There’s a reason people want to put off surgery for as long as possible. No one wants additional pain or lengthy recovery times.
But surgical techniques have changed, making these procedures far less invasive than they were in the past. And for injuries involving the meniscus, they can get you back to the activities you love, fast.
Dr. Jared Tadje specializes in arthroscopic surgical techniques at Tadje Orthopaedics. These minimally invasive methods enable him to perform procedures like meniscus repair with a few small incisions and tiny tools.
If you have a torn meniscus, here’s what to expect from arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery.
Each knee has two pieces of C-shaped cartilage known as the menisci. Each meniscus is rubbery, tough, and functions like a shock absorber between the shin and thigh bones.
The menisci are also prone to damage — meniscus tears are one of the most common injuries involving the knee. When this occurs, it causes a variety of issues, such as:
Dr. Tadje uses arthroscopic meniscus repair to fix the tear when medically appropriate. Not all meniscus tears are repairable.
During the procedure, Dr. Tadje makes a few small cuts around your knee. Then he inserts a small camera and specialized tools inside the joint. Once Dr. Tadje locates the tear, he stitches it back together.
This process ensures the meniscus can heal in one piece again, which eliminates pain and restores function.
The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, and you can go home the same day to recover.
After your surgery, Dr. Tadje sends you home with detailed instructions to support your recovery. Your specific instructions depend on the severity of your tear and repair.
Depending on the severity of the tear, you may be non weight bearing for a few weeks following surgery.
Postsurgical care often requires:
You also receive physical therapy exercises to restore strength, range of motion, and mobility. For the best results, you need to do these exercises regularly for several months.
During this period, Dr. Tadje supervises your recovery to ensure you don’t resume intense physical activities too early.
Generally speaking, you can expect to start jogging again in 3-4 months. But full recovery from arthroscopic meniscus repair can take 6-9 months, depending on the patient and level of repair.
Do you have a torn meniscus? Contact Tadje Orthopaedics in Meridian, Idaho, to see if arthroscopic meniscal repair is right for you.
