Meniscus, it is not always to be operated

Edited by Dr. Corrado Bait - Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology

It applies to all surgeries and the meniscus surgery is no exception: before going under the knife it is important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons. Like all parts of our body, in fact, the meniscus is also used (by the way, the singular is always used but in reality there are two menisci in each knee: one lateral and one medial).

Before deciding to eliminate it in part or completely, it is therefore necessary to weigh the consequences well. But, first of all, what is the meniscus for? "His main role - explains Corrado Bait, assistant manager of the" Operating Unit of Knee Surgery and Sports Traumatology at the Humanitas Clinical Institute and member of the Physioclinic specialized center in Milan - is to cushion the mechanical stresses that normal activities such as running or jumping generate in the “knee joint.” A kind of cushion, then.
Due to its function, the meniscus tends to deteriorate with the passage of time and following repeated stresses. "Usually - says Bait - the" conservative approach is chosen when the meniscus has degenerated due to age. " lifestyle or "sporting activity." The approach is different, however, when the subject is young and the meniscus is damaged following a trauma, also because in these cases the pain is usually constant. "The so-called selective meniscectomy is performed on the broken meniscus - explains Bait -, which consists in removing the broken fragment and balancing the remaining portion, so that it can still perform its role as a shock absorber between the tibia and femur in the best possible way. Selective meniscectomy , ie the "removal of the injured portion of the meniscus, takes place in arthroscopy, ie by making two small incisions through which a camera is inserted, which allows the" joint and surgical instruments to be fully explored ".

Knees in good health? That's how it is done

Joints also age. As with skin and soft tissues, something (indeed, a lot) can be done for them to keep them functioning and healthy for as long as possible. "The ideal weight is essential in order not to overload the joints - says Bait - and the same goes for muscle tone. Anyone who suffers from degenerative meniscopathy, or meniscus disorders on a non-traumatic basis, must however remember to devote himself only to so-called sports activities. "unloading", such as cycling or swimming. Furthermore, biophysical stimulation therapies with dedicated devices and infiltrations of hyaluronic acid, which lubricates the joint, decreasing friction and thus improving the functionality of the "joint", can also be useful.

Dr. Corrado Bait
Responsible Help
Operative Unit of Orthopedics and Sports Traumatology
Humanitas Research Hospital
Rozzano (MI)
www.corradobait.com - [email protected]