Meniscal Surgery
The meniscus is the cushion between the bones of the knee, and a tear can cause pain, swelling and a knee that locks. Where the tear can be repaired it is, because preserving the meniscus protects the knee for decades. Where it cannot, the torn portion is trimmed.
- Repair preferred to removal where possible
- Keyhole, through small incisions
- Day-care in most cases
- Repair means longer restrictions but a better knee later
Stay
Day care
Duration
30 to 60 minutes
Anaesthesia
Spinal or general
About Meniscal Surgery
The decision between repair and trimming depends on where the tear is and how good the blood supply there is. The outer part heals; the inner part largely does not. Repair means a longer recovery with restrictions on bending and weight bearing, but it preserves the cushion, and a knee that keeps its meniscus develops arthritis far more slowly.
- Only the outer part of the meniscus has enough blood supply to heal
- Repair means longer restrictions but a better knee in twenty years
- Trimming allows faster recovery but removes cushioning
- Degenerate tears in older knees often do better without surgery
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about meniscal surgery. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest meniscal surgery.
- Meniscal tear causing locking or catching
- Knee that gives way after a twisting injury
- Persistent pain and swelling after a meniscal tear
- Large tears seen on MRI with mechanical symptoms
- Meniscal injury alongside an ACL tear
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
Examination and MRI define where the tear is, which decides whether it can be repaired or needs trimming.
Arthroscopy
Small incisions and a camera. The tear is assessed directly, and the decision to repair or trim is often finalised at that point.
Repair or trim
A repairable tear is stitched with special devices. A tear that will not heal is trimmed back to a stable rim, preserving as much as possible.
Recovery
Trimming allows early weight bearing and quick return. Repair requires restricted bending and weight bearing for several weeks.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring MRI films and reports
- Ask beforehand what happens if the tear turns out not to be repairable, as plans can change during surgery
- Arrange crutches and somebody to take you home
- Fasting as instructed
- Prepare for the longer restrictions if repair is likely
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- After trimming, walking within days and normal activity within two to four weeks
- After repair, restricted bending and weight bearing for four to six weeks
- Swelling for a few weeks is normal in both cases
- Physiotherapy focuses on quadriceps strength, which protects the knee
- Return to sport is six weeks after trimming and three to six months after repair
Why choose Humayun for meniscal surgery
Preserving the meniscus costs a longer recovery now and saves the knee decades later.
- Repair preferred to removal wherever the tear allows, because a preserved meniscus protects against arthritis
- Honest advice where a degenerate tear in an older knee would do better without surgery
- Both outcomes explained beforehand, since the plan can change during arthroscopy
- Physiotherapy protocols matched to whether the meniscus was repaired or trimmed
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