Is It Safe To Return To Sports After A Meniscectomy? The Long-Term Effects Of A Meniscus Injury

Is Your Knee Injury A Meniscus Tear?

For people who play sports or engage in other forms of physical activity, knee injuries are common. Pain, swelling, and discomfort are often signs of structural damage, such as a meniscus tear. The menisci are a pair of c-shaped cartilage that sit between the thigh and leg bones. The cartilage is responsible for shock absorption and protecting the knee from certain forces. However, the meniscus can tear or degenerate, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Some meniscus tears require surgery, such as meniscectomy. While effective, the procedure can impact future sports performance. Understanding the long-term impact of surgery and how best to navigate complications is instrumental in returning to sports.

How meniscus tears affect sports performance

There are various types of meniscus tears impacting different parts of the cartilage. The degree and severity of the injury can impact running, jumping, speed, and agility, which are essential skills for an athlete. Meniscus tears can lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort. The cartilage can also become lodged in the knee, reducing range of motion (ROM) and causing discomfort during movement. For athletes who depend on movement, meniscus tears impact performance, leading to extended periods on the sidelines. Statistics show that meniscus tears are particularly common in athletes, with some sports reporting an injury rate of 20% or higher.

Should you consider meniscectomy?

Some meniscus tears, like bucket handle tears, flap tears, and radial tears, continue to impact movement if not addressed surgically. The location, size, and depth of the tears can vary, but certain injuries can worsen if not treated. Meniscectomy is an effective surgical technique that removes the damaged or degenerative cartilage. The surgeon uses special tools to shave or cut away the damaged meniscus tissue. The surgery can be performed arthroscopically, so the patient can leave the hospital the same day and begin rehabilitation sooner. Meniscectomy is a difficult decision, as the operation involves removing essential cartilage instead of meniscal repair, which seeks to stitch the cartilage together. However, the procedure has more immediate benefits.

Pros and cons of cartilage removal

Meniscectomy has several advantages, namely, a quick improvement in pain and discomfort. Removing the damaged cartilage can also speed up knee function. The surgery eliminates tears that cause a locking or catching sensation. The procedure is also simpler and straightforward, with fewer complications. Meniscectomy is effective for most tears, including injuries that meniscal repair cannot fix. While effective, meniscectomy can impact long-term performance. The reduced cartilage means less shock absorption, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort. There’s also the risk of future knee injuries or degeneration, like osteoarthritis, which can impact athletic performance.

Is it safe to return to sports?

Athletes who undergo meniscectomy can safely return to sports after surgery and rehabilitation. Full meniscectomy recovery generally takes about 3-6 months for high-performance athletes. This time is necessary to reduce swelling, improve knee function, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Proper rehabilitation is critical to restoring flexibility, neuromuscular control, and athletic performance. However, the timeline to return to sports is different for each patient. Factors like the type of sport, patient age, injury history, and the degree of injury all play a role in the injury timeline.

Long-term considerations of meniscectomy

While an initial return to activity relatively quickly is possible, additional considerations exist for individuals hoping to continue sports long-term. After meniscectomy, the knee is prone to swelling, discomfort, and injury, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Rest is key between games to limit inflammation and promote healing. Proper warm-up, cool-down, and stretching can also ensure high performance and low chances of injury. Maintaining a healthy diet is also essential to support muscle growth and recovery. More importantly, identifying painful symptoms and consulting a physical therapist or doctor immediately can help to reduce the risk of future injury.

Make the right choice

Meniscus injury can have an immediate and long-term effect on athletic performance. In the short term, meniscus tears are painful and limit stability and knee function. Surgery such as meniscectomy can address the injury and reduce unpleasant symptoms, allowing athletes to return to sports. In the long term, the removal of part of the meniscus can place more shock and strain on the knee, leading to possible complications. Proper rehabilitation and after-care can prevent injury while allowing athletes to perform at a high level. Return to sports safely while keeping long-term complications top of mind.