Arthroscopic meniscus repair

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage inside the knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. When it tears due to twisting, sports injury, accident or age-related degeneration, it can cause pain, swelling and difficulty bending the knee. In many patients, the best way to restore normal knee function is through arthroscopic meniscus repair.

What Is Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair?

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive, keyhole surgery used to fix a torn meniscus. Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon inserts a thin camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through small openings in the knee.

The torn edges of the meniscus are stitched back together to allow the cartilage to heal naturally, preserving the maximum amount of tissue.

Who Needs Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair?

This procedure is usually recommended when:

• The tear causes pain, swelling or knee locking/catching
• The tear is located in a region with good blood supply (“red-red zone” or “red-white zone”)
• The patient is young or physically active
• The knee continues to feel unstable despite rest and physiotherapy

Meniscus repair is preferred over removal because saving the meniscus protects the knee from future arthritis.

How the Procedure Is Done?

• The patient receives regional or general anesthesia
• Two or three tiny keyhole incisions are made around the knee
• An arthroscope is inserted to view the tear magnified on a screen
• The torn meniscus is sutured and secured using implants/anchors
• No muscles or large tissues are cut, reducing pain and recovery time

Most patients go home the same or next day.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

• Preserves natural meniscus instead of removing it
• Helps maintain long-term knee health
• Protects against early osteoarthritis
• Smaller scars and quicker recovery compared to open surgery
• Allows return to sports after proper rehabilitation

Recovery Timeline

Healing takes time because the meniscus is cartilage. Proper rehabilitation ensures a strong repair.

Typical recovery roadmap:

Stage	What to Expect
First 2–6 weeks	Knee brace, restricted weight bearing, guided physiotherapy
6–12 weeks	Increased walking and muscle strengthening
3–6 months	Return to daily activities, light sports training
6–9 months	Return to full sports based on surgeon clearance

Rehab is extremely important — skipping it can delay recovery.

Post-Surgery Care

• Use the knee brace as advised
• Avoid deep squatting, running and twisting early on
• Attend regular physiotherapy sessions
• Ice packs can help reduce swelling
• Follow-up checkups are essential to monitor healing

Possible Alternatives

Not all meniscus tears are repairable. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend:

• Ultrasound guided PRP injection
• Partial meniscectomy (removal of only the damaged fragment)
• Conservative management with physiotherapy and lifestyle modification

The choice depends on the location and pattern of the tear, age, activity level and overall knee condition. We at our center treat most of the meniscus tears conservatively and repair the rest. Meniscectomy is an exception at our center.

Key Takeaway

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an effective and tissue-preserving treatment for meniscus tears. When performed at the right time and followed by proper rehabilitation, it allows patients to return to active living and even competitive sports with long-term knee protection.