Overview
Meniscus repair is a surgery that fixes a tear in the meniscus, which is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The meniscus helps the knee stay stable, absorb shock, and spread body weight evenly. Tears can occur due to sports injuries, sudden twisting movements, or ageing. Meniscus repair aims to preserve the damaged cartilage and repair it so it can heal naturally. Most of the time, the procedure is done arthroscopically, which means that small cuts are made and special tools and a camera-guided system are used.
Why It's Done
Meniscus repair is performed to restore the knee's natural function and prevent long-term joint damage. It's important to keep the meniscus because removing it increases the risk of early osteoarthritis. Surgery is suggested when the tear is in an area with good blood flow (which helps healing) or when symptoms like locking, swelling, or pain that won't go away get in the way of everyday life. The goal is to keep the cartilage stable and the joints healthy.
What to Expect
Before surgery, imaging tests like MRIs confirm the type and location of the tear. The surgeon checks whether the tear can be repaired. Anaesthesia is given during the procedure, either in the area or all over the body. An arthroscope is inserted into the knee through small incisions to visualise the joint. To repair the torn edges of the meniscus, doctors use specialised sutures or fixation devices. Once the cuts are secure, they are closed with stitches or adhesive strips. A brace is often used after surgery to support the knee and protect the repair. Depending on the severity of the tear, you may not be able to bear weight for several weeks. To protect the healing cartilage, physical therapy starts slowly to help restore the range of motion. Follow-up visits help monitor how well you're healing.
Recovery & Outlook
It usually takes longer to recover from meniscus repair than from simple meniscus trimming because the body needs time to heal. For a few weeks, patients may need crutches and may need to limit their activities. It can take three to six months for someone to return to playing sports. If you follow the right steps and do the right things during rehabilitation, the results are usually good. Keeping the meniscus in good shape helps keep the knee working well for a long time and lowers the chance of future joint changes that cause problems.