Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like a meniscectomy in Kansas City.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, a menisectomy may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with severe knee and leg pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician before surgery for specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

The type of meniscus surgery that’s performed will normally be decided well before your actual surgery. In the case of a meniscectomy, the decision to operate is made depending on the location or severity of the tear.

Your provider can generally treat minor meniscus tears without any surgery. However, if conservative and non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms and restore function, a meniscectomy in Kansas City may be your best option. This is especially true if there is a significant tear identified on imaging or if the knee is locking or giving out with activities.

Though there are a number of different meniscus surgeries that a Board Certified surgeon at KCOA can perform, a meniscectomy focuses on removing meniscus fragments to prevent any interference with joint movement. The amount of damaged tissue that needs to be removed will be determined by the size and location of the tear, your symptoms, and your activity level.

Though your orthopedic surgeon can make recommendations for a partial or full meniscectomy, the final decision is ultimately a collaborative one. You, your provider, your family, and others will decide whether this treatment works best for your individual needs.

The most common methodology for performing a meniscectomy is arthroscopy, which involves the use of general anesthesia and the insertion of a lighted tube and a tiny camera into the knee through small incisions. With these tools, your surgeon can locate the tear and remove the damaged tissue. An arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home that same day.

A patient’s recovery plan and timeline will vary based on a variety of factors, including age, activity level, goals, and more. However, taking care of your body will be essential to ensure optimal results from your meniscus surgery.

Following your procedure, patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and possible numbness in the treatment area. Rest and ice will be critical immediately following surgery. Your provider may also provide you with pain medications, crutches, a brace, and more.

The full recovery timeline will likely take multiple weeks, depending on the amount and location of tissue removed, your response to treatment, and your goals post-procedure.

To see the best results from your treatment, strict adherence to your recovery plan will be crucial. This can include physical therapy, rehab, rest, icing, and more.