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Arthroscopy is a surgical technique in which a joint is operated on using an endoscopic camera as opposed to open surgery on the joint. The meniscus can either be repaired or completely removed. [20] Surgery is not appropriate for a degenerative meniscus tear, absent locking or catching of the knee, recurrent effusion or persistent pain. [25]
Each meniscus has an outer vascular zone (red-red zone), which has a good blood supply and healing potential as well as a central avascular zone (white-white zone), which has limited healing capability. [2] The medial meniscus is more prone to injury due to its firm attachment to the joint capsule and limited mobility.
A 2008 study in the New England Journal of Medicine which shows that about 60% of meniscus tears cause no pain and are found in asymptomatic subjects. [1] The three major treatments for a damaged meniscus are repair, removal, and transplantation. The surgery is often carried out arthroscopically. [citation needed]
However, the meniscus has poor blood supply, and, therefore, healing can be difficult. Traditionally it was thought that if there is no chance of healing, then it is best to remove the damaged and non-functional meniscus, although at least one study has shown that there is little significance if a meniscectomy is done for degenerative tear. [7]
These treatments have been shown to have positive results for patients who have articular cartilage damage. They can provide some measure of pain relief, while slowing down the accumulation of damage, or delaying the need for joint replacement (knee replacement) surgery.
[3] [4] Treatment recommendations depend on desired level of activity. [1] In those with low levels of future activity, nonsurgical management including bracing and physiotherapy may be sufficient. [1] In those with high activity levels, surgical repair via arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is often recommended. [1]
People with previous surgical interventions face more chances of articular cartilage damage due to altered mechanics of the joint. Articular cartilage damage may also be found in the shoulder causing pain, discomfort and limited movement. Cartilage structures and functions can be damaged. Such damage can result from a variety of causes, such as ...
Acute injury to the medial meniscus frequently accompanies an injury to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament). A person occasionally injures the medial meniscus without harming the ligaments. Healing of the medial meniscus is generally not possible unless the patient is very young, usually <15 years old.