The ability to change direction after Meniscus Surgery Medial meniscus tears and medial partial meniscectomies can damage or remove mechanoreceptors in the meniscus; this inevitably affects knee joint proprioception (the sense of how the knee is oriented). Few studies have addressed this subject and none has examined balance in response to sudden perturbation (change of direction) which requires complex coordination. (This research) indicated that meniscus tears reduced patients' ability to respond to unidirectional perturbation and adapt to environmental changes. Even 1 year postoperatively, balance after sudden unidirectional perturbation on the affected side was weaker than that of controls. Magyar MO, Knoll Z, Kiss RM. Effect of medial meniscus tear and partial meniscectomy on balancing capacity in response to sudden unidirectional perturbation. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012 Feb 6. [Epub ahead of print]
Are you athletic? play sports? The idea that you may not be able to cut and change direction is a concern? Then read these articles on PRP and Prolotherapy and the meniscus.
Don't bother fixing the ACL if you remove the meniscus!
Writing in the medical journal Arthroscopy, researchers said they were concerned about the number of patients who had both ACL reconstruction and Meniscectomy. Here is what they said, "this study found that meniscectomy was performed in 65% of meniscus tears. This is concerning because studies have shown that, regardless of knee stability obtained after ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy accelerates degenerative joint changes."
Prolotherapy with Platelet Rich Plasma is a Good Alternative Treatment for a Torn Meniscus
It is rare that we send a patient with a torn meniscus for surgery. We have sent a few for surgery in the past, but it has been a long time. Comprehensive Prolotherapy works very well for a degenerated meniscus and meniscus tears and even more so when platelet rich plasma (PRP) is added to the dextrose Prolotherapy. We use the PRP solution to inject into the tear itself, and use strong dextrose Prolotherapy solution to treat the underlying joint instability by treating the surrounding structures to provide stability and strength in order to stop the process from occuring again. If the overall joint instability is not also addressed and just one or two shots of PRP are used, typically the patient does not fully heal.
Meniscus Degeneration Leads to Articular cartilage degeneration
Another reason Prolotherapy is needed, sometimes including PRP Prolotherapy, or even stem cell Prolotherapy. The menisci of the knee play a vital role in load transmission, shock absorption, and joint stability. A recent study has confirmed that the knee menisci are active participants in the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, menisci and articular cartilage specimens were collected from OA patients who underwent joint replacement surgery and lower limb amputation surgery patients for osteosarcoma (normal control specimens), and then graded. The meniscus cells were expanded in culture and subsequently, the gene expression of the meniscus cells was examined.
Let Dr. Hauser explain how we treat Meniscal problems
Are you athletic? play sports? The idea that you may not be able to cut and change direction is a concern? Then read these articles on