Meniscus Repair

Causes of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears can occur through different mechanisms:

• Traumatic Tears: These typically occur as a result of traumatic events such as sudden twisting, pivoting, or a direct blow to the knee, particularly in athletes and active individuals. They may frequently be accompanied by other knee injuries (e.g., ligament tears).
• Degenerative Tears: These can occur as a result of the weakening of meniscal tissue with age, without significant trauma or with only very mild strain (e.g., squatting).

What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?

The following symptoms may indicate a meniscus tear:

• Knee pain, especially pain that increases with movement.
• Joint swelling (effusion).
• A sensation of catching, locking, or giving way during movement.
• Difficulty fully extending or bending the knee (restricted range of motion).
• A feeling of instability or the knee giving out.

If you are experiencing symptoms of this kind, it is important to consult an orthopedic specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The Diagnostic Process: How Is an Accurate Diagnosis Made?

A scientific and comprehensive evaluation is essential in diagnosing meniscus tears:

1. Clinical Evaluation: A detailed patient history is taken and a careful physical examination is performed. Suspected tears are assessed using specific meniscus tests.
2. Imaging Methods:
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This is the most valuable method for diagnosing meniscus tears. It shows the type, location, and size of the tear, as well as any accompanying pathologies (ligament or cartilage damage, etc.) in detail.
   • X-ray: Used to evaluate the bony structures and rule out other possible problems (fracture, osteoarthritis).

Modern Approaches to Meniscus Tear Treatment

The choice of treatment is personalized according to the characteristics of the tear, the patient’s age, activity level, and expectations. The core principle is to preserve meniscal tissue as much as possible.

• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

  • Purpose: To restore anatomical integrity and function by repairing the torn meniscal tissue, thereby preserving the knee’s natural structure and safeguarding its long-term health. This is an ideal option particularly for tears in the outer region, where blood supply to the meniscus is good, and for younger patients.
  • Technique: Performed using knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive method. Using a camera and specialized instruments inserted into the joint through small incisions, the edges of the torn meniscus are brought together with appropriate suturing techniques or implants. The repair technique used is determined by the characteristics of the tear.

• Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

  • Purpose: To remove portions of the meniscus that are not suitable for repair (e.g., degenerative, complex tears, or tears in regions without blood supply) and that are causing mechanical symptoms.
  • Technique: Arthroscopically, only the damaged, non-functional portion of the meniscus is carefully removed without harming healthy tissue. In this procedure, preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible is essential.

Post-Surgical Recovery and Rehabilitation

Postoperative rehabilitation is critical to a successful surgical outcome. Patients follow a personalized, structured program carried out under the guidance of experienced physiotherapists:

• Early Phase: Protecting the knee (e.g., with a brace), restricting weight-bearing (especially after repair), and controlling pain and swelling.
• Intermediate and Advanced Phase: Gradual range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training, and preparation for return to activity and sport.
• Follow-Up: The recovery process varies depending on the procedure performed and individual factors, and is monitored with regular check-ups.

Expertise and Experience

• Advanced Surgical Techniques: At our clinic, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Murat Bozkurt, who has extensive experience in knee surgery and arthroscopic methods, the principles of meniscus-preserving surgery are adopted. Current and effective treatment methods, particularly arthroscopic meniscus repair, are successfully applied.
• Personalized Planning: Each patient’s condition is evaluated in detail, and personalized treatment plans are created based on the most current scientific evidence.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Throughout the entire process, from diagnosis to the completion of rehabilitation, patient education and multidisciplinary teamwork are given priority.

Meniscus Repair in Ankara: With Prof. Dr. Murat Bozkurt, “Don’t Lose Your Knee, Repair It”

The menisci are “C”-shaped cartilage cushions located inside the knee joint. Their functions are to distribute body weight evenly across the knee surface, absorb shocks, and maintain joint stability. The procedure once commonly used for meniscus tears—removing the torn portion (meniscectomy)—has today given way to the philosophy of “meniscus repair.” Meniscus repair in Ankara is a specialty of Prof. Dr. Murat Bozkurt, who, guided by the principle “the meniscus is your knee’s passport,” aims to preserve the meniscus through suturing whenever possible.

Removing even a portion of the meniscus can increase the load on that region by up to 300% and lead to early-onset osteoarthritis. For this reason, “repairing” the meniscus instead of “discarding” it is the greatest investment you can make in your knee’s future.

Meniscus Repair or Meniscus Removal?

Not every tear may be suitable for suturing, but modern surgical techniques are increasing the chances of repair every day.

Arthroscopic Repair Techniques: Precision from Inside Out

Prof. Dr. Murat Bozkurt applies the most advanced, internationally recognized closed (arthroscopic) suturing methods according to the location and type of the tear:

• All-Inside: Suturing tears in the posterior portion of the meniscus using specialized devices, without any additional incision in the knee.

• Inside-Out: The most robust suturing method for tears in the middle and anterior portions of the meniscus.

• Outside-In: A precise technique particularly preferred for tears of the anterior horn of the meniscus.

• Root Repair: A highly specialized surgery performed when the meniscus detaches at the “root” point where it attaches to the bone, restoring the knee’s entire biomechanics.

Recovery After Meniscus Repair: Patience Leads to a Healthy Knee

Meniscus sutures need time to “heal.” During this process, the patient must remain disciplined:

1. Weight-Bearing: Depending on the type of surgery, full weight-bearing on the leg is not allowed for the first 4-6 weeks, and crutches are used.

2. Brace: A special hinged brace that limits the knee’s flexion angle is used.

3. Physical Therapy: In our physical therapy protocols in Ankara, a special program is applied to strengthen the surrounding muscles (quadriceps) without placing load on the meniscus.

4. Full Recovery: Complete healing of the meniscus and return to sport typically takes between 4 and 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does meniscus repair cost in Ankara?

The cost of meniscus suturing is determined by the size of the tear, the number of sutures required, and the quality of the suture materials used (meniscal cinch, etc.). Keep in mind that preserving the meniscus is far more economical than the cost of a future joint replacement surgery.

Can every meniscus tear be sutured?

Unfortunately, no. Multi-fragment tears in areas with no blood supply, known as the “white zone,” sometimes cannot be sutured. However, 90% of tears in well-vascularized areas, known as the “red zone,” can be successfully repaired.

What happens if the sutures fail?

If the meniscus does not heal and the sutures fail, the pain persists. In this case, the unsuccessful portion can be cleaned up arthroscopically, or meniscus transplant options may be considered.

Ankara Meniscus Repair Center Appointments and Contact

Don’t lose your meniscus—save it for your pain-free days ahead. By reaching out regarding Ankara meniscus repair and complex knee surgeries, to which Prof. Dr. Murat Bozkurt has contributed through international literature, you can make the best decision to protect your joint.