Meniscus Root Repair
Meniscus Root Repair Surgeon
Are you experiencing pain and stiffness in your knee? If so, you may have a meniscus root tear. A meniscus root tear is often a degenerative condition and cannot heal on its own. Meniscus root repair surgeon, Dr. Nikhil Verma provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Westchester, Oakbrook, Hinsdale and surrounding Chicago communities who have suffered a meniscus root tear. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
Meniscus Root Repair Overview
What is a meniscus root?
The meniscus in the knee has two roots that are responsible for transmitting weight evenly across the surface of the tibia. These roots are important to the function and stability of the knee. They are the attachment points of the meniscus to the bone of the knee. Without these important roots, the meniscus would push out of the knee and would be unable to transmit weight. Dr. Nikhil Verma, orthopedic knee surgeon, has extensive experience with meniscus root tears and can help patients in Westchester, Oakbrook, Hinsdale and surrounding Chicago communities recover from a meniscus root tear.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus root tear?
The pain from a meniscus root tear can be immediate and intense. Knee pain, especially at the back and medial side of the knee, or the patient hearing a “pop” at the time of injury, can indicate a meniscus root tear. Symptoms include limping and unable to bear weight on the affected knee as well as a change in the patient’s gait.
How is a meniscus root repair performed?
A meniscus root repair is done by taking the torn meniscal root and tacking it down to the bone, using strong sutures. During this procedure, Dr. Verma will find the torn root and pull it against the tibia. He places sutures in the meniscal attachment, then threads the sutures through a hole that is pre-drilled in the front of the tibia. The sutures are tied together to hold the tissue in place. Dr. Verma is very carful to match the original “foot print” of the root so the repair can heal properly. He will then clean up any scar tissue and make sure the knee will move through its full range of motion.
Meniscal root repair surgery is very a specialized treatment and it is important to see Dr. Verma and his team for the best possible outcome.
What is the recovery like after meniscus root repair?
Dr. Verma and his team will work with patients in Westchester, Oakbrook, Hinsdale and surrounding Chicago communities to form an individualized recovery program for the best healing success. In general, patients will be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks post-surgery. A continuous passive motion (CPM) device will be used for the first 4 weeks for up to 4 hours a day. After 6 weeks, weight is allowed on the knee, but lifting, squatting or sitting cross-legged for 5-6 months should be avoided. Full recovery can take up to 1 year.
For more information on meniscus root repair or for the best treatment for your knee pain, please contact the office of Nikhil Verma, MD, orthopedic specialist, serving Westchester, Oakbrook, Hinsdale and the surrounding Chicago, IL communities.
Meniscus Root Repair FAQ
What is a meniscus root repair?
A meniscus root repair involves reattaching the meniscus back to bone where it has been torn. Dr. Verma uses a technique that involves isolating the root and repositioning it back to its correct anatomical position in the knee. The placement is important for the meniscus to heal correctly and for it to regain its normal function.
Will a meniscus root tear heal on its own?
Meniscus root tears are often degenerative in nature and do not heal on their own. Treatment in older patients can be difficult and it is important to try to do a repair before the injury has progressed to arthritis or other degenerative issues.
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?
Torn meniscus and a torn meniscal root needs to be treated to avoid further damage in the knee. Untreated tears can cause many undesirable side effects such as pain, limited range of motion and osteoarthritis.
Where is the posterior horn of the medial meniscus?
The posterior horn of the medial meniscus is located in the back of the knee. It is the posterior third of the medial meniscus and is the thickest portion of the meniscus. Its job is to absorb most of the force placed on the knee and it provides the most stability to the knee.
What is the difference between a meniscus root tear vs ACL tear?
An ACL tear often occurs when planting the foot and turning or twisting. Meniscus root tears usually occur with deep flexion, such as skiing, or lifting weight up with the knees bent. An ACL tear is usually symptomatic on the outside of the knee, where a meniscus root tear causes symptoms in the back of the knee.
