Injectable Treatment for Degenerative Meniscal Tear

In recent years, international studies have shown that intra-articular corticosteroid injections and knee arthroscopy, therapeutic interventions traditionally used for the treatment of degenerative meniscal tears, are not always effective in relieving patients, because the pain is triggered by the meniscus rather than the joint. Based on this information, the revolutionary Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection Therapy was developed, targeting exactly the area that causes the pain in cases of degenerative tears.

What is Degenerative Meniscal Tear?

The menisci are vital parts of the knee joint, as they absorb shock between the femur and tibia and stabilize the knee joint.

Degenerative tear is a condition of the menisci which, unlike a tear caused by acute trauma, develops gradually as the meniscus weakens and deteriorates over time. Repeated strain, injuries, or age-related changes lead to small tears that worsen if not treated.

Symptoms of degenerative meniscal tear include:

Persistent pain on the inner or outer side of the knee
Swelling or stiffness, especially after physical activity
Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
A feeling of "locking" in the joint

Degenerative meniscal tear typically occurs after the age of 40 due to normal wear and tear, but it can also result from a previous injury.

What is Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection Therapy?

In contrast to traditional intra-articular corticosteroid injections, which deliver the medication throughout the entire joint, Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injections are administered to the inflamed area around the meniscus, the perimeniscal capillary plexus. This is the area where the blood vessels and nerves of the meniscus are located, and often constitutes the source of pain in cases of degenerative tear.

When a targeted corticosteroid injection is administered directly to this area, and not to the entire joint, the therapeutic action is particularly effective, providing immediate and lasting relief, reducing inflammation, and decreasing vascular permeability. Thanks to Ultrasound Guidance, a specialized Radiologist can precisely identify the affected area, ensuring that the medication is injected exactly where needed. This precision not only further enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also minimizes the risk of complications.

What are the Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection Therapy?

Proven Results: New research data shows that Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection Therapy effectively treats degenerative tear, relieving pain and improving knee mobility.
Safe and Targeted: With Ultrasound Guidance, needle placement is done with the utmost safety, and its path is monitored throughout the therapeutic process. At the same time, needle monitoring ensures that the medication is administered exactly where needed, not approximately as with "blind" (without Ultrasound Guidance) injections.
Minimally Invasive: Meniscus Injection Therapy is an ideal choice for patients who wish to avoid or postopone surgery, as it involves no risk of complications, postoperative pain, or significant recovery time.

How is Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection Performed?

The Ultrasound-Guided Meniscus Injection is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. The patient is positioned lying down with their knee slightly bent. After the administration of local anesthetic, the injection is performed while simultaneously monitoring the needle with Ultrasound, ensuring that the corticosteroid solution is injected directly to the target area and that surrounding structures are avoided. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and most patients can return to their normal activities the same day.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi