Knee pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages. This pain can be caused by acute injuries such as meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, and damage to the articular cartilage, or by degenerative joint conditions like arthritis. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are essential, as delays can lead to worsening pain and reduced mobility, ultimately affecting quality of life. When conservative treatments are not effective, surgical intervention is recommended.
Recent advances in surgical treatment for knee injuries and conditions involve innovations in techniques, technology, and materials. Minimally invasive procedures with small incisions that cause minimal tissue trauma, robotic and digital technologies, new high-strength materials, and fast-track anesthesia protocols now allow for same-day mobilization (just hours after surgery), minimal pain, hospitalization ranging from a few hours to one day (depending on the procedure), faster recovery, and permanent relief from knee pain.
This eliminates the need for long, invasive surgeries with large incisions, extended hospital stays, and difficult rehabilitation.
Modern Surgical Treatment of Meniscus Tears
The menisci are two fibrocartilaginous structures in the knee that play a critical protective role by evenly distributing loads and absorbing shocks. Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries. After an acute tear (as opposed to chronic degeneration), immediate treatment is necessary.
The latest international guidelines emphasize preserving as much of the meniscus as possible and, when feasible, repairing it by suturing rather than removing the damaged parts. Preserving the meniscus enhances knee function and helps prevent arthritis.
When the tear occurs in an area with poor blood supply and suturing is not possible, only the damaged portion is removed (partial meniscectomy), preserving as much of the healthy meniscus as possible.
Treatment is performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive procedure that does not require hospitalization. During arthroscopy, the orthopedic surgeon makes two small incisions and, with the help of a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments, locates and repairs the damage. The patient can move the knee once anesthesia wears off and usually returns home the same day.
Surgical Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
The ACL is a crucial ligament that provides stability to the knee. When it tears, the knee becomes unstable, which can lead to microtraumas and eventually arthritis—essentially, the destruction of the knee joint.
Surgical treatment is also performed arthroscopically (“ACL reconstruction”) through small incisions, without opening the entire joint. It involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, usually harvested from the patient’s own tissue.
The advanced All INSIDE arthroscopic technique offers even better functional and aesthetic results. This less invasive method:
- Causes less tissue trauma
- Uses only one hamstring tendon (instead of two), preserving one for future use
- Requires less bone removal
- Can be used in adolescents who are not yet skeletally mature
Benefits of the All INSIDE Technique for the Patient:
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster and stronger graft integration
- Quicker and better rehabilitation
- Excellent knee stability
Surgical Treatment of Knee Arthritis
Arthritis refers to the complete deterioration of the joint—damage to the cartilage covering the bones and the surrounding soft tissues.
Knee arthroplasty (joint replacement) is recommended for patients with advanced arthritis whose quality of life is severely affected. This procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial implant.
Thanks to cutting-edge digital and robotic systems, knee arthroplasty can now be performed with extreme precision. At HYGEIA Hospital, the latest-generation MAKO robotic-assisted system is used for both knee and hip replacements, offering sub-millimeter accuracy with minimal invasiveness. Additionally, the latest implant materials are extremely durable and biocompatible, ensuring long-lasting results.
The procedure begins with a 3D CT scan of the affected limb, which is uploaded to a computer. The orthopedic surgeon uses this to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy. During surgery, the MAKO robotic arm helps the surgeon execute the plan exactly as designed, eliminating room for error.
These surgeries should always be performed by certified orthopedic surgeons trained in the use of the MAKO robotic system.