Meniscal Surgeon in Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC
Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, are at risk of meniscus tears due to trauma (sudden bend or twist in the knee). Degenerative meniscal tears are common in the elderly due to age factor. Blake Ohlson, M.D., provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Mount Pleasant, SC. Blake Ohlson, M.D. also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Blake Ohlson, M.D.’s office for an appointment today!
What is Meniscal Surgery?
Meniscal surgery is a surgical procedure employed for the treatment of torn or damaged meniscal tissues in the knee. It is mostly performed as a minimally invasive keyhole procedure.
What is Anatomy of the Meniscus?
Two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces are present between the thighbone and the shinbone. These are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers.
What are Meniscal Tears?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a traumatic meniscal tear. The elderly are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.
What are the Symptoms of Meniscal Tears?
A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in your knee, making you unable to move your knee through its complete range of motion.
How are Meniscal Tears Diagnosed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will examine your knee, evaluate your symptoms and medical history before suggesting a treatment plan.
What is the Treatment for Meniscal Tears?
The treatment of a meniscal tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. If the tear is small, with damage limited to the outer edge of the meniscus, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. However, if the symptoms do not resolve with non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment of Meniscal Tears
Knee arthroscopy is the commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears. The surgical treatment options include:
- Meniscus removal (meniscectomy)
- Meniscus repair
- Meniscus replacement
Surgery can be performed using arthroscopy where a small camera will be inserted through a small incision, which enables your surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen.
The surgery will be performed through other small incisions. During meniscectomy, small instruments called shavers or scissors may be used to remove the torn meniscus.
In arthroscopic meniscus repair, the torn meniscus will be pinned or sutured depending on the extent of the tear.
Meniscus replacement or transplantation involves the replacement of a torn cartilage with the cartilage obtained from a donor or a cultured patch obtained from the laboratory. It is considered as a treatment option to relieve knee pain if you have undergone meniscectomy.
If you would like to have additional information on meniscal tears or would like to learn more about meniscal surgery, please contact Blake Ohlson, M.D., serving the communities of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Meniscal Surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Meniscal injuries require an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines extensive orthopedic expertise with modern arthroscopic techniques to preserve knee function while helping patients recover safely and efficiently.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation of acute and degenerative meniscal tears
- Expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic meniscal surgery
- Personalized treatment plans based on the type, location, and severity of the tear
- Advanced diagnostic imaging for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning
- A focus on preserving healthy meniscal tissue whenever possible
- Individualized rehabilitation programs to restore strength, flexibility, and knee stability
- Compassionate, patient-centered care focused on long-term joint health and mobility
Whether your goal is returning to sports, remaining active, or simply moving without pain, Dr. Ohlson develops a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and recovery goals.
FAQs About Meniscal Surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC
When is meniscal surgery necessary?
Meniscal surgery may be recommended when a torn meniscus continues to cause pain, swelling, locking, or limited knee movement despite conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or activity modification.
Is meniscal surgery performed arthroscopically?
Yes. Most meniscal procedures are performed arthroscopically using small incisions, a miniature camera, and specialized surgical instruments. This minimally invasive approach generally results in less tissue disruption and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
What types of meniscal surgery are available?
Depending on the injury, treatment may involve repairing the torn meniscus, removing the damaged portion of the cartilage (partial meniscectomy), or, in select cases, meniscus transplantation or replacement.
How long does recovery take after meniscal surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. Patients undergoing a partial meniscectomy often recover more quickly, while meniscus repair requires a longer healing period to allow the repaired tissue to recover properly.
Will I need physical therapy after meniscal surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery and helps restore knee strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion while supporting a safe return to work, sports, and other daily activities.