The knee bears most of the body weight all your life and that is the reason why it is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body. The meniscus is a cartilage in the knee that functions as a “shock absorber”. There are two menisci in the knee; one on the inside (or medial side) and one on the outside (or lateral side) of the knee. Tears in the meniscus may occur as a result of an acute injury, such as a twisting injury or hyperextension injury, says one of the finest knee surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Adam Farber of the Phoenix Shoulder and Knee Clinic. Meniscal tears may also be a result of chronic wear-and-tear. Meniscal tears are often the cause of knee pain and knee injury. Symptoms of meniscal tears include pain, swelling, tenderness, and mechanical symptoms such as locking and popping. A meniscal tear should be accurately diagnosed since all tears can be different. The best knee surgeon in Phoenix AZ, Dr. Farber, makes a diagnosis based upon the symptoms, a thorough examination of the patient, X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if required. The meniscal tear can also be indicated by tenderness over the joint line where the meniscus is torn, swelling, and sometimes loss of motion.
Once the diagnosis of a meniscal tear is made, the top knee surgeon in Phoenix, AZ will discuss your treatment plan with you. For most people who have a symptomatic meniscal tear, arthroscopic surgery is selected to remove or repair the torn tissue.
SIMPLICITY
Modern arthroscopic surgery has transformed how knee surgery is performed. Earlier, a meniscal tear required a big incision, open surgery and a stay in the hospital. Now such tears can be repaired with the help of an arthroscope through two smaller incisions. One of the best knee surgeons in Phoenix AZ, Dr. Farber performs arthroscopy surgery on an outpatient basis in a short duration. The surgery can usually be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
QUICK RECOVERY
Since the surgery is minimally invasive and there is least trauma to the surrounding tissue, recovery from arthroscopic meniscal tear surgery is relatively faster. Most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks. There is significant pain relief and the pain during recovery is quite minimal. Although meniscal tears are very common and painful, these injuries can be quickly, easily, and successfully identified and treated by the top knee surgeon in Phoenix AZ who is Board certified and Fellowship trained in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine.
To discuss your case with the one of the best knee surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Farber, call 480-219-3342 or visit www.phoenixshoulderandknee.com TODAY.