Meniscus treatment
The knee is the largest joint in the body and includes several cartilage sections that permit the joint to move smoothly. The cartilage that covers the ends of the bones acts as an anti-friction zone. When the bone-end cartilage becomes worn, from age or abuse, we say the patient suffers from osteoarthritis.
The meniscus (plural, menisci) are pieces of cartilage that keep the upper and lower parts of the knee aligned so that the stresses of normal activities are evenly distributed.
There is a meniscus on the inside of the knee, the medial, and on the outside of the knee, the lateral. These pieces of cartilage can be damaged by injury or by the normal processes of aging.
There are many variants of meniscus damage possible, depending on location and severity.
Appropriate meniscus treatment will depend on an accurate diagnosis. Orthopedic specialists may use X-Ray exams to determine the quality of the joint-end cartilages and they use the MRI scan to evaluate the quality of the meniscus cartilages.
The meniscus, if damaged or torn, may be able to heal itself
The outer part of the meniscus, called the red zone, is supplied with nutrients through blood vessels. Damage in this red zone can often heal itself naturally. The inner part of the meniscus, called the white zone, has very little blood supply, thus healing and regeneration is much slower.
Meniscus treatment, based on a complete expert diagnosis
May include non-surgical treatments of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy and careful exercise. Surgical intervention may include arthroscopy, which permits repair with a minimal incision and minimal recovery time. The ultimate surgical intervention is complete knee replacement with modern technological materials.
Some of the finest orthopedic surgeons are trained in Cuba. It is recognized worldwide that Cuban doctors are among the best in the world. Health Services International has helped many international patients to receive expert diagnosis and meniscus treatment in Cuba.
