Meniscus Repair & Preservation
# Meniscus Repair & Preservation
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage inside the knee that helps absorb shock, distribute load, improve joint stability, and protect the surfaces of the knee joint. A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, clicking, catching, or difficulty with bending and straightening the knee.
**Dr. Akshay Dhanda** provides specialized evaluation and treatment for meniscus injuries, with an emphasis on **meniscus preservation and repair whenever clinically appropriate**. The treatment approach is tailored to the location, size, pattern, and severity of the tear, along with the patient's age, activity level, and overall knee condition.
## What Is Meniscus Repair?
Meniscus repair is a procedure designed to preserve the patient's natural meniscal tissue rather than removing the damaged portion whenever the tear has a reasonable potential to heal.
Depending on the injury, arthroscopic techniques may be used to carefully assess the knee and repair the torn meniscus. Preserving healthy meniscal tissue can help maintain the knee's natural shock-absorbing and load-distributing functions.
## Meniscus Preservation Treatment
Dr. Akshay Dhanda focuses on protecting as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible. Treatment planning may take into account:
* Location and pattern of the meniscus tear
* Size and stability of the tear
* Blood supply and healing potential
* Associated ligament or cartilage injuries
* Patient's age and activity requirements
* Previous knee injuries or procedures
* Overall condition of the knee joint
When appropriate, non-surgical treatment, rehabilitation, or arthroscopic meniscus repair may be considered.
## Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive technique performed through small incisions around the knee. A camera is used to examine the joint, identify the tear, and determine the most suitable repair technique.
The objective is to stabilize the torn meniscus while preserving viable tissue and supporting the natural function of the knee.
## Benefits of Meniscus Preservation
Preserving the meniscus may help maintain the knee's natural biomechanics and reduce the amount of tissue removed during treatment. Potential benefits include:
* Preservation of natural meniscal tissue
* Improved load distribution within the knee
* Support for knee joint stability
* Protection of articular cartilage
* Potentially better long-term joint function
* Support for returning to desired physical activities
The suitability and expected outcome of meniscus repair vary from patient to patient and depend on the individual tear and condition of the knee.
## Recovery After Meniscus Repair
Recovery following meniscus repair is generally more gradual than after partial meniscus removal because the repaired tissue needs time to heal. Depending on the repair and individual circumstances, rehabilitation may include temporary activity restrictions, physiotherapy, controlled range-of-motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and a progressive return to weight-bearing and sports activities.
Dr. Akshay Dhanda provides follow-up care and rehabilitation guidance based on the patient's progress and treatment requirements.
## Why Choose Dr. Akshay Dhanda for Meniscus Treatment?
Dr. Akshay Dhanda combines expertise in **sports medicine and arthroscopic knee surgery** with an individualized approach to meniscus injuries. His treatment philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis, preservation of healthy knee structures, and rehabilitation aimed at restoring functional movement.
If you are experiencing **knee pain, swelling, locking, clicking, or discomfort after a sports injury**, a specialist evaluation can help determine whether meniscus preservation or repair may be suitable for you.
