All you need to know about
Meniscus
As a patient, your number one priority is to completely understand the steps in your surgery.
You are the principal actor of your surgery
You will be the only one present from the beginning to the end of the care process, from A to Z and beyond. In other words, you need to be part of the project. To help you feel an integral part of the surgical team, it is important that you are well informed and know how to communicate with your caregivers.
What is PRP injection?
Internal meniscus injury, accident or disease?
What is traumatic meniscus tear?
Why do you need an X-ray when you have an MRI?
Is an MRI not enough? X-rays allow a better analysis of the femoral-tibial joint space and can detect even minimal joint compression. This is because X-rays are taken in a weight-bearing position, whereas MRI is done in a lying position.
Imagine you want to find out which wheel of your car has a flat tyre. It would be much easier if you were lying on the floor than on the deck. The same goes for checking whether the height of the cartilage is intact.
Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery
The return to normal activities should not be rushed. It is advisable to take it easy for a few days after the operation. At times, you may feel so well that you think you can test your knee. This is often a source of disappointment, as symptoms may return for several weeks. So, rest up, get help with daily activities, don’t drive for at least two or three days, more if it’s your right knee. A period of 10 to 15 days off work should be enough. This can be extended if your job puts a lot of strain on your knee. A few rehabilitation sessions are often welcome. Get off the ice after 3 to 5 days. You can gradually return to sports on days 30 to 45. Cartilaginous lesions may alter the post-operative course and require protected support with crutches. Return to normal activities takes two to three weeks. A special splint to protect the medial compartment of the knee may be prescribed to help you return to work. Your surgeon may also advise you to modify your activities, lose weight or follow certain lifestyle rules to protect your knee.
Recovery after meniscal tear surgery
Rest, get help with daily activities, avoid driving for 4 to 6 weeks, especially if it is the right knee. This period is sometimes shortened if it is the left knee and you have a spacious car with an automatic gearbox. Often 6 to 8 weeks off work is enough. It can be extended if your job puts a lot of strain on your knee, especially if you work on your knees. After three to four months, you can gradually resume your sports activities. However, you should not squat for 6 months. Sometimes the post-operative course is modified because of associated cartilage lesions or cartilage repair procedures. In this case, a support protected by crutches is indicated (partial support). Alternatively, a special splint can be prescribed to protect the femoral-tibial compartment, the meniscus of which has been sutured, so that the canes can be removed as soon as possible. The return to sport takes a few months. Your surgeon may also advise you to modify your sporting activities, lose weight or follow certain lifestyle rules in order to preserve your knee.
In the same series
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Everything you need to know about knee prosthesis, which is used to replace a knee joint that is too worn.
The ACL
Everything you need to know about the anterior cruciate ligament, the most common injury in sports.
Kneecap
Everything you need to know about the kneecap, one of the three bones that make up the knee and allow it to extend.
Osteotomy
Everything you need to know about this operation to repair bone and joint deformities
