Knee meniscus repair surgery – patient guide

If you have experienced a meniscus tear, you know how painful and limiting it can be for your mobility. Meniscus tears are a relatively common injury that typically occur while playing sport or other physical activities. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.

If you are considering knee meniscus repair surgery, it’s likely you’ll have a lot of questions about what to expect from the procedure. Our meniscus repair guide provides you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is a knee meniscus tear?

The meniscus is a layer of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bone. It’s made up of two components: the medial and the lateral.

A meniscus tear can occur when the knee is twisted or subjected to a direct blow. When this cartilage tears, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and instability in the knee joint. If the tear is severe or doesn’t heal on its own, meniscal repair surgery may be necessary.

What does the meniscus do in the knee?

The meniscus in the knee joint provides stability and helps to distribute weight evenly across the leg. It also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact of physical activities on the knee joint. When the meniscus is torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the knee joint.

Signs of meniscal tear in the knee

The symptoms of a meniscus tear in the knee can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs of a meniscal tear include:

• reduced range of knee motion
• feeling of knee weakness or instability
• a popping or clicking sound when moving the knee
• catching or locking of your knee
• pain or discomfort in the knee
• knee swelling or stiffness
• difficulty straightening or bending the knee.

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a meniscal tear. Leaving it untreated can lead to further damage and increase the risk of developing arthritis.

Treatment for a meniscal knee tear

The recommended treatment options will depend on a number of factors. This include:

• your age
• general activity levels
• your symptoms
• location and severity of the injury.

Meniscus knee surgery

The type of knee surgery you need depends on the extent of damage to your meniscus. During surgery, your meniscus might be repaired or completely removed. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. However, most patients can expect to return to everyday activities after a few weeks.

Keyhole surgery for knee meniscus tear

Keyhole surgery (also known as knee arthroscopy) for knee meniscus tear is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to repair or remove the damaged meniscus. This procedure involves making small incisions in the knee to access the joint.

Keyhole surgery for knee meniscus tear is the only method currently in use.

When to have meniscal repair surgery

If conservative treatment methods (such as rest and use of painkillers) have failed to relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend meniscal repair surgery.

It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor. You can then both make an informed decision based on your circumstances.

Risks and benefits of surgery

Like any surgery, meniscal repair surgery comes with risks. These include the following:

• infection
• bleeding
• nerve damage.

With that said, the benefits of surgery can include relief from pain and improved function of the knee joint. These can have a huge impact on your general wellbeing and quality of life. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your knee consultant before making a decision.

Meniscus surgery costs

The cost of meniscus surgery varies depending on several factors. These include:

• the severity of the tear
• the type of surgery needed
• the location of the hospital providing your treatment.

For insured patients, it’s important to check with your health insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered under your policy.

Knee meniscus surgery recovery

Recovery from knee meniscus surgery can vary depending on the severity of the tear and the type of procedure performed. In general, patients can expect to be on crutches for a few days and may need to wear knee support for several weeks. In the event the meniscus has been surgically repaired, the knee support may need to be worn for up to six weeks. Physical therapy is also an important part of recovery. It helps to improve strength and flexibility of the knee joint.

Meniscus surgery recovery time

The recovery time for meniscus surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery you have and the severity of your injured knee. Generally, it takes about 4-6 weeks to be able to walk without crutches. You should expect to be able to return to sport between three and six months after your operation, however, this will vary from patient-to-patient.

Knee support after meniscus surgery

After meniscus surgery, you’ll likely need some type of knee support. This might come in the form of a compression sleeve or a brace. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best type of support for your specific needs.

How to strengthen your knee after meniscus surgery

To promote healing, speed up your recovery, and prevent future injury, it’s crucial to strengthen your knee before and after meniscus surgery. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or exercises you can do at home to help strengthen your knee.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short knee replacement waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.