Meniscectomy is an arthroscopic surgery to treat damaged knee cartilage. Why is surgery necessary? A torn or dislocated meniscus causes pain and can cause the knee to lock when the leg is fully extended (the knee does not bend) or to suddenly buckle, causing a sharp pain in the joint. This condition is more common in physically active people (such as athletes), for whom rapid recovery is crucial. A large tear or complete displacement of the cartilage does not heal on its own and requires surgery. What is the physical cause of the problem? Cartilage attaches to the femur (above the knee) and tibia (below the knee) and serves as the connecting material between them. If the bones are severely pulled or twisted apart, one of the two crescent-shaped plates of cartilage (menisci) that support and ensure smooth movement of the knee joint can tear from excessive tension. A sudden blow to the knee from the side can tear the medial meniscus (located on the inside of the knee joint) and the medial ligament. A sharp rotation of the hip with the shin immobile can also cause a tear. The medial meniscus is most often torn or ruptured. What is the goal of the surgery? The surgeon's goal is to restore full and painless function to the knee joint. What exactly happens during the surgery? Preliminary steps before surgery. In the clinic, 2-3 hours before surgery, you will undergo the necessary clinical examination: blood tests, an ECG, and a physical examination by a general practitioner. Shortly before surgery, your knee will be carefully shaved (if necessary). The surgical procedure is described step by step in the operating room. First, you will receive intravenous premedication (to relieve anxiety and fear), then the anesthesiologist, using a special Simplex device (made in Germany by Braun), administers conduction anesthesia to the lower limb. Next, a pneumatic tourniquet (tourniquet) is applied to the upper leg to stop the blood flow into the leg. This procedure causes no harm, as it only lasts for a limited time, but significantly facilitates the surgeon's work. The leg is placed on a special support. The knee is wiped with an antiseptic solution and surrounded by sterile sheets. The anesthesiologist administers general intravenous anesthesia "to avoid your presence during the operation." The first puncture is made on the side, usually on the inner side of the knee, and an optical instrument called an arthroscope [https://eleps.ru/katalog/artroskopiya-optika-artroskopy/] is inserted into the joint. A color, greatly magnified image of the knee joint cavity is transmitted to a monitor. Using a set of microinstruments [https://eleps.ru/katalog/artroskopiya-instrument/] and under constant video monitoring, the surgeon removes the damaged meniscus through the second puncture. Throughout the surgery, a special pump continuously delivers sterile saline solution into the joint (through the arthroscope). This improves the surgeon's visibility and ensures that small pieces of damaged cartilage are flushed out of the joint. After the surgery, the tourniquet is removed and a sterile dressing is applied. What happens immediately after surgery? Bed rest and immobilization of the knee will typically last for 12 hours after the surgery. Typically, the day after surgery, a control puncture of the operated joint is performed with a standard disposable syringe, a medication is administered to reduce postoperative swelling of the joint membranes, and... you are discharged from the clinic. There will be little pain (if any). From the first day after surgery, you can walk with weight on the operated leg, but you must be careful! You will be recommended exercises to maintain muscle tone in the quadriceps femoris: this muscle weakens very quickly without use, and strong thigh muscles are essential for knee stabilization. During the first two weeks, you'll need to limit your walking to 1 km per day, plus individual recommendations. You'll also be advised to undergo outpatient physical therapy for 7-10 days after discharge. What are the long-term consequences? You shouldn't engage in strenuous physical activity for at least four weeks after surgery. Then, provided you've been doing muscle-strengthening exercises, the long-term outlook is excellent. A missing meniscus rarely causes any problems later. Athletes should gradually resume training according to their doctors' recommendations. In many cases, they are able to regain their previous form and performance over time. In very rare cases, however, the joint may later succumb to osteoarthritis. This depends on the duration of the injury and the extent of destruction of the cartilage covering the bone. Strictly following your doctor's instructions, including physical therapy, exercise therapy, and taking special medications to prevent further detachment and destruction of the cartilage, can significantly improve quality of life and knee function.