What You Need to Know About Meniscus Surgery in Las Vegas, NV—and What Might Surprise You

More than any other joint in the human body, the knee takes a tremendous amount of pressure throughout your lifetime. From weight gains and injuries to bending hundreds of thousands of times, the cartilage in this incredible joint takes a licking every day. When this cartilage gets worn out or damaged, you may need a surgery called a meniscectomy to improve your joint function and quality of life.

As with any surgery, knowing what to expect is an important part of the process. What follows is some of the key information about meniscus surgery in Las Vegas, NV that you’ll want to know when considering undergoing the procedure.

What is a meniscectomy?

As we mentioned earlier, a meniscectomy is a procedure in which a surgeon works to repair, remove or replace the damaged portions of the meniscus. Because of the role the knee plays in your daily movement, the cartilage that separates the bones of the upper leg and lower leg is essential to comfortable bending and flexing. If damaged or worn down, the lack of cartilage will cause bone-on-bone friction, which can result in swelling, pain and limited motion. If the cartridge is damaged, surgeons can use arthroscopic techniques to keep the procedure and recovery time minimal.

How does it work?

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure in which your surgeon inserts a scope and tools through a small incision in the knee to access the affected part of the meniscus. Where there is minor tearing or damage, stitches can be made to join the separated tissue. In situations where there are more substantial problems, the surgeon my remove the affected portions completely.

How long will I be out of commission?

Depending on your activity level and occupation, your recovery time may vary. For example, a fire fighter may not be able to return to duty for between three and six weeks, while an accountant who sits for the majority of their day could expect to return to work sooner. Depending on your doctor’s evaluation, you may be assigned physical therapy to speed your recovery. Because the area is sensitive and prone to damage after the surgery, be careful not to overexert yourself or do anything that could compromise the work that has been done. Your doctor will give you a better idea of which activities are safe and which should be avoided.

Follow up is important

As with any surgery, a meniscectomy needs to be looked after properly. While you can expect a certain level of pain or discomfort, you should talk with your doctor about the normal and abnormal types of pain you might experience. Severe pain might be a sign that your surgery did not take and needs to be repaired. Follow-up appointments are also a good time for your doctor to evaluate your physical therapy progress and whether you can return to work. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders carefully, as ignoring them could mean more surgery or permanent injury.

Don’t hesitate to contact the offices of Bernard Ong, M.D. to learn more about what meniscus surgery in Las Vegas, NV entails.

Categorized in: Meniscus Surgery

This post was written by Writer