Understanding Meniscus Repair
The meniscus is a C-shaped wedge of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee. When it tears, a repair stitches the edges back together so the meniscus can heal — preserving this vital shock absorber rather than removing it.
Preserving the meniscus matters because removing it increases the load on the joint and raises the long-term risk of arthritis. Wherever a tear is suitable — particularly in younger, active patients — repair is the preferred, joint-protecting choice.
Key benefits
- Preserves the knee's natural cushion and protects against arthritis
- Keyhole surgery with small incisions
- Better long-term joint health than removing the meniscus
When Meniscus Repair is recommended
How the procedure is performed
Keyhole access
Small incisions allow the arthroscope and instruments into the knee, and the tear is assessed for repairability.
Tear preparation
The torn edges are freshened to stimulate healing and lined up in their correct position.
Suture repair
Specialised arthroscopic sutures or implants stitch the meniscus firmly back together.
Protection
A brace and a period of protected weight-bearing shield the repair while it knits.
Preparation & prerequisites
- A detailed clinical assessment and review of your scans (X-ray / MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery precisely.
- Routine pre-operative blood tests, an ECG if needed, and a fitness-for-anaesthesia check by the anaesthetist.
- Stopping blood-thinning medication (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) only if advised, and disclosing every medicine and supplement you take.
- Fasting for around 6 hours before surgery, and arranging a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night.
- Preparing your home for recovery — ice packs, loose clothing, and a clear path free of trip hazards.
What recovery looks like
Weeks 0–6
A brace limits deep bending and weight-bearing is partial, protecting the stitched meniscus while it begins to heal.
Weeks 6–12
Weight-bearing and range of motion progress steadily under physiotherapy guidance.
Months 3–5
Strength and control are rebuilt before a graded return to running and sport.
How to recover well
- Follow the RICE principle early — rest, ice 15–20 minutes several times a day, gentle compression and elevation to control swelling.
- Take pain relief as prescribed rather than waiting for pain to build, and keep the wound clean and dry.
- Attend every physiotherapy session and do your home exercises — rehabilitation is as important as the surgery itself.
- Progress activity gradually and don't return to sport until you're formally cleared, to protect the repair.
- Watch for warning signs — spreading redness, fever, calf pain or increasing swelling — and call us if they appear.
Risks, safety & outcomes
In experienced hands this is a very safe procedure, and serious problems are uncommon. Every step is taken to minimise risk — but being fully informed is part of good care. Possible risks include:
- A small chance the tear does not fully heal and needs further treatment
- Temporary stiffness from the period of protected movement
- Infection or blood clot (uncommon)
Results & outlook
Suitable tears in the well-supplied zones of the meniscus have a high healing rate when rehabilitation is followed carefully, giving a stable, cushioned knee and better protection against future arthritis than removal.
Frequently asked questions
The meniscus protects your knee. Removing it increases pressure on the joint and the long-term risk of arthritis, so repair is preferred whenever the tear allows.