Partial meniscectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in which an orthopedic surgeon removes a portion of the meniscus that has become damaged. The meniscus is the layer of cartilage located directly on top of the tibia. It serves an important function as it provides some much-needed cushioning to the knee joint. It also helps stabilize the knee and promotes balance.
A torn meniscus is a common injury that is typically linked with sports and degenerative changes characteristically found in older adults. A torn meniscus can greatly impede movement and cause severe pain. The menisci are U-shaped pieces of cartilage located on either side of the knee between the thigh and shine. This shape helps distribute weight evenly across the knee, so when the meniscus is torn, the knee loses its stability as a result. 
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a person with a physical profession, or just someone who is tired of knee pain and limited mobility, a partial meniscectomy is arguably the most proven treatment option once conservative methods have failed to provide the relief you’re looking for.
Who is a Candidate?
If you’re experiencing knee pain, swelling, or limited mobility, you’re probably wondering how you can distinguish between a torn meniscus, arthritis, or another knee-related condition. Obtaining the proper diagnosis is essential if you want to be matched with the ideal treatment for your needs. Candidates for partial meniscectomy include those who have already sought relief through conservative treatments as well as those who suffer from debilitating knee pain or severely limited mobility.
In some cases, damage to the meniscus is so extensive that the entire piece of cartilage must be removed; however, orthopedic surgeons try to avoid this at all costs as it can greatly reduce the functionality of the patient’s knee. Therefore, individuals whose cartilage is at least partially intact are better candidates for partial meniscectomy. Athletes, trauma patients, individuals who work in physically demanding industries, and older adults are all potential candidates for partial meniscectomy. To learn more about whether or not you are a candidate for this surgery, contact your medical provider for a one-on-one consultation.
What Happens During the Procedure?
During partial meniscectomy, the patient undergoes either local or regional anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Once the anesthesia has set in, the orthopedic surgeon will create two to five small incisions on the knee. The surgeon will then insert an arthroscope, a small, tube-like camera, into the incisions as needed to obtain a clear visualization of the surgical site. Once the surgeon is satisfied with their view of the meniscus, they will evaluate any damage to the cartilage and insert additional arthroscopic instruments into the other incisions to remove the torn portion of the meniscus. The meniscus is then shaved down and smoothed as needed to alleviate pain and restore function. Once all of the necessary repairs have been performed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and dress the wound. After surgery, the remaining piece of cartilage will be smaller, but it will be fully healthy — a stark improvement over a torn meniscus.
What are the Risks?
Compared to other, more invasive types of surgery, the risks of partial meniscectomy are relatively minor. Of course, there’s always a chance of infection, bleeding, injury to ligaments, injury to the meniscus, blood clots, and nerve damage, but these complications can be minimized under the care of an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Generally, the risk of complications increases with the amount of cartilage that must be removed. This is because less cartilage means less support during physical activities. Overtime, the meniscus can begin to degenerate even more rapidly than when it degenerated from a fully intact meniscus. Needless to say, with rest and close observance of your medical provider’s instructions, the healing process should be easy, just don’t put your knee in harm’s way and most post-surgical complications can be mitigated.
What’s Recovery Like After Partial Meniscectomy?
Like most minimally invasive surgeries, the recovery process following a partial meniscectomy is quite simple. Most patients experience a drastic difference in pain and mobility shortly after surgery. Crutches are commonly used for several days following surgery and putting excessive weight on the knee is not advised. Most patients can get back to their daily routine in as little as a week. That said, patients should still refrain from intensive activities, such as sports or lifting, for at least two months, and sometimes as long as six months depending on the extent of the injury. Failure to abide by your medical provider’s healing timeline could result in re-aggravation of the surgical site or re-injury of the meniscus. This must be avoided at all costs, as the amount of cartilage in your knee will already be greatly reduced after your initial surgery.
Integrating physical therapy into the recovery process is one of the best ways to help the knee reach full health. Restoring former function is the ultimate challenge for anyone undergoing this surgery, but it can be accomplished with careful, consistent rehabilitation. Medication may also be incorporated into the patient’s recovery to help relieve pain. Lastly, all patients who develop arthritic pain in the knee following surgery should consult their medical provider immediately. Partial meniscectomy is a highly effective, minimally invasive surgical option for those who have suffered a torn meniscus. Using the latest in arthroscopic surgical procedures, an orthopedic surgeon can provide quick, comprehensive relief to individuals with knee pain and limited mobility.