Meniscal Repair

Relieve knee pain, restore mobility, and get back to doing what you love with expert meniscus tear treatment tailored to your lifestyle.

Expert Treatment in New Jersey Meniscus Tear Surgery

If you’re struggling with a meniscus tear, it’s important to know that effective treatment options are available. At Core Alliance, led by Dr. Aron Rovner, we specialize in meniscus tear surgery and other meniscus injury treatment techniques aimed at restoring your knee function and helping you return to your favorite activities. Whether through surgical or non-surgical methods, our goal is to tailor the treatment to your unique needs.

Understanding Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a crucial piece of cartilage in your knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones.

A meniscus tear can occur due to a sudden twist of the knee or through degenerative changes over time.

Common meniscus tear symptoms include:

Pain and swelling in the knee
Difficulty straightening or bending the knee
A clicking or locking sensation during movement
Stiffness and decreased range of motion

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek prompt knee injury treatment.

Types of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears can vary in type and severity, and they are typically classified as follows:

Vertical Tear

Extends vertically through the meniscus and is often associated with sports injuries.

Horizontal Tear

Runs parallel to the joint line, commonly seen in older adults and can sometimes lead to a more complex tear pattern.

Complex Tear

Combines multiple types of tears, often requiring more involved treatment.

Bucket Handle Tear

A specific type of vertical tear that may cause the meniscus to move into the joint space, resembling a handle.

Diagnosing a Meniscus Tear

Getting a proper diagnosis is essential for the right meniscus tear treatment. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation, which may include:

A detailed physical examination to assess pain and mobility.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI, to visualize the soft tissue structure of the knee.
X-rays to rule out other potential injuries.

This comprehensive approach allows us to customize an effective treatment plan for you.

Meniscus Tear Treatment Options

Meniscus tear surgery is not always the first option; many tears can improve with conservative treatments. Here’s a look at the various treatment options we provide:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest and Activity Modifications: Taking a break from activities that exacerbate symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injected into the knee joint to alleviate inflammation.

These conservative methods can be effective, particularly for minor tears or patients who prefer to avoid surgery.

Meniscus Surgery

When conservative treatments fail or the tear is severe, meniscus surgery may be recommended.

There are three main types of surgical options:

1. Meniscus Repair: This involves stitching the torn pieces back together, allowing the meniscus to heal itself. The surgery is often done through knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that minimizes recovery time and discomfort.
2. Partial Meniscectomy: In cases where the tear is too severe for repair, a partial meniscectomy involves removing the damaged portion of the meniscus while preserving healthy tissue.
3. Meniscus Transplant Surgery: For patients with severely damaged menisci, transplantation from a donor may be an option.

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Recovery After Meniscus Tear Surgery

After meniscus tear surgery, recovery time can vary based on the type of procedure performed. Generally:

Meniscus Repair: Full recovery may take six to nine months, including physical therapy to restore mobility and strength. You might need crutches and a knee brace for several weeks.
Partial Meniscectomy: This typically has a quicker recovery, often allowing patients to return to light activities within four to six weeks.

Returning to Work and Sports

Patients often wonder about the meniscus tear surgery recovery time for resuming sports and activities. Generally:

Back to Work: Depending on your job, you may be able to return in one to two weeks following a partial meniscectomy, while a repair may require several weeks longer.
Back to Sports: For athletes, a return to sports typically happens within three to six months after surgery, depending on the procedure and individual healing.

Why Choose Us for Your Meniscus Tear Treatment?

At Core Alliance, we prioritize a personalized approach to your care. With our team’s expertise in orthopedic knee surgery, we are committed to helping you regain knee function and alleviate pain through our state-of-the-art treatment options. Dr. Rovner combines years of experience with advanced techniques to ensure you receive high-quality care in a supportive environment.

We begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms, history, and goals, then use minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce recovery time and discomfort. From diagnosis through recovery, we work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that accommodates your lifestyle and activity level.

Don’t Let a Meniscus Tear Hold You Back!

Dealing with a meniscus tear can be challenging, but with appropriate treatment, you can return to an active, fulfilling life. At Core Alliance, we offer a range of effective treatment options, from conservative to surgical interventions. Let us help you regain your strength and mobility.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer! Reach out today to learn more about our meniscus tear treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions Meniscal Repair

What is meniscus tear surgery, and how does it work?

Meniscus tear surgery is a procedure to repair or remove damaged tissue in the knee. It typically involves knee arthroscopy for minimally invasive treatment.

How long does it take to recover from meniscus surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery; meniscus repair might take six to nine months, while a partial meniscectomy may allow for a quicker return to normal activities.

Is meniscus tear surgery the only treatment option?

No, many meniscus tears can be managed with non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, medication, and activity modification, depending on the severity of the tear.

What are the risks and success rates of meniscus surgery?

While complications are rare, risks include infection, blood clots, and knee stiffness. Success rates for repair surgeries can exceed 80% depending on the tear type and location.

When can I return to sports or daily activities after surgery?

Times for returning can vary: many can resume light activities within four to six weeks after a partial meniscectomy, while those requiring a meniscus repair may return to sports in three to six months. If you need further information or wish to discuss your situation, please get in touch with our team at Core Alliance. We are here to assist you on your journey to recovery!