What is lateral meniscectomy surgery?

A meniscectomy is a type of surgery that’s used to treat a damaged meniscus. A meniscus is a structure made of cartilage that helps your knee work properly. You have two of them in each knee: lateral meniscus, near the outer edge of your knee joint. medial meniscus, near the edge on the inside of your knee.

How long is recovery from lateral meniscus surgery?

Though the surgery to repair a meniscus tear alone is not terribly long, the recovery time can last anywhere from three weeks to six months for a full return to activity.

Can you walk after lateral meniscus surgery?

Most patients can walk without a knee brace and crutches in about 2 to 3 months. Recovery time from a partial meniscectomy (partial removal of the meniscus) is quicker than recovery from a meniscus repair.

How soon can I go back to work after meniscus surgery?

How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

Do you wear a brace after meniscus surgery?

Most of the patients do not require a knee brace after a meniscectomy, but if the patient undergoes a meniscus repair done, a knee brace or a knee immobilizer is provided to prevent the bending of the knee while bearing weight which can cause retearing of the repair of the meniscus.

Which is better meniscus repair or meniscectomy?

Surgical repair is generally favored over a partial or total meniscectomy. If the meniscus can be repaired successfully, it reduces the risk of knee joint degeneration that may occur with removal of all or part of the meniscus.

Which is better meniscus repair or removal?

In most patients, meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal. That’s because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.

What is the recovery time for meniscus removal?

If your surgeon removed part of your meniscus (a partial menisectomy), typical recovery time is three to four weeks, though this varies from patient to patient. You will use crutches, ice therapy, and elevate your leg for up to a week post-op.

What to expect after meniscus repair surgery?

Recovery time after meniscus arthroscopy is generally very short, requiring only about 4 to 6 weeks. The joint can be moved almost immediately after surgery, although a certain amount of stiffness and pain is expected. Many minor surgeries can have the person walking in 3 to 4 days after surgery.

What should I expect from torn meniscus surgery?

Expected Duration. If you have arthroscopic surgery to treat your torn meniscus and your job involves sedentary work (mostly sitting), you may be able to return to work one to two weeks after surgery, with full recovery in about four to eight weeks. If you are an athlete or your job requires a lot of physical activity,…

Can you treat a meniscus tear without surgery?

When treating a meniscus tear, one must first identify if meniscus repair surgery is required. Most of the meniscal tears, especially chronic ones, can be treated without a surgery. The non surgical treatment options include, strengthening exercises, anti inflammatory injections and physical therapy.