What are the risks of a meniscal root repair?

Risks specific to the repair

• Incomplete healing or loosening: the root may not heal firmly to bone, and the meniscus can drift outward again over time
• Re-tear: a new injury or early deep bending can pull the repair apart
• Continuing arthritis: repair aims to slow wear but cannot reverse existing damage, so symptoms from arthritis may persist
• Further surgery: some patients later need revision repair, an osteotomy or a knee replacement

General risks of knee surgery

• Stiffness, especially if early movement exercises are not kept up
• Blood clots in the leg veins, higher with reduced weight-bearing; prevention is usually advised
• Infection of the wound or, rarely, the joint
• Numbness around the incisions, and rarely injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels
• Pain or prominence from the button on the shin bone
• Risks of anaesthesia, which the anaesthetist discusses beforehand

How the risks are reduced

Choosing the right knee for repair is the most important step: good cartilage, acceptable alignment and a motivated patient. During surgery, secure fixation and correcting significant bow legs when needed protect the repair. Afterwards, sticking to the weight-bearing limits, doing physiotherapy, staying hydrated in Qatar's heat and taking clot prevention as prescribed all lower the risk of problems.

When to call

Contact Aman Hospital in Doha straight away for fever, a hot or increasingly red knee, discharge from a wound, calf pain or swelling, chest pain or breathlessness. Also call if you feel a sudden pop with new pain. Dr. Gelber explains the individual risks for your knee at consultation so you can decide with full information.