Treatments for a Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear refers to the injury on the cartilage stabilizing and cushioning the knee joint. Keep in mind that while it is a common injury, not all types of meniscus tear can be repaired successfully.
Healthpointe doctors will assess the type as well as the numerous factors that determine the possibility for repairing a meniscus tear. Radial tears, for example, can be repaired depending on the location but flap, horizontal, and degenerative tears are generally irreparable.
There are also factors that determine the rate of success for repairing a meniscus tear. Your doctor will look at the location of the tear (i.e., zone), the pattern of the tear, and its size as well as your age, physical condition, and activity level. Your surgeon, if surgery is necessary, can only make the final decision when looking at the actual meniscus tear based on other factors, such as the strength of the meniscus as well as the location and size of the tear itself.
Examples include:
- Small tears in the red zone (i.e., at the meniscus’ outer edge) often heal with appropriate homecare including rest.
- Moderate to large tears in the red zone may require surgery, which usually has a high success rate (i.e., heal well).
- Tears of any size spreading from the red zone well into the white zone (i.e., two-thirds of the meniscus) may not respond as well to surgery as tears confined to the red zone.
- Tears of any size in the white zone are not subjected to surgical repair because of the risks involved particularly the risk of the meniscus not healing after the procedure. But your doctor may decide to remove the torn pieces of meniscus, thus, removing the pain, swelling and inflammation in the affected knee.
Indeed, while surgery may initially seem like the best option for a meniscus tear, it is not. Be sure to discuss your options as well as the risks and rewards of surgery with your doctors before undergoing the procedure. Your injury may worsen after surgery if these importance matters are not discussed.
In case surgery is required for appropriate healing, as is often the case with professional athletes, your doctor will likely use the tools and technologies of arthroscopic surgery. In it, your surgeon inserts a thin tube with a light and camera inside a small incision in the affected knee and then follows it with surgical instruments via other small incisions.
Healthpointe’s doctors and surgeons are available for consultations on meniscus tear and knee related injuries; for more information please call (888) 824-5580 or visit www.Healthpointe.net
About Healthpointe
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Corona, which is conveniently located near Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net