What is Meniscus Repair?

Meniscus repair is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a torn meniscus. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia and pain medications to begin the procedure. After the patient is completely asleep, the following steps occur:

• 2-3 tiny incisions are made around the patella (kneecap)
• An arthroscopic camera is placed through the incisions and guided into the joint
• The torn meniscus is viewed on a nearby television monitor
• If present, pieces of torn cartilage are removed and remaining cartilage is smoothed
• Anchors are used to reattach the meniscus to the tibia (shin bone) and sutures repair the tear
• Incisions are carefully closed and sterilely dressed

The knee is placed in a comfortable knee immobilizer after the procedure. The patient goes home after they are alert and awake. Patients usually return to work 1-2 weeks after their procedure. Total recovery time depends on the severity of the tear. Many patients return to normal activities 2-3 months after the procedure.

What Does a Meniscus Repair Treat?

The meniscus is a piece of soft tissue that sits on the top of the tibia and cushions the knee by evenly distributing weight while standing, walking, running, and jumping. Falls and sports injuries are usually the cause of meniscus tears. Symptoms include the following:

• Clicking or catching sensation
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling

Weight-bearing and physical activity make symptoms worse. Patients who experience symptoms and would like to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan may make an appointment with our Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained knee specialists.