Meniscus Surgery
What Is Meniscus Surgery?
Meniscus surgery is an arthroscopic procedure used to treat a torn meniscus — the C-shaped cartilage cushions that sit between the femur and tibia. Depending on the pattern, location, and size of the tear, this generally takes one of two forms: repairing the torn tissue by stitching it back together, or removing the damaged portion (a partial meniscectomy) while preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible.
When Is Meniscus Surgery Needed?
Meniscus surgery may be recommended when:
- A tear causes mechanical symptoms — locking, catching, or an inability to fully straighten the knee
- Symptoms haven’t improved with a reasonable course of physical therapy and activity modification
- The tear pattern and location make the meniscus a good candidate for repair, particularly in younger patients where preserving as much meniscus tissue as possible is a priority
- Imaging shows a displaced fragment of torn meniscus that is unlikely to heal or settle on its own
How Is Meniscus Surgery Performed?
Working arthroscopically through small incisions, the surgeon first examines the tear to determine the best approach:
- Meniscus repair — sutures are used to stitch the torn edges of the meniscus back together, allowing the tissue to heal. This is most successful in tears located in the outer third of the meniscus, where blood supply is best.
- Partial meniscectomy — the torn, damaged portion of the meniscus is carefully trimmed away, smoothing the remaining edge while preserving as much of the healthy meniscus as possible. This is typically used for tears in the inner portion of the meniscus, where limited blood supply makes healing after a repair unlikely.
The choice between these approaches depends on the exact tear pattern found during surgery, and your surgeon will discuss the most likely approach with you ahead of time based on your MRI findings.
Coast your way to recovery
Dr. Palsis utilizes innovative treatment techniques to get you back in motion and back to the life you love.
Recovery After Meniscus Surgery
Recovery differs significantly depending on which approach is used:
- After a meniscectomy — recovery is typically faster, since no tissue needs time to heal back together. Many patients bear weight as tolerated almost immediately and return to light activity within a few weeks.
- After a meniscus repair — recovery is more conservative, since the stitched tissue needs time to heal. This often involves a period of limited weight-bearing and restricted knee bending for several weeks, followed by a gradual return to activity over a few months, to protect the repair while it fully heals.
Physical therapy is generally required after meniscus repair but is often not necessary after partial meniscectomy.
Get back to what moves you
Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.