How a knee meniscus transplant from your orthopaedic surgeons in West Covina, CA, can strengthen your knee
If you are active, it’s very easy to suffer a knee injury. Your knee is a complex joint that performs a wide variety of functions like helping you walk, stand, and support your weight.
Your knee joint contains an area of cartilage known as the meniscus, which cushions your bones. The meniscus can become damaged, leading to bone-on-bone friction and considerable knee pain. The good news is, your orthopaedic surgeon can help.
The orthopaedic surgeons at Samimi Orthopaedic Group offer comprehensive orthopaedic services, including knee meniscus transplant surgery. They have two convenient office locations in West Covina, and Brentwood, CA to help you.
One option to treat a meniscus problem is repairing it, but sometimes it’s too badly damaged. For a badly damaged meniscus, sometimes a total knee replacement may be recommended, but there is another option, a meniscus transplant!
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, meniscus transplant patients must meet a select group of criteria, which are:
- You must be younger than 55
- You must be physically active
- More than half of your meniscus must be missing
- You experience chronic knee pain when you are active
- Your knee has stable ligaments and is in normal alignment
- You have no or minimal arthritis in your knee
- You are not obese
During meniscus transplant surgery, the damaged meniscus is removed and replaced with donor cartilage, known as an allograft. The procedure is performed arthroscopically, either as an outpatient or inpatient.
After meniscus transplant surgery, wearing a knee brace and using crutches is advised for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Physical therapy is begun after your pain and swelling subside. You may not be able to go to work for at least 2 weeks, and as your orthopaedic surgeon recommends.
To find out more about knee meniscus transplant surgery and other orthopaedic services, call the orthopaedic surgeons of Samimi Orthopaedic Group in West Covina, CA, at (626) 338-7391, or at their office in Brentwood/West LA at (310) 606-2156. Call now!