Some people develop knee pain one year after meniscus surgery. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including difficulty in postoperative rehabilitation, re-tearing of cartilage, and development of arthritis.
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage between the knee bones. There are two for each knee joint. Meniscal surgery removes, trims, or repairs a torn meniscus.
This article discusses possible causes and associated treatment options for knee pain after meniscal surgery. We also consider potential long-term side effects of meniscal surgery and offer advice on when to consult your doctor. Finally, we answer frequently asked questions about meniscus surgery.
In some cases, people who have had meniscal surgery may develop knee pain some time afterward. Below are some possible causes of knee pain one year after meniscal surgery.
meniscal tears
Surgery to repair a torn meniscus may make you more susceptible to future meniscal tears and other meniscal injuries.
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A 2020 study also notes that the risk of re-tearing may vary depending on whether the surgeon removed part or all of the meniscus in the initial surgery.
A partial meniscectomy removes only the torn part of the meniscus, while a complete meniscectomy removes the entire meniscus to reduce pain. This surgery increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Other factors that can increase the risk of re-rupture include older age and contact sports.
inadequate rehabilitation
People undergoing meniscal surgery often need physical therapy as part of their rehabilitation. This improves joint strength, stability, and mobility, ultimately allowing you to return to normal activity.
Inadequate rehabilitation can impair the healing process and increase the risk of future injury. It can also put extra stress on your knees and cause walking problems that can lead to pain.
Some factors that can adversely affect rehabilitation include:
- missed a physical therapy appointment
- don’t practice as needed
- Premature return to certain physical activities
Treatment for knee pain after meniscal surgery depends on the underlying cause of the pain.
Treatment of torn cartilage
If the new knee pain is due to re-tearing of the meniscus, the person may need only conservative treatment.
- RICE stands for:
- holiday: Rest the affected knee to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- ice: Apply ice at short intervals throughout the day to reduce pain and inflammation.
- compression: Apply a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
- elevation: While sitting or lying down, raise the affected knee above heart level to reduce swelling.
- Steroid injection into the affected knee
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
If the above methods don’t work, you may need another surgery to repair the new tear or injury.
Knee arthroscopy (KA) is the most common procedure for meniscal tear repair.The risk of complications after this type of surgery is
Anecdotal evidence suggests that pain and swelling may occur after surgery.
Learn more about knee arthroscopy.
If you experience pain after meniscal surgery, it is recommended that you see your doctor. Your doctor will identify the cause of your pain and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
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Below are answers to frequently asked questions about meniscal surgery.
How long will my knee hurt after meniscal surgery?
The time it takes to recover from meniscus surgery depends partly on the type of surgery.
Typical recovery time for meniscal repair is about 3-6 months, as the damaged portion of the meniscus needs time to heal. For a meniscectomy, it is usually about 3-6 weeks. In either case, the person will likely experience some pain while the knee heals.
How can I tell if my meniscal repair has failed?
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other symptoms after meniscal surgery, you should contact your doctor. These may be signs that the person has re-injured the knee or has developed a post-operative complication that requires treatment.
Meniscal surgery repairs or removes torn cartilage in the knee. There are several types, but knee arthroscopy is the most common.
After meniscal surgery, a person may develop new knee pain. It can also occur due to postoperative complications such as arthritis.
New knee pain treatments may vary depending on the underlying cause. New symptoms should be discussed with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and proper treatment.