Description
1 x Pre-op Doctor Consultation
Facility Services, Physician Services, Anesthesia
1 x Post-op Doctor Follow up
Outpatient procedure
Arthroscopic meniscectomy is an outpatient minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a torn meniscus cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is often torn as a result of sport-related injury in athletic individuals. Only the torn segment of the meniscus is removed. Some patients require assistance from physical therapists post-operatively. The average time of return to all activities is 4-6 weeks after the surgery. A torn meniscus usually produces swelling and well-localized pain in the knee. The pain is made worse by twisting or squatting motions. Sometimes a fragment of torn meniscus can displace inside the knee in such a way as to “lock” the knee, allowing only a toggle of motion. Meniscal tears are common especially in people participating in sports. Traumatic tears usually occur as a result of a twisting or hyperflexion injury. Degenerative tears are more common in people over 40 and may occur without a specific injury. A torn meniscus is diagnosed on the basis of the patient’s history and a thorough physical exam. An MRI is often used to confirm the diagnosis.