MENISCAL TRIMMING (PARTIAL MENISCECTOMY)
- Method
- Arthroscopic partial removal of the meniscus
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Recovery time
- 2 to 6 weeks
Meniscal trimming (partial meniscectomy)
Meniscal trimming – also called partial meniscectomy – is an arthroscopic procedure for removing damaged or torn parts of the meniscus. The aim is to preserve the meniscus while removing pain, catching and restricted movement. The frayed or unstable parts are removed carefully and the remaining edges of the meniscus smoothed.
When is meniscal trimming worthwhile?
The operation is an option where there is degenerative or traumatic damage to the meniscus that can no longer be treated conservatively. Typical symptoms are pain on the inner or outer side of the knee under load, locking or grinding noises. Where a meniscus is torn in the part that has no blood supply (the white zone) in particular, a repair is not possible, so that trimming is the best available treatment.
How does the operation proceed?
The procedure is minimally invasive, using keyhole technique. The knee joint is visualised with a camera through two small incisions and the affected meniscal tissue removed precisely. As much healthy meniscus as possible is preserved. The operation takes about 30 minutes and can usually be carried out as a day case.
Mobilisation is possible immediately after the operation. Depending on how much was removed, partial weight-bearing for a few days makes sense. Fitness for work is usually restored after a few days to two weeks – depending on the job and on the symptoms.
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Rehabilitation after meniscal trimming
Aftercare following meniscal trimming is usually straightforward. Mobilisation is adapted to the pain, with physiotherapy support. Depending on how much tissue was removed and on the state of the joint, the load can be increased step by step over a few weeks.
Week 1: early mobilisation
- Immediate full weight-bearing possible as pain allows
- Cooling, elevation and reducing inflammation are the priorities
- No immobilisation needed
- Early functional mobilisation exercises (active bending and straightening)
- Crutches only if needed, for 1-3 days
Weeks 2-4: load training and activating the muscles
- Physiotherapy: movement, co-ordination, building up muscle
- Closed-chain training (for instance step-ups, leg press)
- Balance exercises on unstable surfaces
- Exercise-bike training possible (without resistance from day 5-7)
Weeks 4-6: return to everyday life and sport
- Full loading possible depending on progress
- Work (including standing and walking jobs) usually possible again
- Light sporting activities (cycling, swimming) permitted
- No contact sport or intensive jogging before week 6
Our meniscus specialists
Experienced specialists for meniscal trimming and knee surgery
Dr. med. Friedrich Quarck
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery
Prof. Dr. med. Gerrit Bode
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, additional qualification in specialist trauma surgery
Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Feucht
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Dr. med. Ralph Mayer
Consultant in Orthopaedics, specialist orthopaedic surgery