Meniscus Tear Treatment

Treatment of a meniscus tear in Israel is carried out using the latest methods performed by leading experts in the Department of Orthopedics at Herzliya Medical Center in Israel. Orthopedic surgeons utilize cutting-edge technology in both diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases to provide the highest quality of services to patients, significantly improving their quality of life.

Torn Meniscus its Causes

A torn meniscus (meniscus tear) is a common knee injury that stifles daily movement, causing the joint to undergo tremendous stress. Transfer of body weight during walking, running, jumping and performing various types of physical activity lead to gradual deterioration of the complex joint mechanism. The primary function of the articular cartilage of the meniscus is to alleviate the load on the bony structures of the knee to ensure a smooth and painless range of movement. Strong rotation or excessive exertion puts pressure on the joint (such as in a deep squat) can cause a meniscus tear. Some age-related degenerative changes in joints increase the likelihood of a meniscus tear.

The central consequence of damage is dysfunction of the joint, meniscus tear symptoms include:

• Pain aggravated by stress on the joints, especially pronounced when in the rotary motion
• Popping, stiffness or swollen knee (or pain behind the knee)
• Reducing the range of motion of the knee joint and inability to complete a full range of motion
• As symptoms progress, significant disability and severe disability may result – degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the knee, for example)

Orthopedic specialists at HMC in Israel will help attain a timely diagnosis and treat the effects of a meniscus tear to prevent serious complications.

Meniscus Tear Diagnosis

Meniscus tear diagnosis in Israel utilizes effective tools from current research, including:

• X-ray of the knee joint from many perspectives is taken to determine characteristic changes in the joints associated with the damaged cartilage and ligament apparatus. Conventional X-ray images do not reveal the integrity of cartilage structures and may require additional screening
• Ultrasonography of the knee complements X-ray results for diagnosis and aids determination of the areas free of cartilage in the joint cavity from damage, as well as determining the presence of excessive amounts of synovial fluid
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is considered the most accurate and least invasive diagnostic tool to view the site of the tear in intra-articular structures
• Diagnostic arthroscopy involves endoscopy that allows orthopedists to visually assess the degree of damage to the meniscus

Meniscus Surgery at HMC

Conservative treatment for minor meniscus tears brings only temporary relief and does not eliminate joint dysfunction. Maintaining the health of the knee joint involves ongoing physical and pain therapy, in addition to surgical treatment.
Orthopedic surgeons at HMC in Israel perform endoscopic knee surgery that effectively restores damaged cartilage and joint functioning.

Arthroscopic procedures are performed under general or spinal anesthesia to restore the damaged meniscus. Surgery to remove intra-wire breakage of non-functional cartilage may limit joint mobility, yet arthroscopic orthopedic surgery is usually carried out in a single day at the hospital and the recovery period is short. Performing less invasive surgical incisions considerably eases post-operative care, and reduces the likelihood of infection.

Meniscus Tear Recovery

After surgery for meniscus tear at HMC, patients are discharged from the hospital either on the day of surgery or soon after a short stay (depending on the patient’s condition and volume of the procedure). When released, patients receive certain recommendations for continued treatment:

• Possible use of painkillers
• The duration of rehabilitation for the healing of the knee
• Follow-up care to treat the postoperative wound and removal of sutures
• Recommendations for further physiotherapy treatment to restore full range of motion in the joint
• The duration of required rest and time to return to work and normal life

Experts at Herzliya Medical Center work closely with the world’s leading centers of orthopedic research, exchanging knowledge and constantly improving their practice. Incorporation of innovative techniques in diagnosis, surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation contributes to achieving positive results after orthopedic surgeries of various complexity.