Meniscus & Cartilage Repair Specialist

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is a layer of cartilage sandwiched between the leg bones in your knee. You have two C-shaped menisci, one on the inner part of the knee and the other on the outer side.

The menisci cushion the bones, stabilize the knee joint, and absorb shock. Most importantly, they spread out the intense pressure placed on the knee joint when you walk, run, and jump. Spreading out the force on the joint protects the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the two leg bones.

How is the meniscus damaged?

Meniscus tears most often occur when you forcefully twist your knee or suddenly stop running. The cartilage also slowly degenerates as you get older. As a result, older adults can easily tear the menisci with a minor injury or normal movement like squatting. 

How is articular cartilage damaged?

Articular cartilage is smooth and slippery, which allows the leg bones to glide smoothly in the knee joint. This cartilage commonly develops holes and tears from daily wear and tear. It also sustains damage during athletic injuries. As articular cartilage breaks down and exposes the bone, you develop osteoarthritis.

What challenges affect meniscus and cartilage repair?

Articular cartilage seldom repairs itself because it doesn't have a direct blood supply. Instead, it depends on getting nourishment from the underlying bone.

Even if it gets enough blood to heal, the new cartilage that grows in is dense fibrocartilage, which doesn’t provide the same protection as the original articular cartilage.

The outer thirds of each meniscus, called the red zone, has a good blood supply and often heals with non-surgical care. But the inner two-thirds, the white zone, lack a blood supply. Without blood, that part of the meniscus can't heal.

How do orthopedic surgeons perform a meniscus repair?

Dr. Codjoe repairs the meniscus and articular cartilage using minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. He specializes in several procedures to repair the meniscus, including:

Partial meniscectomy

Dr. Codjoe removes the damaged part of the meniscus, and then eliminates frayed or damaged edges to create a smooth surface.

Meniscus repair

Whenever possible, Dr. Codjoe repairs the tear rather than removing any of the meniscus. He uses stitches or suture anchors to bring the torn pieces together.

Meniscal transplant surgery

In severe injuries, Dr. Codjoe removes the entire meniscus. If you're under 40 years old and your articular cartilage is in good shape, you may be a good candidate for a meniscus transplant. Dr. Codjoe replaces the damaged meniscus with cartilage from a donor bank.

How do orthopedic surgeons perform cartilage repair?

Dr. Codjoe has several choices of procedures for repairing damaged articular cartilage, including:

Restorative surgery

If you get restorative surgery, Dr. Codjoe places tissues in the damaged areas that promote the growth of new articular cartilage.

Microfracture

Dr. Codjoe uses a special tool to make holes in the bone under the cartilage. That activates the healing response, promotes a fresh blood supply, and encourages new fibrocartilage growth to repair the cartilage.

Abrasion arthroplasty

During abrasion arthroplasty, Dr. Codjoe uses a burr to scrape the surface of the bone under the articular cartilage. Like a microfracture, that activates healing and produces new fibrocartilage.

Arthroscopic debridement

Using arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Codjoe trims away rough edges in the cartilage and removes loose fragments.

If you need a repair for meniscus and cartilage problems in your knee, call Paul Codjoe, MD, or book an appointment online today.