Meniscectomy and Treatment of Knee ligaments (conventional or arthroscopic)
Arthroscopic meniscectomy and ligamentoplasty are procedures which can be undertaken in combination, both procedures being associated with parts of the knee - the meniscus and ligaments.
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Knee arthroscopy is indicated for the treatment of meniscus pathologies, such as joint cartilage lesions, osteochondral lesions, loose bodies within the knee, advanced synovitis, cruciate ligament ruptures and some tibia plateau fractures.
Ligamentoplasty is indicated for the treatment of ligament injuries.
To perform a meniscectomy, the surgeon introduces the arthroscope to properly diagnose the problem, using a video image to guide the probe.
He then commences ligamentoplasty or ligament reconstruction, performed by replacing the damaged ligament with a substitute graft which may be a section of the tendon or hamstrings, either belonging to the patient or alternatively taken from a corpse.
Direct stitching of a broken ligament does not work properly, the purpose of surgery being the placement of the substitute graft at the tension point of the original ligament. The graft may be set using screws, wires or pins.
Ligament rupture often produces meniscus lesions, reconstruction of the ligament being then required.
The doctor will indicate requirements, specific to each patient.
Total or regional
One or two days
After surgery, the patient will experience oedema and knee pain, and should always use walking aids. A month and a half after the surgery, the aids will no longer be needed or can partially be done away with, although walking on firm ground only is still advised.
Usually after two months the edema will have completely disappeared, as well as the pain.
Muscular recovery should be phased and progressive. Initially, exercises that strain the “neo-ligament” must not be undertaken.
Doctors who perform this medical procedure
Orthopedist e Chairman of Clínica Espregueira Mendes
Graduated in Medicine in 1985 from Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto. In January 1994, he obtained the degree in Orthopedics and Traumatology with the final grade of 20,0 points – the highest grade possible. Since then, he is Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology by the Portuguese Medical Board.
In 1995, applied for the role of Hospital Assistant of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Hospital de São João, being accepted in first place with 20,0 points. In July 20th of 1995, received his PHD in Orthopedics and Traumatology from Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, being approved with unanimity, distinction and honors. His PHD thesis has the title: “Chronic Injuries of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)”.
In October 1998, applied for the Direction of the Orthopedics and Traumatology service of Hospital São Sebastião and was nominated Director. Created from scratch the Orthopedics Service, part of a new management model of public hospitals with each director being responsible for an annual contract-program. In February 22nd of 2002, received the degree of Orthopedics Consultant of the Hospital Medical Career. From 2004 to 2008 he was the President of the Portuguese Society of Arthroscopy and Traumatology. In November 2005, was hired by Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade do Minho has a guest associate professor, responsible for the area of Orthopedics and Traumatology.
In November 2005, he became the Director of Clínica Saúde Atlântica – Clínica do Dragão. He is the Chairman of Clínica Espregueira - FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence - ESSKA and ISAKOS official center. President of the European Society of Knee Surgery, Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) from 2012 to 2014.
Languages: Portuguese and English.