This page gives information of Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair surgery. To know more about Meniscus tears, Click Here

When do I need surgery for meniscus tears?

1. Mechanical Symptoms (Locking/Catching): Tears causing the knee to lock or preventing you from fully straightening or bending your knee usually require surgery.
2. Unstable or Large Tears: Bucket-handle tears, Root tears and radial tears often require surgical treatment because they are unlikely to heal without intervention and can lead to rapid joint degeneration.
3. Failed Non-Surgical Treatment: If a period of rest, physical therapy, and medications does not relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

What are the types of surgeries done for meniscus tears?

1. Partial Menisectomy: In this common procedure, the surgeon trims or removes the torn section of the meniscus, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is typically performed arthroscopically and is preferred for tears in areas with poor blood supply (the “white zone”) where healing is unlikely after repair or after previous failed repair or in elderly individuals.
2. Meniscus Repair: Here, the surgeon stitches together the torn edges of the meniscus so that the tissue will heal. Repairs are usually recommended for tears in the outer third of the meniscus (the “red zone”), which has better blood supply and in young individuals (<40yrs).
3. Meniscus Transplant (Meniscal Allograft Transplantation): This is considered if the entire or majority of the meniscus has been removed or is irreparable, especially in younger patients. The damaged meniscus is replaced with donor tissue.

What arthroscopic meniscus repair and how is it done?

 Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure (key-hole surgery). The surgery is done under Spinal anaesthesia. Tiny key-hole incisions are made around the knee to insert camera (arthroscope) and instruments. The meniscal tear is located and probed to assess its type, size, and suitability for repair. The torn meniscus is then repaired with special sutures. After surgery the knee is immobilised in a brace. Weight-bearing in the operated leg is delayed to facilitate healing of the meniscus. So you will be using crutches for mobilisation in the first few weeks.

What are the outcomes and complications of this surgery?

Outcomes of arthroscopic meniscus repair are generally favorable, with a success rate of around 80-85% based on large meta-analyses and reviews. Most patients experience significant improvement in knee function and symptom relief, especially younger patients. As a result, this surgery is widely supported for restoring meniscal function and reducing the long-term risk of knee osteoarthritis.

What are the complications or risks of menisucs repair surgery?

1. The failure rate and re-operation is about 20% over long-term follow-up. More frequent in older patients.
2. Infection (rare)
3. Stiffness or reduced knee range of motion
4. Nerve or vascular injury (rare)

What is the usual timeline and rehabilitation after this surgery?

• Mobilisation: Non-Weight bearing for 4-6 weeks with crutches for support
• Splint: Hinged-knee brace for 4-6 weeks
• Walking without support: 4-6 weeks
• Return to work: Desk based – 1-2 weeks, Manual work: 3 months
• Return to sports: 6 months

What is arthroscopic menisectomy and how is it done?

Arthroscopic menisectomy is a key-hole surgery performed to remove part or all of a damaged meniscus from the knee joint. This surgery is done under spinal or general anaesthesia. Small key-hole incisions are made around the knee and a camera (arthroscope) is inserted through it to visualize the inside of the knee joint on a monitor. The meniscus is examined and the tear is identified. Depending on the extent and type of tear, only the torn portion of the meniscus is removed and the remaining edge is smoothed or the entire meniscus is removed if the damage is extensive. The incisions are closed with sutures. No knee immobilisation or weight bearing restrictions are needed post surgery. Surgical duration is 30-60min.

What are the outcomes of this surgery?

• Most patients experience significant relief from knee pain, swelling, and mechanical locking, and are able to return to normal daily activities—often with high levels of knee function and satisfaction.
• Serious complications after are rare (<0.3%) and includes infection, pulmonary embolism, or neurovascular injury.
• Most patients recover quickly, with full recovery taking weeks to a few months.

What are the long-term risks of menisectomy?

Removing meniscal tissue can increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis in the long run, especially if a large portion of the meniscus is removed. Nonetheless, modern surgical techniques, careful patient selection, and advances in physical therapy have improved results and reduced major complications.

What is the usual timeline and recovery after this surgery?

• Mobilisation: Full Weight bearing from Day 1
• Splint: None
• Return to work: Desk based – 1 weeks, Manual work: 4-6 weeks
• Return to sports: 2-3 months