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Meniscus Repair

Vertical tears in the portion of the meniscus that has a blood supply can be repaired thereby maintaining the meniscus and its shock-absorbing function.  Meniscus repair is preferable for those tears that are amenable to repair and the results of arthroscopic meniscus repair are as high as 80-90%. 

Arthroscopic Surgery of the knee

Flap Tear of Medial Meniscus

Medial Meniscus following removal of flap tear

Degenerative Medial Meniscus Tear in a runner

Medial Meniscus after partial removal of a degenerative tear in a runner

Large Peripheral Medial Meniscus Tear

Front of repairable tear (black line) showing it is next to the joint capsule (red tissue) with a good blood supply

Repaired Meniscus

Repaired front portion of meniscus

Rehabilitation 

Rehabilitation following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy typically involves a short period of decreased activity and protected weight bearing. Ice and compression are very important in the immediate postoperative period.  Physical therapy is recommended to decrease swelling, regain range of motion, and regain strength and endurance. It typically takes a few weeks for younger patients to return to their previous activity level and sports.  It takes longer for middle-aged or older patients to return to their previous activity levels based on the amount of arthritic change present in the knee.

Dr. Khalfayan’s Tip:  It’s helpful to decrease swelling early.  Patients can move their knee as tolerated and can perform gentle quadriceps strengthening immediately after surgery. 

After a meniscus repair, partial weight bearing is allowed and a brace may be used. Squatting is restricted for the first 3-4 months depending the size of the tear. Return to sport following arthroscopic meniscus repair can take 3-4 months depending on the severity of the tear and the sport. 

Dr. Khalfayan’s Tip:  After a meniscus repair, it is important not to squat until cleared to do so by your physician as squatting places the highest amount of stress on the meniscus.