Surgical vs. Non-Operative Meniscal Tear Treatment near Delaware

August 31st, 2015
 

If you or someone you love has recently experienced a meniscal tear injury near Delaware, you probably want to know about the various treatment options that are available in your area, as well as the differences between surgical and

non-operative meniscal tear treatment near Delaware.  At

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we are eager to help patients and their loved ones make the best possible and well informed decisions about their treatment and care options in any situation.  So, we want to begin by sharing the various options for meniscal tear treatment available at our practices near Delaware.

 

Non-Operative Treatment

Although most meniscal tears cannot heal entirely on their own, there are some patients who do well with a combination of non-operative treatment options. Often, these patients include those who are very young, as well as older, less active patients whose tear is asymptomatic.
 

Non-operative meniscal tear treatment near Delaware may be comprised of some combination of the following options:

 
  • Rest: Avoiding activities that are painful to the knee, and even relieving pressure by using crutches can help to reduce pain and promote healing.

  • Ice: In the first few days after the injury, icing is very effective for reducing pain and swelling in the knee.

  • Medication: Sometimes, over-the-counter medication may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce pain and swelling.

  • Therapy: Physical therapy can help to build up strength in the leg and stabilize the knee joint, although it will not entirely fix the torn meniscus.

 

Surgical Treatment

In many cases, especially in athletes, non-operative treatment is not sufficient, and a surgical approach may be necessary. This approach usually means either a partial removal (excision) or repair of the tear.  Because of the essential role the meniscus plays in the knee’s protection, repair is always preferable when it is a viable option.  When choosing which of these approaches to follow, the doctor will consider a number of factors including:
 
  • The patient’s age

  • The age of the tear

  • The size and location of the tear

  • The patient’s typical activity level

 

Care At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, you will find a team of knee and sports medicine specialists who are experienced in both surgical and non-operative meniscal tear treatment near Delaware. Your doctors will work with you to find the best possible treatment option for your situation and will provide compassionate care along the way.  For more information, or to make an appointment, contact us today at 1.800.321.9999.

 

 

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