The menisci of the knee are two small shock-absorbing cushions that increase the joint surface area and distribute the forces transmitted from the femur to the shin bone. Without these menisci, the cartilage will rub too quickly and damage the knee prematurely.

What are the types of meniscus surgery?

There are different surgical procedures to repair a damaged meniscus.

Perform a diagnosis.

Depending on the surgeon's diagnosis, the x-ray and your symptoms, several solutions are available to you.

• If the lesion is small, intervention is not necessary. The pain can be managed with regular infiltrations and painkiller treatment.

• If the lesion is large, the surgeon may decide to suture the damaged area to try to repair it or remove it completely.

The meniscal suture

Typically, traumatic menisci (following a fall, accident or sudden movement) are repaired by bringing the edges of the crack together using sutures in the hope of promoting healing. This process is called meniscal suturing . Although this procedure preserves the meniscus, it remains delicate and reserved for lesions located in peripheral areas, which are better vascularized and have the best chance of healing.

Removal of the meniscus

When the suture is not appropriate or does not allow adequate healing, partial removal of the meniscus may be considered. The surgeon then opts for the smallest possible removal, called partial meniscectomy , removing only the damaged or bothersome part of the cartilage under local or regional anesthesia. This meniscus operation , performed arthroscopically , requires two small incisions to introduce the camera and surgical instruments.

Sometimes a tear divides the meniscus in two, called a “bucket handle” injury, and the meniscus must be removed completely.

These interventions are outpatient.

How to avoid meniscus surgery?

Depending on the cause and severity of the lesion, meniscus surgery is not always indicated.

You can therefore avoid going to the operating room if:

• Analgesics, infiltrations, physical activity or any other grandmother's remedies are enough to alleviate the pain.
• If the injury does not cause significant mechanical disability, such as daily activities or walking.
• When the meniscal lesion is degenerative (age-related) and does not cause acute blockage. In fact, meniscus surgery provides few results in terms of pain. Conversely, physiotherapy sessions, infiltrations and non-surgical treatments may be sufficient to relieve symptoms and improve mobility.

What are the consequences of meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery is outpatient and generally minimally invasive, making recovery easier with a return home the same day.

Convalescence and sick leave

Recovery is relatively quick and rehabilitation is not mandatory to resume walking.

Upon discharge from the hospital, the patient can walk using crutches for the first few days at home. After a week, he can return to work in a sedentary profession. The work stoppage is extended to 3 weeks for a more physical job.

For several weeks, the injured knee must be kept calm by applying ice to reduce swelling before gradually returning to walking.

Does meniscus surgery hurt?

When you wake up after surgery, it is common to feel some knee pain, which may take a few days to disappear, even with the help of painkillers.

For a period of 3 to 6 weeks, sensitivity in the operated area may persist, but will gradually subside. If the thigh muscles (quadriceps) do not support the kneecap sufficiently, pain may occur during knee movements. However, this pain diminishes as the muscles strengthen.

For a few days, the knee remains a little swollen. It will return to its original size with rest.

Sleeping after meniscus surgery

To avoid knee twisting and uncomfortable contact during the night, it is recommended to sleep on your back. For patients accustomed to sleeping on their side, the physiotherapist or caregiver may recommend the use of a cushion placed between the knees . Some orthopedic cushions are specially designed with an ergonomic design to keep the knees aligned without them touching. This helps avoid pressure and contact points on the operated knee, thus promoting better recovery.

How long before you start walking and exercising again?

It is recommended to resume walking gradually after several days of rest. Returning to physical activity too quickly risks keeping the knee inflamed. The muscles need time to regain their ability to stabilize the knee. Recovering too early can lead to more serious complications, such as ligament rupture.

Sometimes, after a rest period of around a month, physiotherapy sessions may be necessary, particularly for high-level athletes, in order to regain full range of joint movement and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Does meniscus surgery after age 50 eliminate osteoarthritis?

Meniscus surgery after the age of 50 does not guarantee the elimination of osteoarthritis of the knee. Whether the meniscus is removed completely or minimally invasively in small pieces, osteoarthritis remains inevitable and often ends up developing over the years.

This is precisely why surgeons are hesitant to recommend knee surgery before the age of 50 . Given that the lifespan of a prosthesis is limited to approximately 15 to 20 years, it is preferable to wait for significant knee osteoarthritis to undergo only one operation. In addition, multiplying operations on the knee such as during a prosthesis revision can give less satisfactory results and comfort.