An arthroscopic menisectomy is a procedure in which the doctor uses an arthoscope and other tools to remove all or part of a damaged meniscus--a piece of rubbery tissue (fibrocartilage) between the bones of the knee joint in the knee or, if possible, to repair the meniscus. The arthoscope he uses is a tube with a light at the end that projects an image of the inside of your knee onto a TV monitor and is about the diameter of a pencil.

Examples of alternatives are:

Limiting your activity

Taking drugs to reduce the swelling

Having physical therapy to teach you the proper exercises to strengthen the supporting structures and muscles

Having open knee surgery

Choosing not to have treatment, while recognizing the risk of your condition

Always ask your doctor or physical therapist about the best solution to your condition

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?

You will be given a general, regional, or local anesthetic. Which type used depends on you, your anesthesiologist and your surgeon. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel drowsy.

Both anesthetics numb the part of the body while you remain awake, but you will feel no pain during the procedure.

The surgeon will put the arthoscope and 1 or 2 tools into your knee joint through small incisions around the knee. Fluid is injected into your knee joint to expand the joint so that the structures in the knee may be seen clearly.

The surgeon will then remove or repair any damaged parts of your knee freeing up the joint space for better movement and function of the joint.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

You will go home the same day and will be given crutches. You should not put any weight on the knee for at least 2 to 3 days or longer depending on the amount of damage that occurred prior to surgery.

Icing and elevation are always part of post surgery protocols, and physical therapy is usually prescribed for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

Depending on the extent of the damage a brace may be worn with the range of motion limited for a period of time. You will be shown specific open and closed chain exercises as well as specific mechanics to maintain rehab after you are discharged from physical therapy.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS SURGERY?

The arthoscopy may treat the knee without the need for open knee surgery with bigger incisions. There is also more of a rapid recovery than with open knee procedures.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS SURGERY?

There are always risks with any anesthesia; this should be discussed with your physician. Rarely but possible blood vessels and nerves around the knee may be injured causing numbness and possible weakness in the leg below the knee joint.