Meniscus Surgery for Teens: Before Your Surgery
What is meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery removes or fixes the cartilage between the bones in
the knee. This cartilage is called the meniscus. Each knee has two
of these rubbery pads of cartilage, one on either side. When a
meniscus tears, your knee may be painful, swell, get stiff, or lock
up.
Your doctor may use small tools to remove parts of the damaged
meniscus and smooth the edges. This is called a partial meniscectomy
(say "men-ih-SEK-tuh-mee"). In some cases, tears in the meniscus can
be sewn back together. But if your meniscus can't be repaired, the
doctor may remove the damaged part.
Meniscus surgery is usually done as arthroscopic surgery. Your
doctor uses a lighted tube called an arthroscope, or scope. Your
doctor puts the scope and other surgical tools through small cuts in
your knee. These cuts are called incisions. They leave scars that
usually fade with time.
The surgery will take at least 1 hour. Most people go home the same
day of the surgery. You may have to use crutches after surgery. If
so, be sure you have a backpack or clothes with a lot of pockets to
carry items.
You may be able to go back to school in 1 to 2 weeks. If you have a
job and you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks.
But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If
you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6
months.
You may need physical rehabilitation (rehab) after surgery. The
program may last for several months. At first, your physical
therapist will work with you. Later, you will get exercises to do on
your own. After surgery and rehab, you are likely to have less pain
and more flexibility in your knee. How soon you can return to sports
or exercise depends on how well you follow your rehab program and
how well your knee heals. If you had a partial meniscectomy, you
might be able to play sports in about 1 to 2 months. If you had
meniscus repair, it may be 3 to 6 months before you can play sports.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand
what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for
surgery.
Preparing for surgery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements,
and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk
of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you
if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery
and how soon to do it.
|
|
|
|
What happens on the day of surgery?
|
|
-
Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating
and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled.
If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day
of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
|
|
|
-
Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery.
Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail
polish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At the hospital or surgery center
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: July 17, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for
your use of this information.