Meniscus Tear Treatment | Keyhole Meniscus Surgery in Singapore

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Overview

What is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery?
Difference Between Keyhole (Laparoscopic) and Open Meniscus Surgery
Benefits of Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery?
How is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery Performed?
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Risks of Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery

What is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery?

Keyhole meniscus surgery, also known as laparoscopic or arthroscopic meniscus surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat meniscus injuries in the knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia).

When torn due to injury or degeneration, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. This procedure involves making small incisions around the knee and using a tiny camera (arthroscope) to guide specialised surgical instruments to repair or remove the damaged meniscus tissue.

Difference Between Keyhole (Laparoscopic) and Open Meniscus Surgery

The main difference between keyhole and open meniscus surgery lies in the approach used:

Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery: Uses small incisions (typically less than 1 cm), a camera for visualization, and specialised instruments for precise repair. It is minimally invasive, with a faster recovery time.
Open Meniscus Surgery: Requires a larger incision to directly access the knee joint. This approach is less common today due to longer recovery times and increased risk of complications.

Benefits of Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery

Keyhole surgery offers several advantages over open surgery, including:

Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions result in less trauma to surrounding tissues
Faster Recovery: Reduced downtime compared to open surgery
Lower Risk of Infection and Complications: Smaller wounds mean a lower chance of infection and bleeding

Reduced Postoperative Pain: Less tissue disruption leads to a more comfortable recovery
Better Cosmetic Outcome: Smaller scars compared to open surgery
Improved Precision: The arthroscope provides a clear, magnified view of the knee joint, allowing for more accurate surgical intervention

To find out if keyhole meniscus surgery is suitable for you, please reach out to us today for a detailed evaluation and advice.

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Who is a Suitable Candidate for Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery?

Patients who may benefit from keyhole meniscus surgery include:

Individuals experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or limited movement due to a meniscus tear
Athletes or active individuals with acute meniscus injuries from sports or exercise
Patients with degenerative meniscus tears causing ongoing discomfort
Individuals who have failed to respond to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication
Those without severe knee arthritis, as arthritis may limit the effectiveness of meniscus repair

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery?

How is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery Performed?

How is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery Performed?

The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia

Small incisions are made around the knee, and an arthroscope (tiny camera) is inserted to provide a detailed view of the knee joint

Depending on the extent of the injury, the surgeon will either repair the torn meniscus using sutures or remove the damaged portion (meniscectomy)

The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a dressing is applied

The patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged, typically on the same day

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery

After Surgery

Before Surgery

Preoperative assessment, including imaging (MRI, X-rays) to confirm the extent of the injury
Discussion with the surgeon regarding procedure details and expected outcomes
Avoiding certain medications that may increase bleeding risk
Fasting for a few hours if undergoing general anaesthesia

Risks of Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery

Risks of Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Meniscus Surgery

Although generally safe, keyhole meniscus surgery carries some risks, including:

Infection (though rare due to small incisions)
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Knee stiffness or persistent pain
Nerve or blood vessel damage (very rare)
Incomplete healing if the tear is not fully repaired
Potential need for additional surgery in cases of re-injury

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the meniscus tear and whether repair or removal is performed.

Some patients may need crutches for a few days to a week to reduce strain on the knee, especially if the meniscus is repaired rather than removed.

Most patients can resume light activities within 2 to 4 weeks. However, high-impact sports may require 6 to 8 weeks or longer for a full return.

Meniscus repair is aimed at preserving knee function, but removing the meniscus (meniscectomy) may slightly increase the risk of arthritis in the long term.

Small, stable tears on the outer edge of the meniscus may heal with rest, physical therapy, and medication. However, larger or complex tears often require surgical intervention.

While surgery repairs or removes the damaged part of the meniscus, new injuries or degenerative changes can lead to another tear, especially in active individuals or those with knee instability.