In the knee joint, there are vesicles called meniscus, which are located inside and outside of the fibrocartilage structure that ensures the harmony between the thigh bone and the shinbone. The menisci act as a protective organ against the knee joint against excessive strain. For this reason, it is injured more frequently.
The outer meniscus is circular in structure and covers a large part of the articular surface. It is more mobile than the inner meniscus. Therefore, it is less injured.
Meniscus injuries differ according to the site of the injury. Healing is more difficult in central tears where there is no vascularity, while outer tears with good vascularity heal early.
Meniscal injuries require surgical procedure. The surgical procedure is either in the form of repair of the meniscus or in the form of complete removal of the meniscus, which we call meniscectomy. The surgical method used may differ. While surgery is performed by opening the knee joint in the method we call open surgery, in the method called arthroscopic surgery, the knee joint is entered through a small incision. This accelerates the healing process.
In addition, anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries in the knee joint may accompany meniscus injuries. In such cases, the picture may worsen and the patient's recovery period is prolonged.
The purpose of rehabilitation in meniscus injuries:
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Preventing intra-articular bleeding
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Preventing muscle loss of strength
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Accelerating tissue healing
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Strengthening the muscles
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To return to functions.
Rehabilitation process after open meniscectomy:
Exercises are started from the first day after open meniscectomy. Exercises and intensity are increased according to the patient's tolerance. Suitable electrotherapy methods and cold compresses are applied for pain-spasm and edema. From the first day, the patient is walked with crutches. If the patient is an athlete, he can return to sports from the fourth week.
Rehabilitation process after arthroscopic meniscectomy:
If meniscectomy is arthroscopically If done, the rehabilitation program is an earlier and faster program. From the first day, the patient can walk with full weight and if he is an athlete, he can return to sports in the third week. is the program. In the first week, walking with crutches is started with sole contact. However, towards the end of the third week, the patient walks with a 25% load. In the eighth week, the patient is walked with 100% loading. If he is an athlete, he cannot return to sports before the sixth month.
Anterior cruciate ligament tear:
The anterior cruciate ligament is the most elastic of the ligaments around the knee. Immobilization, aging, circulatory failures and repetitive traumas reduce the strength of the ligament and lower the rupture threshold. Anterior cruciate ligament tear is one of the most common injuries of the knee. It usually occurs when the knee turns inward during rotation and displacement movements. It is carried out with full body weight in the fourth and fifth weeks. At six and eight weeks, the patient gains a normal gait pattern. If he is a football player, he can play in the ninth and tenth months.
Posterior cruciate ligament tear:
Posterior cruciate ligament tear is less common. Tears occur in 70% of the tibia, 15% of the femur, and 15% of the midsection. With the bending of the knee, the stress on the posterior cruciate ligament increases, so the knee bending movement is restricted in the patient. On the first day, it is carried out with base contact without any load. It is carried out with full load at the end of the sixth week. Running starts in the fourth month, training in the sixth month and sports events in the 9-12 months.
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