Meniscus Surgery Specialist

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus, a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage, works like a cushion and shock absorber between the bones in your knee joint. Each knee has a medial meniscus in the inner knee and a lateral meniscus in the outer knee. 

You can injure (tear) one meniscus or both menisci at the same time. Or, you can develop a meniscus tear over time, with degenerative damage. 

A meniscus tear can range from a small (incomplete) tear to a complex tear involving a few different tear patterns. Because a meniscus tear significantly inhibits knee function, it always requires treatment. 

When might I need meniscus surgery?

Some meniscus tears respond well to nonsurgical care. However, if you have a large or complex meniscus tear, or if your symptoms prevent you from doing your regular activities, you may need meniscus surgery. 

At Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Mejia and the team can explain your meniscus injury and make nonsurgical or surgical recommendations for your individual needs. 

What is the process for meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery is a procedure to restore or replace one of the menisci in your knee. Dr. Mejia commonly performs meniscus surgery in their Arthroscopic Surgery Center LLC, which is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. This allows you to skip the hospital and return home the day of your surgery. 

He usually performs arthroscopy, a procedure in which he uses a very small internally lit tube that contains a miniature camera, so he can view your knee joint from the inside. Dr. Mejia then uses tiny incisions as ports for surgical tools so he can repair your meniscus. He removes the damaged cartilage and places sutures to maintain its structure as it heals. 

If you have severe meniscus damage, Dr. Mejia typically needs to remove most of the affected meniscus. Without your meniscus, however, you can be vulnerable to lingering knee pain. A cartilage transplant replaces your meniscus using donor cartilage, which Dr. Mejia expertly matches with the size and structure of your own meniscus.

Meniscus transplant surgery is usually best for people under the age of 40, particularly very active individuals who are eager to resume their full activity level. 

A meniscus tear need not hold you down forever. Call Sports Medicine Center or schedule an appointment online to find out how meniscus surgery can get you back to your activities fast.