Dr. Samih Tarabichi is one of the best Orthopaedic Surgeons in the UAE. He is a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon working at Burjeel Hospital, Dubai. With the experience of more than 35 years, he has operated on more than 14000 joint replacement surgeries. His interest lies in Meniscus injury, ACL Repair, Revision of failed ACL, Reconstruction Surgery, Conservative and surgical hip treatment, Tendon injury and muscle injuries, Minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries, etc. he has contributed to both national and international publications. Dr. Samih Tarabichi was invited as a guest speaker in CDE's, scientific conferences, and worldwide conferences to talk about Minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries.
Torn Meniscus
It is one of the most common knee injuries caused by any activity that forcefully twists or rotates your knee. It may occur when putting your full weight on it and can lead to a torn meniscus. Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage act like a cushion between your shinbone and your thighbone. A torn meniscus results in swelling, pain, and stiffness. A block to knee motion and trouble while extending your knee fully may also be observed. Sometimes conservative treatment such as rest, ice, and medication is enough to relieve the pain and give the injury time to heal on its own. In other cases torn meniscus requires surgical repair.
Symptoms
- Difficulty straightening the knee fully
- Feeling like knee is locked in place when you try to move it
- Feeling of the knee giving way
- A popping sensation
- Swelling or stiffness
- Pain on twisting or rotating your knee
Treatment
Initial treatment
It begins depending on the type, size, and location of the tear.
Tears associated with arthritis improve over time with the treatment of arthritis. In such cases, surgery usually isn't indicated. Other tears that aren't associated with locking or a block to knee motion become less painful over time, so they don't require any surgery.
Your doctor might recommend:
· Rest - Avoid activities that trigger knee pain like any activity that causes to twist, rotate or pivot the knee. If the pain is severe, crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing.
· Ice - Ice helps to reduce knee pain and swelling. A cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or ice cubes for 15 minutes at a time and keeping your knee elevated can help to relieve the pain.
· Medication - Pain relievers can help ease knee pain for time being.
Therapy
Physical therapy helps to strengthen the muscles around your knee and legs to help stabilize and support the knee joint.
Surgery
If there is a pain in the knee despite rehabilitative therapy or if the knee still locks, your doctor might recommend surgery. In children and young adults, it's sometimes possible to repair a torn meniscus. In case when the tear can't be repaired it will be surgically trimmed through tiny incisions using an arthroscope. After surgery regular exercises are necessary to increase and maintain knee strength and stability.
Take Away
If you have advanced, degenerative arthritis, the doctor might suggest a knee replacement. For all your queries feel free to contact one of the best Orthopaedic Surgeon in the UAE, Dr. Samih Tarabichi at Burjeel Hospital, Dubai.