The Facts About Meniscal Tear Surgeries in Philadelphia

Cartilage could be considered the most overlooked aspect of the knee joint. It protects the ends of the femur and tibia bones, allowing them to move smoothly. This cartilage has its own protection in the form of the meniscus, made from even strong fibrocartilage. This layer protects the cartilage from wearing out by bearing and distributing your weight. With this in mind, it is easy to see why

meniscal tear surgeries in Philadelphia need to be taken seriously.

Meniscal tears are common injuries among athletes, due to the twisting motion and high impact of some of their activities. After it is diagnosed and assessed by a doctor, usually through a physical examination as well as an MRI, the nature of the tear will determine the best treatment option.  

In some cases, if the tear is small and the patient is young, the meniscus may heal on its own.  A period of rest or bracing may be recommended by the doctor to facilitate healing.  However, in older patients and for more severe injuries, meniscal tear surgery may be the best option.

There are actually two different approaches to meniscal tear surgeries in Philadelphia: repair or removal. Both of these approaches are typically performed using arthroscopy, using a tiny camera and tools to perform the surgery through a small incision, however, each procedure addresses the meniscal tear differently:

• Repair Surgery is the preferred method, when possible, because of the important role the meniscus plays in protecting the knee. During this procedure, the piece of the torn meniscus are sutured (stitched) together. Because the meniscus must heal back together at the site of the tear, the recovery time after a surgical repair is typically longer than that for a removal surgery.

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• Removal Surgery is also known as a “partial excision” or “menisectomy”. During this procedure, the damaged parts of the meniscal tissue are trimmed away using arthroscopic tools. This can help to prevent ongoing pain and swelling due to the injured pieces of fibrocartilage.

To determine the best approach for either option, the doctor will take into consideration a number of factors including the patient’s health, age, and activity level, as well as the severity and location of the meniscal tear.  

Patients who need meniscal tear surgeries in Philadelphia,

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is there to help. Our team of knee surgeons have an advanced level of experience due to their specialized focus in this area. Their use of the latest orthopaedic science and technology make them well equipped to provide patients like you with the highest level of care in the area.

For more information about meniscal tear surgeries, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at 1.800.321.9999.