Meniscus Surgery in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, CA
Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS, provides orthopedic evaluation for meniscus tears and related knee conditions in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. Treatment recommendations are based on the type of injury, your symptoms, activity goals, and overall knee health.
What is Meniscal Surgery?
Meniscal surgery is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of torn or damaged meniscal tissues in the knee. It is mostly performed as a minimally invasive keyhole procedure.
What is Anatomy of the Meniscus?
Two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces are present between the thighbone and the shinbone. These are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers.
What are Meniscal Tears?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a traumatic meniscal tear. The elderly are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.
What are the Symptoms of Meniscal Tears?
A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in your knee, making you unable to move your knee through its complete range of motion.
How are Meniscal Tears Diagnosed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will examine your knee, evaluate your symptoms and medical history before suggesting a treatment plan.
What is the Treatment for Meniscal Tears?
The treatment of a meniscal tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. If the tear is small, with damage limited to the outer edge of the meniscus, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. However, if the symptoms do not resolve with non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment of Meniscal Tears
Knee arthroscopy is the commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears. The surgical treatment options include:
- Meniscus removal (meniscectomy)
- Meniscus repair
- Meniscus replacement
Surgery can be performed using arthroscopy where a small camera will be inserted through a small incision, which enables your surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen.
The surgery will be performed through other small incisions. During meniscectomy, small instruments called shavers or scissors may be used to remove the torn meniscus.
In arthroscopic meniscus repair, the torn meniscus will be pinned or sutured depending on the extent of the tear.
Meniscus replacement or transplantation involves the replacement of a torn cartilage with the cartilage obtained from a donor or a cultured patch obtained from the laboratory. It is considered as a treatment option to relieve knee pain if you have undergone meniscectomy.
Why Choose Dr. Alireza Nazemi for Meniscus Surgery in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita?
Meniscus injuries can cause knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities or sports. Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS, provides orthopedic care focused on evaluating knee injuries and helping patients understand their treatment options. With a background in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, he considers the type and severity of the meniscus tear, the patient's activity level, and overall knee health when discussing an appropriate treatment approach.
Patients seeking meniscus surgery in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita can receive an evaluation to determine whether nonsurgical treatment, meniscus repair, or another surgical option may be appropriate. Treatment planning also considers associated knee injuries and the patient's goals for recovery. When surgery is recommended, rehabilitation and follow-up care are important parts of working toward improved knee function and a safe return to daily activities.
Meniscus Surgery FAQs
What symptoms may indicate a meniscus tear?
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, locking, or difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee. A medical evaluation can help identify the cause.
Does every meniscus tear require surgery?
No. Some meniscus tears may improve with activity modification, physical therapy, and other nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist or the tear's type and location make surgical treatment appropriate.
What is the difference between meniscus repair and meniscus removal?
Meniscus repair involves stitching the torn tissue to help it heal, when the tear is suitable for repair. Partial meniscectomy removes the damaged portion of the meniscus. The recommended approach depends on the tear's characteristics and the condition of the knee.
What is a meniscus root tear?
A meniscus root tear affects the area where the meniscus attaches to the bone. This can interfere with the meniscus's ability to distribute forces across the knee and may require specialized treatment.
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
An orthopedic evaluation may include a review of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging such as an MRI when indicated. These findings help determine the tear's location, severity, and treatment options.
How long does recovery from meniscus surgery take?
Recovery varies depending on the type of tear and procedure performed. Some patients need crutches and restricted weight-bearing for several weeks after a repair, followed by structured physical therapy. Your surgeon will provide guidance based on your procedure and progress.
When can I return to sports after meniscus surgery?
Return to sports depends on healing, strength, range of motion, and the type of surgery. It may take several months, particularly after a meniscus root repair. Clearance should be based on clinical progress rather than a set timeline alone.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Some tears may improve with nonsurgical care, but healing depends on factors such as the tear's location, pattern, and blood supply. Meniscus root tears may need closer evaluation because they can affect the knee's ability to absorb and distribute load.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist for knee pain?
Consider an evaluation if knee pain or swelling persists, the knee repeatedly catches or locks, or symptoms interfere with walking, work, or sports. Seek prompt medical attention if you cannot bear weight after an injury or have severe swelling or pain.
Where can I get evaluated for meniscus surgery near Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita?
Dr. Alireza Nazemi sees patients in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. An appointment can help clarify the diagnosis and determine which treatment options may fit your needs.
Meniscus Surgery in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, CA
Whether you are dealing with a sports-related tear or a meniscus injury that developed over time, an evaluation can help you understand your options and the next steps toward recovery.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alireza Nazemi in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita, CA, to discuss your knee symptoms and meniscus treatment options.
