Meniscal Resection: Procedure, Process & Recovery
Meniscal resection is a surgical procedure in which damaged meniscus tissue in the knee joint is removed. It is most commonly performed minimally invasively via arthroscopy.
Things worth knowing about "Meniscal resection"
Meniscal resection is a surgical procedure in which damaged meniscus tissue in the knee joint is removed. It is most commonly performed minimally invasively via arthroscopy.
What is a Meniscal Resection?
Meniscal resection (also called meniscectomy) is a surgical procedure on the knee joint in which damaged or torn tissue of the meniscus is removed. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage disc in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone and helps stabilize the joint. When a meniscal tear or degenerative change occurs and conservative treatment fails, surgery may become necessary.
Types of Meniscal Resection
Partial Meniscal Resection
Partial meniscal resection involves removing only the damaged portion of the meniscus while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is the preferred approach today because it maintains the natural function of the knee joint to a greater extent.
Total Meniscal Resection
Total meniscal resection involves removing the entire meniscus. This method is rarely performed today, as it significantly increases the risk of developing early knee osteoarthritis.
Causes and Indications
Meniscal resection is recommended when conservative treatments (e.g., physiotherapy, pain relief, rest) do not sufficiently reduce symptoms. Common reasons for the procedure include:
- Traumatic meniscal tear due to sports injuries or accidents
- Degenerative meniscal damage caused by age-related wear and tear
- Knee locking (inability to fully straighten or bend the knee)
- Persistent pain and swelling despite conservative therapy
Diagnosis
Before a meniscal resection, the extent of meniscal damage is assessed through various examinations:
- Clinical examination: Specific tests such as the McMurray test or the Apley test indicate the presence of a meniscal tear.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most accurate imaging method for visualizing meniscal damage without radiation exposure.
- Arthroscopy: Serves simultaneously as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Surgical Procedure
Meniscal resection is today almost exclusively performed arthroscopically. Two small incisions are made in the knee, through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint. The damaged meniscal tissue is then precisely removed or smoothed. The procedure typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
Aftercare and Rehabilitation
Recovery after meniscal resection depends on the extent of the procedure. General guidelines include:
- Limited weight-bearing on the knee is often possible as early as the day after surgery
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the knee muscles and restore range of motion
- Cooling and elevation of the leg in the first few days
- Return to sports activities typically within 4 to 8 weeks
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, meniscal resection carries certain risks, including:
- Infections at the surgical site
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Post-operative bleeding
- Nerve injuries
- Increased long-term risk of osteoarthritis, especially with extensive removal of meniscal tissue
References
- Strobel, M. J. - Arthroskopie. Springer Verlag, 2004.
- Herrlin S. V. et al. - Is arthroscopic surgery beneficial in treating non-traumatic, degenerative medial meniscal tears? A five year follow-up. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2013.
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU) - Clinical Guideline: Meniscal Tear, 2022. Available at: www.awmf.org
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