An arthroscopic meniscectomy is a procedure in which the doctor uses an arthroscope and other tools to remove all or part of a damaged meniscus in the knee or, if possible, to repair a meniscus. A meniscus is a piece of rubbery tissue (fibrocartilage) between the bones of the knee joint. An arthroscope is a tube with a light at the end that projects an image of the inside of your knee onto a TV monitor. The arthroscope is about the diameter of a pencil.
The procedure is used when you have damaged cartilage in your knee.
Examples of alternatives are:
You should ask your health care provider about these choices.
Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
Follow instructions provided by your health care provider. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.
You will be given a general, regional, or local anesthetic. Which type depends on you, your anesthesiologist, and your surgeon. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. Both local and regional anesthetics numb part of the body while you remain awake. All three types of anesthesia should keep you from feeling pain during the operation.
The doctor will put an arthroscope and one or two tools into the knee joint through small incisions (cuts). Fluid is injected into the knee to expand the joint so that the structures and cartilage can be seen. The doctor will examine the knee to find any damage. She or he may repair any torn cartilage or shave down the cartilage in the knee and remove the pieces of cartilage. The doctor will then remove the arthroscope and the tools and close the small openings with stitches.
You will go home the same day. You should keep your leg elevated. Take it easy for at least the next 2 to 3 days. Do not take part in strenuous activities until your health care provider feels you are ready.
After arthroscopy:
Ask your health care provider what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.
The arthroscopy may treat the knee without the need for open knee surgery with bigger incisions. There is more rapid recovery than with open knee surgery.
You should ask your health care provider how these risks apply to you.
Call your health care provider immediately if:
Call your health care provider during office hours if: