Watch out for knee pain and swelling

The meniscus is a tissue that ensures the harmony of the knee joint, distributes the pressure in the knee to the surface and has a load-bearing capacity on the knee. Protecting the cartilage in the knee joint is its main task, it is indispensable for the smooth continuation of joint functions. Unlike what is commonly known as an athlete’s injury, a meniscus tear can be experienced by anyone and must be treated. Meniscus tear symptoms; Pain during daily activities, swelling and stiffness in the knee Depending on the size of the tear, there are complaints such as clamping, hooking, unloading and clicking in the knees. Any patient with knee pain should be evaluated for a meniscal tear. A good medical history and knee examination can easily distinguish a meniscus tear from other knee problems. If left untreated, meniscus tears cause permanent damage to the cartilage tissue in the knee joint and irreversible degenerative knee disease, which we call osteoarthritis. If this damage occurs, the patient may need more serious and complicated surgery. Simple or drug treatment methods may not be sufficient in every case of a meniscus tear.

In cases where the tear is large or wide, causing imbalance or causing locking symptoms, surgery is needed to repair or remove the meniscus. Because the meniscus tear is not a tissue that can fuse on its own unless it is repaired. With a better understanding of the importance and functions of the meniscal tissue, the repair of tears that have a high chance of healing and are able to function after healing has become important. The most important criterion in the surgical repair of meniscus tears is the location of the tear. Tears larger than 1 cm in the nourished portion of the meniscus are an ideal indication for surgical repair. The type of tear also influences the indications for repair. Repairing meniscus tears in the acute period gives better results. Studies comparing the results of meniscus removal and meniscal repair have shown that meniscal preservation is clinically superior. In studies with a follow-up period of 13 years, 80% of patients undergoing meniscal repair achieved normal knee function. In addition, partial meniscectomy results showed increased contact pressure. Op.Dr.Hilmi Karadeniz, ”Following arthroscopic meniscal repair, both advances in repair techniques and the more favorable outcomes of meniscal repairs in long-term preservation of articular cartilage have led to a decline in indications for partial meniscectomy. Repairs have started and better results have been achieved.