Arthroscopy and Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Meniscus tears are a common knee injury, especially among athletes. Sudden changes in their movements such as pivoting or jumping to catch a ball can tear the cartilage. People with arthritis in their knees are also prone to meniscus tears.

With the latest advancements in the medical field, most orthopaedic surgeries that involve the joint can be conducted within several hours using an arthroscope. It allows surgeons to see inside the joint without having to perform open surgery.

Since then, arthroscopy has been used as part of most surgical procedures in Singapore to examine for damages in a patient’s joints, ligaments, and cartilage-like the meniscus. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of meniscus tear surgery while looking into the surgical removal of a torn meniscus.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore: Pros and Cons

Getting your torn meniscus treated in Singapore has both its pros and cons. The following are both the advantages and disadvantages of getting meniscus tear surgery in Singapore.

Advantages

1. Thorough diagnosis

When your meniscus is torn, you will likely experience excruciating pain over time. To determine the location, shape, and size of your meniscus tear, you will likely undergo several tests including an X-ray to check for degenerative changes to your knee or an MRI scan to identify the extent and area of the meniscal injury.

2.Simple procedure

Most surgeries performed at Spire Orthopaedics involves using the arthroscopic method. It is minimally invasive and usually performed under anaesthesia. A meniscus tear surgery is performed through 2-3 small incisions at the front of your knee. The surgery is usually done in under an hour and you can return home the same day.

3. Quicker recovery

Since the surgery performed is minimally invasive, it causes less trauma to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues. This means your physical rehabilitation plan may be shortened depending on your recovery progress. It is also less scarring because the incisions are made to accommodate 5mm arthroscopes.

Disadvantages

1. Downtime

Your recovery time will vary based on the surgical technique performed by your surgeon. If you had a partial meniscectomy, you might be able to return to work or sports activity in 4 to 6 weeks. But, if you had a meniscus repair, it may take a longer period before you can go back to your sports activity.

2. Surgical cost

The cost of surgery for a meniscus tear will generally depend on the severity of your injury and the technique used to treat your torn meniscus. In general, private hospital fees are generally more expensive compared to public hospitals.

Surgical Removal of Torn Meniscus

Commonly referred to as meniscectomy, meniscus removal surgery is performed when your torn meniscus is beyond repair or if it is locking up the knee. The aim of surgery is to remove fragments of the meniscus that stick out into the joint which can interfere with joint movement.

In recommending this surgery, your surgeon will consider your age, symptoms, activity level, tear size, location, and cause of the tear. Before your surgery, your doctor will likely recommend starting some muscle strengthening exercises. This is because the stronger the muscles around your knee are, the easier and faster your recovery will be.

There are two approaches used for a meniscectomy – arthroscopic and open surgery. The former is more popular among surgeons as it allows you to go home the same day as the surgery. Arthroscopy is the mainstay of treatment. It is extremely rare these days to have open surgery for this condition.

During this procedure, you will be given anaesthesia to ensure maximum comfort during surgery. After that, your surgeon will make 2-3 small incisions around your knee. An arthroscope is inserted through one incision and other surgical tools are inserted through the other incisions.

Once your surgeon has a vision of your torn meniscus, he or she may perform either a partial or total removal of the torn meniscus. After the procedure is done, your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or surgical strips which are then covered with a bandage.

After your anaesthesia wears off, your knee will likely be fitted with a brace to protect and stabilise it. You will also have to use crutches for at least a month to keep your weight off your knee.

Throughout your recovery, you will undergo a progressive rehabilitation plan to help increase your range of motion and help your knee get stronger. How soon you can return to your activities depends on your doctor’s advice as they will monitor your recovery progress.

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, everyone should be cared for and healed holistically in comfort without having to travel to different locations to seek medical and surgical help and rehabilitation support.

With a combined facility for collaboration between physicians, physiotherapists, and surgeons, you will experience a seamless service from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, that’s tailored just for you at our clinic. .