|
|
Dr
Tan Jee Lim, Consultant Sports DSurgeon (left) seen here
with Mr Nitesh Gurung
|
|
 |
Changi General
Hospital (CGH) has performed the first meniscal transplant in Singapore.
The surgical procedure
was successfully performed by DR Tan Jee Lim, Consultant Orthopaedic
Surgeon, Sports Medicine Service, who
implanted a graft to the knee using arthroscopic assisted methods
(key-hole surgery).
The
meniscus is a “C-shaped” pad in the knee between the
femur (thigh bone) and tibia (lower leg bone). It acts as a shock
absorber and makes the motion of the knee smooth. The meniscus may
be damaged by twisting movements that force the knee beyond its
normal range of movement especially during sports. This may occur
during games like football, basketball, or as a result of arthritic
degenerative changes. As the meniscus has a limited blood supply,
it is unable to undergo the normal heading process if damaged.
Mr
Nitesh Gurung, 17, a student at Bartley Secondary School, was the
first patient to undergo the meniscal transplant on 30 November
2001. He injured his knee due to a skateboarding accident. Nitesh
damaged his meniscus and had difficulties walking from the pain
and swelling. When the meniscus is damaged, a knee arthroscopy operation
is often performed to repair the meniscus. However, for Nitesh,
this was not possible.
|
|
“Nitesh’s
meniscus was torn beyond repair. If we removed the damaged meniscus,
he would not be able to enjoy an active lifestyle in future as a
loss of meniscus is associated with degenerative arthritis in 5-10
years time. However, with the meniscus transplant, Nitesh can go
back to playing sports after the operation,” said DR Tan Jee
Lim.
|
|
A
close-up view of the meniscal graft before
it was transplanted.
|
The procedure
is suitable for young active patients who have lost their meniscus
and would like to pursue an active lifestyle. A meniscal transplant
also provides pain relief and reduces swelling. A suitable matching
cadaveric graft preserved under sub-zero temperatures was found
for Nitesh through an overseas vendor.
|
|
A
graphic representation of the meniscal transplant.
|
Recounting his
injury, Nitesh said, “I couldn’t make my legs straight
when I fell down and wanted to get up so my friends helped me get
up. When I sit down, my legs were very painful.”
Nitesh has been
exempted from PE (Physical Education) lessons at school since his
injury. Four months after the meniscal transplant, Nitesh is now
back at one of his favourite games: soccer.
|
