Are you aware about Meniscus tears? It is one of the common knee injuries that is caused when a knee is forcefully twisted or rotated. Have you experienced it? If not, this is the time you must gain knowledge about it and understand which surgical options would be more preferable for you! 

There are two main procedures – Meniscectomy and Meniscus Repair. Deciding which one to choose depends on varied factors like age, location of this injury, activity levels, etc. But before that, you need to gain a deeper understanding of each one of them. Through this blog, come let’s unwind them and find which one can provide a better solution to this injury. 

What is Meniscectomy? 

This aims at removing the damaged part of the meniscus. This is mainly done in a scenario when the tear can no longer be repaired because of its location, degenerative nature, or size. However, there are many surgeons who perform a partial meniscectomy. The idea is to preserve the original tissue while removing the damaged part. 

What is Meniscus Repair?

As the name suggests, meniscus repair is a procedure that aims to repair by stitching the damaged part of the meniscus together and preserving its natural appearance. This is usually done in a case when the tear is in the’red ” zone’—meaning the outer coverage of the meniscus has an adequate blood supply. 

Now that you are aware of what these surgeries are, let’s understand the pros and cons of them and get clarity as to which one can be a better fit for your injury. 

Pros and Cons of Meniscectomy

Pros: 

• A person can recover in a short span of time after the procedure.
• Best for non-repairable parts.
• Simple process with minimal complications.

Cons: 

• This meniscus is not suitable for highly active or younger people. 
• This procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the meniscus, it can cause issues in the joints. 
  
  

Pros and Cons of Meniscus Repair

Pros:

• Retains the natural shape and functions of the meniscus. 
• Minimizes the chances of joint damage and arthritis. 
• This is preferable for active individuals and young children. 

Cons: 

• It takes a longer time than usual to recover from this procedure. 
•  This procedure is not generally suitable for all the types of tears. 

Now that you are aware of the main pros and cons of these procedures, let’s find out how to evaluate them. 

Consult your Orthopedist for Evaluation 

The best treatment for your knee injury ultimately depends on the evaluation of your trusted orthopedist. He/she will first conduct a thorough examination and understand where your problem lies. 

Considering all the desired factors and outcomes, they will then suggest one of the two procedures – Meniscectomy and Meniscus Repair. Once they have suggested one, make sure that you are following all the instructions willingly and taking all the suggested steps. In case you are looking for a best orthopaedic in Thane, then Dr. Shashank Gabhe is the best one. For more information, visit our website.