Does a radial meniscus tear require surgery?

Some types of tears can’t be fixed. For example, radial tears sometimes can be fixed, but it depends on where they are. But most horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—can’t be fixed. For these kinds of tears, you may need to have part or all of the meniscus removed.

How long does it take for a radial meniscus tear to heal?

Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.

Can a radial meniscus tear be repaired?

Your best option is to have your radial meniscus tear sewn back together rather than removed. However, traditional meniscus repair techniques only worked for a small fraction of the tear types, hence most orthopaedic surgeons have unfortunately embraced meniscus removal surgery.

How long is recovery from lateral meniscus surgery?

Though the surgery to repair a meniscus tear alone is not terribly long, the recovery time can last anywhere from three weeks to six months for a full return to activity.

Which is worse lateral or medial meniscus tear?

It is hard to differentiate what type of tear is worse if it is repairable. However, it is well known that if a lateral meniscus is taken out, the consequences are almost always worse than having a medial meniscus resected.

Should I get surgery for lateral meniscus tear?

How is a meniscus tear treated? If your MRI indicates a Grade 1 or 2 tear, but your symptoms and physical exam are inconsistent with a tear, surgery may not be needed. Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear.

What is the fastest way to recover from meniscus surgery?

Instead, doctors often prescribe “R.I.C.E.” That stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

1. Rest the knee often.
2. Put ice or a cold pack on your knee several times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
3. Apply compression by wearing a bandage or brace.
4. Elevate the knee while you’re resting or when you’re icing it.

Can you walk immediately after meniscus surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus (meniscectomy) It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery.

Is a radial meniscus tear degenerative?

Radial and horizontal tears are degenerative meniscal tears presenting in old age.

Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?

In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis. In addition moving around with a torn meniscus could pull fragments of the cartilage into the joint causing larger knee issues which could requiring more significant surgery in the future.

Do you have to wear a brace after meniscus surgery?

Most of the patients do not require a knee brace after a meniscectomy, but if the patient undergoes a meniscus repair done, a knee brace or a knee immobilizer is provided to prevent the bending of the knee while bearing weight which can cause retearing of the repair of the meniscus.

How bad is a lateral meniscus tear?

In a severe lateral meniscus tear, the meniscus can be torn in half, ripped around its circumference, or ripped to the extent that it hangs on by a fiber. Patients who suffer a tear of the lateral meniscus may have minor or moderate pain and limited movement of the knee joint.

What is the healing time for a meniscus tear?

Rehabilitation time for a meniscus repair is about 3 months. A meniscectomy requires less time for healing approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Meniscus tears are extremely common knee injuries. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, patients often return to their pre-injury abilities.

Does a torn meniscus always require surgery?

A torn meniscus that has sufficient blood supply (red zone) can often heal without surgery. But, a torn meniscus with a poor blood supply (white zone) often requires surgical repair.

What to expect after meniscus repair surgery?

Recovery time after meniscus arthroscopy is generally very short, requiring only about 4 to 6 weeks. The joint can be moved almost immediately after surgery, although a certain amount of stiffness and pain is expected. Many minor surgeries can have the person walking in 3 to 4 days after surgery.

What is the recovery time for arthroscopic meniscus repair?

If you have arthroscopic surgery to treat your torn meniscus and your job involves sedentary work (mostly sitting), you may be able to return to work one to two weeks after surgery, with full recovery in about four to eight weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYIzlUDz6Nc