniscus surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeons in our partner clinics. A meniscectomy removes the damaged part of the meniscus to reduce pain and mechanical symptoms such as locking. When the tear can heal, the surgeon may repair it instead.

Types of meniscectomy

Orthopedic meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of meniscus injury. If the injury is recent and the meniscus is not degenerative, the orthopedic surgeon may choose to perform a meniscal suture. This procedure is chosen because it may allow the injury to heal.

Meniscal Suture

Meniscal suturing is a procedure that preserves the entire meniscus. During surgery, the surgeon passes one or more stitches through the wound and then ties them together to close the wound. Surgical stitches also help heal the lesion by stabilizing it.

Partial meniscectomy

If the injury is not recent and the meniscus is degenerative, the wound may not heal. In this case, the surgeon will remove the damaged part of the meniscus in a procedure called a partial meniscectomy.

Meniscectomy process in Turkey

Meniscus surgery is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Local anesthesia is sometimes possible. The choice is made with the anesthesiologist. A tourniquet may be placed on the upper thigh to limit bleeding during the operation.

The orthopedic surgeon uses a technique called arthroscopy to avoid opening the joint. Small incisions of about 1 cm are made to insert a mini-camera (arthroscope) and the instruments.

The joint is filled with sterile saline fluid to give the surgeon a clear view. Depending on the tear, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the meniscus (meniscectomy) or repairs it with stitches (meniscal suture). Finally, the joint is rinsed and the small wounds are closed.

Recovery & post-operative rehabilitation

After a meniscal suture, you will usually walk with two crutches for several weeks, sometimes with a knee brace. Rehabilitation with a physiotherapist starts soon after the operation. Its goal is to maintain the flexibility of the knee and preserve muscle mass.

Recovery after a meniscal suture takes several months, because the meniscus heals slowly. Return to driving and work depends on the knee operated on and your job. Sports are usually resumed after 3 to 6 months, once your surgeon confirms it.

After a meniscectomy, you can usually walk soon after leaving the hospital, with limited activity during the first days to limit knee swelling. Functional rehabilitation helps you regain flexibility and strength.

Most people return to daily activities within a few weeks. Return to work, driving and sport depends on your recovery and your activity. Your surgeon will tell you when.

Benefits of meniscectomy

When a meniscus tear causes pain or mechanical symptoms, surgery can help you return to daily activities. Results depend on the type of tear, the condition of the knee and your rehabilitation.
The possible benefits include:

• Reduced pain, especially when an unstable torn fragment causes the symptoms.
• Better knee movement.
• Relief of locking or catching caused by the torn fragment.
• Resumption of daily activities.

Removing part of the meniscus reduces the cushioning of the knee and increases the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. This is why surgeons repair the meniscus whenever possible.

If you have a meniscus tear, consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the treatment options that are right for you.

Complications & side effects of meniscectomy

Knee meniscus surgery is a common procedure. However, some complications and side effects may occur. These include:

• Stiffness of the joint, especially if rehabilitation is not followed
• Hematoma and infection
• Phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis) and, rarely, pulmonary embolism
• Sprain of the internal lateral ligament
• Accidental nerve injury during surgery
• Failure of a meniscal repair, which may require a new operation
• Higher long-term risk of knee osteoarthritis after a meniscectomy