Meniscal Repair Surgery

A meniscus repair surgery is an arthroscopic outpatient procedure in which a torn piece of the meniscus in the knee is sewn back together. Only a tear on the outer 1/3 portion of the meniscus has the blood supply to enable the healing of a repair. Therefore, repairs are only done tears in this outer 1/3 region. If a tear occurs on the medial (inside) 2/3 portion it will be treated with conservative non-surgical measures, partial excision meaning a portion of the meniscus with the tear will be removed, or a menisectomy (removal of the meniscus). The goal of this procedure is to preserve the healthy meniscus.

 

Overview of procedure

• First, a small 1cm incision is made and an arthroscopic camera is inserted into the knee to examine the exact location and extent of the tear.

• Several small instruments are inserted through other 1cm incisions to repair the tear

• The procedure takes about 1-1.5 hours to perform

• After the surgery is completed the patient will be taken to a recovery room for 1-2 hours as they come out of their general anesthesia.

• Anti-inflammatory or minimal pain medication is given to the patient to control pain and inflammation.

• The patient is put in a knee immobilizer and given crutches

• The patient discharged from the hospital and instructed to follow up with physical therapy.

 

Pre-treatment considerations

• A meniscus repair is only recommended for young, healthy, active patients under the age of 30 who are receiving surgery within the first 2 months after the meniscus tear injury.

• The meniscus must be of good quality

• Only a tear on the outer 1/3 of the meniscus has enough blood supply to heal from a repair.

 

Post-treatment considerations and recovery

• Patient will be discharged from the hospital on the same day, as this is an outpatient procedure

• Physical therapy will be begun shortly after meniscus repair, within the first few days, to begin to restore range of motion, stability, and strength of the knee.

• Oral anti-inflammatories can be taken for pain and inflammation post-surgery.

 

Pros and benefits

• A meniscus repair preserves the meniscus tissue and prevents degenerative changes

 

Cons, risks, and possible side effects

• Infection

• Injury to nerve or blood vessel during surgery

• Blood clots

• Stiffness in knee

• Fracture

• Weakness

• Anesthesia issues

• Inability to repair

• Repeat rupture or tear