Meniscal tears are a common knee injury that can cause significant pain and limit your mobility. This guide explains what meniscal repair surgery involves and why Mr Kenan Dehne is a leading choice for this procedure in the UK.
🦵 Understanding Your Knee and the Meniscus
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage in each knee that act as shock absorbers, distribute weight evenly, and provide stability. A tear can happen during sports (twisting or pivoting) or through gradual wear and tear, especially with age.
Symptoms of a tear include:
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee
- A catching or locking sensation
- Feeling like your knee is giving way (buckling)
🏥 What is Meniscal Repair Surgery?
Your treatment plan will depend on the tear’s type, size, and location. For complex tears where the meniscus has little chance of healing on its own, surgery is often the best path forward.
Meniscal repair surgery aims to preserve the natural meniscus tissue by stitching the torn edges back together. Mr Dehne performs this procedure using keyhole surgery, where he inserts a tiny camera and specialised instruments through small cuts to precisely place sutures and repair the cartilage.
⚖️ Meniscal Repair vs. Meniscectomy
When surgery is required, there are two main approaches: meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy (removal of the damaged portion).
Meniscal Repair preserves the natural tissue, which is crucial for long-term joint health. Studies show repair is superior in saving knee biomechanics and decreasing the progression of osteoarthritis. However, the recovery period is longer, with restrictions on weight-bearing for up to six weeks.
Partial Meniscectomy often leads to a faster initial recovery, with patients typically returning to sport sooner. However, removing meniscus tissue increases the long-term risk of developing knee arthritis.
🔄 The Road to Recovery
Mr Dehne’s expertise ensures a well-managed rehabilitation pathway. Here is a general timeline:
- Immediately After Surgery: You will likely be given a knee brace and crutches, with instructions to limit how much weight you put on your leg. It’s normal to have some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with ice and prescribed pain relief.
- Physiotherapy: This is the most critical part of your recovery. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a tailored programme to regain strength and motion. The specific exercises you can do will depend on the location of your repair.
- Return to Activity:
- Walking without crutches: 4 to 6 weeks
- Driving: 4 to 6 weeks (provided you are not taking opioids and have good control of your leg)
- Running, squatting, and pivoting sports: Several months, and only after you have met specific strength and functional criteria.
🌟 Why Choose Mr Kenan Dehne for Your Meniscal Repair?
Mr Kenan Dehne is a highly experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee surgery. He has a particular interest in preserving the knee’s natural structures, including the meniscus, and is a recognised expert in meniscal repair surgery.
Mr Dehne’s outstanding reputation is built on a foundation of clinical excellence and exceptional patient feedback:
- Excellent Outcomes: He has developed a large practice of joint surgery with a “very good record of patients’ outcome and safety”.
- Exceptional Patient Satisfaction: An impressive 99% of patients surveyed said they were “extremely likely or likely to recommend” Mr Dehne to a friend or relative.
- Proven Track Record: He has a philosophy of trying to preserve injured cartilage whenever possible, using advanced, less invasive techniques to help patients recover faster.
- Glowing Patient Reviews on Doctify: Patients consistently praise his surgical skill and compassionate care:
- One patient who underwent a complex meniscus root repair states that after surgery they are “able to undertake significant physical exercise,” having completed long-distance cycle rides, and that they can now generate power through their knee without the sharp pains experienced before the operation.
- Another patient, who had both meniscus and ACL surgery, said the procedure “couldn’t have gone any better nor any more smoothly”.
- Patients also highlight that he “explains everything to you,” has an “amazing surgical skill,” and makes you “feel cared for”.
📞 Next Steps
If you are struggling with knee pain and think you might have a meniscal tear, the first step is to book a consultation. Mr Kenan Dehne sees private patients at West Midlands Hospital in Birmingham and Practice Plus Group Hospital Emersons Green.
Please remember that this information is for guidance only. Your individual treatment and recovery plan will be tailored to your specific condition and needs by your surgeon. Always consult a medical professional for a formal diagnosis and personalised advice.
Mr Kenan Dehne, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon 