The meniscus is a type of cartilage which forms an integral part of the knee, but is often injured.
As meniscus interventions are some of the most common surgeries, the practice warrants regular revision, explained Prof Dr Romain Seil. Furthermore, medical innovations keep opening up new treatments, leading experts to require discussions on new avenues on a regular basis.
As such, 400 doctors and scientists are expected to participate in the four-day conference at the CHL in Luxembourg, which will feature numerous presentations, debates, and workshops.
Prof Dr Seil also elaborated that the tendency to remove the meniscus in case of an issue is a thing of the past: “In the last ten to 15 years, there have been numerous technological developments, many of which came from Europe and even from Luxembourg. This has led to a paradigm shift in meniscus surgery. It used to be the case that the meniscus was removed systematically, which in return provoked early development of arthritis. Today, we repair it if possible, and that actually happens quite often.”
There are two menisci in each human knee, one on the outside and one on the inside. Complications arise if one has to be removed, noted Prof Dr Seil: “Pressure is put on a smaller surface, which causes the cartilage of the joint to be overloaded. This can then lead to arthrosis, a degenerative condition.”
There are three types of lesions. Some are innate, which means that knee pain can already start during childhood and provoke blockages and swelling. Lesions can also develop during sports or naturally due to ageing.
Prof Dr Seiler provided insight into the respective treatments: “Innate and traumatic meniscus injuries are generally treated in surgical manner. With degenerative lesions, surgery is to be avoided. Guide lines for these cases have been established in recent years, and in 80% of cases, symptoms can be kept in check without surgical intervention.”
It is already the fifth time since 2015 that a meniscus congress has taken place in Luxembourg. On Wednesday evening, an open information session will be held at the amphitheatre of CHL from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The lecture will be lead by two of the most renowned experts in the field: Prof Philippe Beaufils from Versailles and Prof Rene Verdonk from Gent.
