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How much does it cost to have meniscus surgery?
The most common knee surgery for seniors is costly, and usually a waste. The knee surgery performed most commonly on seniors is repair of torn meniscus cartilage. It costs as much as $10,000, often paid by Medicare. New research suggests that in many cases the surgery is not effective.
Is torn meniscus surgery worth it?
What are the benefits? Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.
Is meniscus surgery a major surgery?
Meniscus surgery is a common operation to remove or repair a torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee. The surgery requires a few small incisions and takes about an hour. Recovery and rehabilitation take a few weeks.
How long are you in the hospital for meniscus surgery?
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, the patient spends one to two hours in the recovery room, and is discharged to home with a friend or family member.
Is a meniscus surgery worth it?
When possible, it's better to fix the meniscus than to remove it. If the meniscus can be fixed, you have a lower risk of future joint problems. Your doctor will likely suggest the treatment that he or she thinks will work best for you based on where the tear is, the pattern of the tear, and how big it is.
What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus?
If not treated, part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
How long is the hospital stay for meniscus surgery?
Patients usually go home the same day as the surgery. The portals are covered with surgical strips, and the knee may be wrapped in an elastic bandage. Crutches are used after meniscal surgery. They may only be needed for one to two days after a simple meniscectomy.
Should I have surgery for torn meniscus?
If you have a small tear at the outer edge of the meniscus (in what doctors call the red zone ), you may want to try home treatment. These tears often heal with rest. If you have a moderate to large tear at the outer edge of the meniscus (red zone), you may want to think about surgery.
How successful is meniscus repair surgery?
When performed by an experienced surgeon, meniscus repair is highly successful , with good results in approximately 90% of patients. Any knee that is injured has a higher likelihood of developing arthritis.
What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus?
If not treated, part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
Will my knee be the same after meniscus surgery?
You should soon start seeing improvement in your knee. You may be able to return to most of your regular activities within a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your knee. It may take as long as 6 months before your knee is strong enough for hard physical work or certain sports.
Will my meniscus ever heal after surgery?
It takes longer for a meniscus repair to heal than a meniscectomy. Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may involve: Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals.
How long does it take to get over torn meniscus surgery?
Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may involve: Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals. Knee brace to stabilize the joint as you recover.
Can you walk immediately after meniscus surgery?
It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery.
Do they put you to sleep for meniscus surgery?
General anesthesia is typically used for this type of surgery, though in some cases a spinal or epidural anesthetic is used. The anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia once you are in the operating room.
Is meniscus surgery serious?
That being said, meniscus repair is a safe procedure with a complication rate of 1.3%. The most common complications are injuries to skin nerves, the vast majority of which resolve without additional procedures by three months post surgery. Injury to larger nerves or blood vessels is rare, as are blood clots.
How long is hospital stay after meniscus surgery?
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, the patient spends one to two hours in the recovery room, and is discharged to home with a friend or family member.
Does meniscus surgery require hospital stay?
Most people who have meniscus repair or meniscectomy don't need to stay overnight at the hospital. You'll wait in a recovery room for the anesthesia to wear off. When you are ready to leave, somebody else will need to drive you home.
How long is meniscus surgery take?
Arthroscopic meniscus repair typically takes about 40 minutes to perform, and usually you will be able to leave the hospital the same day.
Can you walk immediately after meniscus surgery?
It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery.