Understanding Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus surgery treats tears of the knee's cartilage cushion that cause pain, swelling, catching or locking. It is performed arthroscopically through small incisions, usually as a day-care procedure.
The guiding principle is preservation: wherever a tear is repairable it is stitched rather than removed, protecting the knee against future arthritis. Only irreparable tears are carefully trimmed, saving as much healthy meniscus as possible.
Key benefits
- Relieves mechanical symptoms such as catching and locking
- Preserves the meniscus wherever possible
- Keyhole, usually day-care surgery
When Meniscus Surgery is recommended
How the procedure is performed
Keyhole access
The arthroscope and instruments enter the knee through small incisions.
Tear evaluation
The tear is assessed to decide between repair and selective trimming.
Repair or trim
The meniscus is stitched to preserve it, or carefully trimmed only if irreparable.
Recovery plan
Weight-bearing is guided according to whether a repair or trim was performed.
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
Early
Settle swelling and begin gentle, guided movement.
Mid
Strength and control are rebuilt; any repair is protected with restricted loading.
Late
Return to sport once symptoms and strength allow.
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 repair occasionally fails to heal and needs further treatment
- Ongoing symptoms if there is underlying cartilage wear
- The usual small arthroscopic surgical risks
Results & outlook
Most patients get rapid relief of mechanical symptoms and return to activity within weeks. Preserving the meniscus wherever possible gives the best protection for the knee's long-term health.
Frequently asked questions
Preserving the meniscus protects the knee long term, so repair is always preferred over removal wherever the tear allows.