Surgical treatment in which a torn meniscus, the cushioning structure of the knee, is either repaired arthroscopically or partially removed to preserve joint function.
Indication
- Mechanical knee pain unresponsive to conservative therapy (rest, physical therapy, medication)
- Catching, locking, or giving-way sensation during knee movement
- Symptomatic meniscal tear confirmed by MRI
- A torn fragment becoming trapped in the joint and blocking motion
- Functional loss in athletes or active individuals
- Recurrent knee swelling (effusion)
- Tears suitable for repair, such as bucket-handle tears in younger patients
Preparation
- Physician examination, MRI, and weight-bearing knee X-ray to assess tear type and joint condition
- No food or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure (if anesthesia is required)
- Blood-thinning medications are stopped with the physician's approval
- Routine pre-operative blood tests and ECG when indicated
- Stopping smoking 2-4 weeks before surgery is recommended for healing
How it's performed
- General or regional (spinal) anesthesia is administered
- 2-3 small incisions (about 5 mm) are made around the knee, and the arthroscope camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint
- All intra-articular structures (meniscus, cartilage, ligaments) are visually evaluated
- Meniscal repair (with sutures) is preferred for younger patients with suitable tears; otherwise the torn fragment is removed (partial meniscectomy)
- The joint is irrigated, instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with a few stitches
- The knee is wrapped with an elastic bandage
Post-procedure
- Discharge after a same-day or 1-day hospital stay
- After partial meniscectomy: walking with crutches in the first week; return to normal activity in 2-4 weeks
- After meniscus repair: weight-bearing restrictions and a knee brace for range-of-motion control for 4-6 weeks
- Physical therapy and exercise program for 6-12 weeks
- Return to sports in 4-8 weeks after partial meniscectomy and 4-6 months after repair
Risks
- Infection (possible with any surgery; rate is low)
- Bleeding within the joint or hematoma
- Vascular or nerve injury (rare)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Failure of repair sutures and need for revision surgery
- Anesthesia reactions
FAQ
Is it better to repair the meniscus or remove the torn part?
In younger patients and tears located in the well-vascularized outer portion of the meniscus, repair is preferred because preserving the meniscus offers long-term protection against knee osteoarthritis. When repair is not feasible, the damaged fragment is removed.
When can I walk after surgery?
After partial meniscectomy you can usually bear weight and walk on the same day or the next day. After repair, the first weeks require partial weight-bearing and restricted knee motion; recovery progresses gradually based on your surgeon's recommendations.
When can I return to sports?
It depends on the procedure. Return to sport is typically planned 4-8 weeks after partial meniscectomy and 4-6 months after meniscal repair, with rehabilitation and orthopedic clearance.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Small, degenerative, or asymptomatic tears can often be controlled with physical therapy, muscle strengthening, and activity modification. If mechanical symptoms (locking, catching) are present, surgical evaluation is required.
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