Meniscal Surgery

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee. Each knee has two menisci (inner and outer). They act as shock absorbers, protect the joint surfaces, and help keep your knee stable.

Why might I need a meniscal repair?

Sometimes the meniscus can tear due to:

·       A sudden twisting injury (common in sports). This can often happen along with injury to other ligaments within the knee.

·       Gradual wear and tear with age.

If the tear is suitable, your surgeon may recommend a meniscal repair. This surgery aims to stitch the torn edges back together so the meniscus can heal, rather than removing the damaged part. Preserving the meniscus reduces the risk of arthritis in the future.

What does the operation involve?

·       The surgery is usually done using keyhole (arthroscopic) techniques under a general or spinal anaesthetic.

·       A camera and small instruments are inserted into the knee.

·       The torn meniscus is stitched back together using special anchors or sutures.

·       Sometimes, if the tear is not repairable, part of the meniscus may need to be trimmed away (partial meniscectomy).

The operation usually takes around 30–90 minutes.

Benefits of surgery

·       Preserves the meniscus, which helps protect your knee in the long term.

·       Can reduce pain and swelling.

·       May restore knee stability and function.

·       Better long-term outcomes compared with removing the meniscus.

Risks and complications

As with any operation, there are risks, although most patients recover well. These include:

·       Infection.

·       Bleeding or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).

·       Stiffness or swelling of the knee.

·       Failure of the repair (the meniscus may not heal fully).

·       Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare).

Recovery and rehabilitation

·       You will usually go home the same day or the following morning.

·       You may need crutches for a few weeks to protect the repair.

·       A brace may be fitted to limit knee movement initially.

·       Physiotherapy is essential to help regain strength, flexibility, and stability.

·       Driving is usually possible after 4–6 weeks, depending on your progress.

·       Return to sport often takes 4–6 months.

Healing time varies depending on the type and size of the tear, and your overall health.

Looking after yourself after surgery

·       Keep your wound clean and dry for 2 weeks after the surgery.

·       Follow your physiotherapist’s instructions carefully.

·       Take painkillers as prescribed.

·       Elevate and ice the knee regularly to reduce swelling.

When to seek help

Contact my team if you experience:

·       Increasing pain or swelling.

·       Redness, warmth, or discharge around the wound.

·       Fever or feeling unwell.

·       Sudden calf pain, swelling, or shortness of breath (could indicate a blood clot).

Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to return to sport? Yes, many patients return to sports, but only after completing rehabilitation. This may take several months.

What if the repair doesn’t heal? In some cases, the meniscus may not heal and further surgery may be needed.

Is it better than having the meniscus removed? Yes. Preserving your meniscus helps protect your knee from long-term damage and arthritis. My priority is to always preserve the meniscus, especially in young patients.