Meniscal Repair

The menisci are small, semi-circular pieces of cartilage that act as a cushion in the knee. The knee has both an inner and outer meniscus. Treatment varies depending upon the extent and location of the tear; however, a large meniscus tear that causes pain or limits knee function may require arthroscopic surgery for repair. Surgeons often refer to this as “debriding” or “smoothing over” the tear.

Procedure for Meniscal Repair surgery

Arthroscopic surgery avoids long, invasive incisions by using an arthroscope, a small tube-like instrument that allows the surgeon to see inside the joint. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a short incision generally less than 1/4″ – 1/2″. One or two more small incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or to insert instruments. The arthroscope uses a camera that projects the image of the joint onto a monitor. The surgeon is able to view the joint, and its structures, including cartilage, ligaments and surrounding tissue. Once the problem is identified, the surgeon may be able to use specially designed instruments and/or implantable fixation devices to repair conditions or remove any damaged bone or tissue. We have special sutures to repair the meniscus. The meniscus is a load bearing structure in the knee and helps in preventing damage to the cartilage. It should be preserved as far as possible and that is why we try to repair it whenever it is possible. We have special sutures to hold the tear without irritating the cartilage inside the knee.

Recovery after Meniscal Repair surgery   

Arthroscopic surgery rarely takes more than an hour or two for isolated injuries. Most patients who have arthroscopic surgery are discharged either on the same day or next day. The small skin incision wounds take two weeks to heal. The patient can usually resume daily activities within a few days, but the injury may require several weeks to fully recover.