Knee injuries are significantly common, whether in sports, the workplace, or training. Various knee injuries suffice, including strains, sprains, fractures, overuse injuries, and dislocations. The severity of such damage will vary, with some calling for extensive medical attention from the Omaha Orthopedic Clinic. Surgeries might be necessary. In this case, the following options suffice.
Meniscus Transplant
A meniscus transplant is knee surgery that helps replace a missing, torn, or damaged meniscus. This meniscus is a critical, C-shaped cartilage covering and protecting knee joints. This procedure requires a professional to make small incisions on your knee, using specialized cameras and equipment to access the space between the tibia and femur.
Various elements help determine whether this surgery is suitable for you. For example, most experts suggest that this procedure be restricted to people under 40. Alternatively, persons aged below 50 without arthritis can consider the surgical procedure. That is because this procedure offers better results among physically active individuals.
The anatomy of your knee will also determine whether this transplant is worth it. You can only qualify for this procedure if there is a significant or severe meniscus tear or damage. However, the other knee parts must be healthy for this procedure to go on.
Meniscectomy
Suppose your meniscus is so damaged that it needs to be removed, whether partly or wholly. In this case, a meniscectomy procedure will do. An excellent expert will help determine whether the knee will heal or not before performing the procedure. Various aspects are considered in this regard, including age, health condition, and activity level.
You’ll undergo this procedure in three instances: locked knee, misaligned knee joint, and a severe tear. Once you meet these aspects, you will be free to go through the procedure. However, the surgeon will look at the tear location, the cause of the tear, symptoms, and activity level. These elements will help the expert determine the right approach.
This procedure happens under anesthesia. It is arthroscopic surgery that allows you to return home the same day. However, in severe cases, you could undergo open surgery that will require you to stay at the hospital for some time. The recovery period is often between four and six weeks.
Microfracture
Suppose a surgeon needs to create holes in your knee. In this case, a microfracture procedure comes in handy. This procedure comes in handy in remediating weakened or damaged knee cartilage. The tiny fractures created in the bone often aim at stimulating the growth of new cartilage.
This procedure is not suited for everyone. Usually, it comes in handy for individuals whose cartilage damage is between mild and moderate. In addition, this person must be an athlete or be physically active. On the other hand, persons with unstable knees or sedentary lifestyles will be better off avoiding this procedure.
Tendon Repair
Tendon repair is one of the most common knee surgeries today. This procedure aims at repairing damaged or worn-out tendons, where sewing them together becomes necessary. The surgeon makes small incisions on the injured tendon, allowing for seamless sewing in the long run. The surrounding tissue will also need to be in perfect health, including excellent nerve and blood vessels. At the same time, your joint could get immobilized to facilitate the process.
You could classify this tendon repair as either major or minor. It all depends on the damaged tendon and the severity of the damage. Yet, you’ll need to consider a reputable surgeon to handle the procedure.
To sum it all, knee surgeries will help address your knee injuries. These surgeries could be minor or major, requiring different attention levels. Understanding what each option brings to the table allows you to make more informed decisions.
