How To Treat A Meniscus Tear

Surgical Repair

Doctors may recommend surgical repair if the patient's knee doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments or if the meniscus tear causes their knee to lock up. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the kind of tear and its size and location within the cartilage. The meniscus can be repaired by stitching the pieces back together, or the damaged meniscus can be trimmed away if the tear can’t be repaired. The surgical procedure most commonly used to repair a torn meniscus is performed with arthroscopy. This technique uses a flexible fiber-optic device called an arthroscope to view the damage and make necessary repairs. The device has a camera and small light attached to it, and it’s inserted into the knee through a tiny incision made near the knee. Surgical instruments for the operation can be maneuvered through the arthroscope or additional incisions. The entire procedure takes about an hour. Patients may be fitted for crutches well in advance of the surgery to learn how to use them. Full recovery can take up to six weeks, but patients can start physical therapy within days.

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