Meniscus Surgery Recovery Time

Meniscus, as per the human anatomy, is a fibrocartilaginous structure, crescent in shape unlike articular disks, which divides a joint cavity. The knee, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and temporomandibular joints is where the meniscus is found. The menisci distribute the weight of the body, thus, lessening the friction during movement. Hence, we can imagine, how important this part is for movement of our limbs. Torsion and repeated twisting of the leg can lead to meniscus tear. Sportsmen, are most prone to the tearing of the meniscus. The last resort to deal with it is to have a meniscus surgery. In case you are wondering about the meniscus surgery recovery time, the following content will give you a fair idea.

Meniscus Surgery Recovery Period

Meniscus Anatomy

The menisci of the knee joint are two pads of cartilaginous tissue located in the joint between the lower leg (tibia) and thigh, which is femur. One is the medial menisci and the other is the lateral menisci. On the upper portion, menisci are concave, and on the bottom they are flat. They are joined to the small depression between the round bumps on a bone where it forms a joint with another bone of the tibia. Likewise, in the center, they are unattached and their shape narrows down to resemble a thin shelf.

Meniscus Surgery Recovery Timeline

Before the Operation: Once the primary injury diagnosis is done by means of some orthopedic tests, a non-weight-bearing exercise program is advised for strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, prior to the surgery. This is a part of the meniscus surgery recovery exercises, as a result of atrophy and muscle weakening undergone by a major joint post trauma.

Duration of the Surgery: Meniscus surgery generally takes around a couple of operative hours. If a patient is to go under the knife for this surgery, he or she should expect around 6 hours of hospitalization including the preoperative period.

Post Operative Rehabilitation: While you are undergoing rest, physiotherapy gives strength to the joint and the muscles surrounding it. This helps in increasing the range of motion of the joint. It depends on what type of meniscus surgery has been done. As the patient gets better, the meniscus surgery recovery pain will lessen and after approximately 6 to 9 months of graduated therapy, the person will recover faster. The graduated therapy includes a home exercise program.

If only the worn out and damaged part of the meniscus is removed, the patient can start walking with the help of a crutch in a day or two. The recovery time as far as normal activities are concerned extends to about a couple of weeks, while regular functioning of the limbs, takes about 3 months. Again, the patient will be able to walk properly and freely, and undergo some light exercises at the same time. But this would not be without stiffness and soreness in the knee. This is also applicable after a medial meniscus tear. Now, when it comes to the arthroscopic surgery, the recovery time ranges from a week to a little more than a month, considering what type of surgery it is and how you respond to medicines.

Continuing the Treatment and Rehabilitation: After about a year from the time a patient starts rehabilitation, the full use of the limb including total surgery recovery can be said to have been achieved. The patient is still required to continue with the home exercise regime for giving further strength to the joint. There will be some discomfort in between, which can be easily tackled with pain relievers.

The recovery from torn meniscus surgery almost draws a parallel with knee replacement surgery, though it is not that complicated and intensive. If you are into sports and want to resume playing, make sure you consult a specialist before you take the plunge. It will help you gauge the fitness and strength of your knee.