Meniscal Procedures

Meniscal tears are common injuries, especially among athletes involved in contact sports. These tears can be caused by trauma, such as a sudden twist or bend in the knee. Degenerative meniscal tears are also prevalent in the elderly as the cartilage weakens with age. At Paley Institute, Dr. Minas, Dr. Barnhill, and Dr. McVicker offer expert diagnosis and treatment for meniscal tears at our West Palm Beach location, and Dr. McVicker also provides care in Jupiter.

What is Meniscal Surgery?

Meniscal surgery is a procedure to treat torn or damaged meniscus tissues in the knee. It is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopy (keyhole surgery).

What are Meniscal Tears?

A meniscal tear is a common knee injury, particularly in athletes. It can be caused by sudden twisting or bending of the knee. The elderly may experience degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage weakens over time.

Symptoms of Meniscal Tears

Symptoms of a meniscal tear include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee, which can limit the knee’s range of motion.

Treatment of Meniscal Tears

The treatment plan for a meniscal tear depends on factors like the tear’s type, size, and location, as well as your age and activity level. Non-surgical treatments may be sufficient for small tears, but if symptoms persist, surgery might be recommended.

Surgical Treatment Options

Meniscal tears are typically treated with knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to view the knee joint. Surgical options include:

Meniscectomy: Removal of the torn meniscus.

Meniscus Repair: Suturing or pinning the torn meniscus.

Meniscus Replacement: Replacing the damaged meniscus with donor cartilage or a cultured patch.

These surgeries are performed through small incisions, minimizing recovery time and improving outcomes.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. McVicker in Jupiter or West Palm Beach, or with Dr. Minas or Dr. Barnhill in West Palm Beach, contact us today.