Meniscus Surgery

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Overview

Not all meniscal tears require surgery and many meniscus tears, particularly degenerative tears in low-demand individuals, can be treated with conservative measures such as physical therapy. However, there are certain types of meniscus tears that can be painful and can significantly affect knee function. In addition, because an intact meniscus is essential to protect the cartilage of the knee, surgery is often recommended to help prevent early arthritis.

Surgery should be considered for meniscus tears that impact normal everyday activities and tears that limit the ability to remain active and to help prevent arthritis.

Surgical options for most meniscus tears fall into two categories. Meniscus repair or mensicus removal (also called meniscectomy) Both can be done using arthroscopic minimally invasive techniques. Occasionally, meniscal transplantation is recommended.

Meniscus Repair

Meniscus repair is recommended for certain tears in the outer portion of the meniscus. This area has great blood supply and therefore has good healing potential. Efforts are made to repair all types of non-degenerative meniscus tears in young patients given the importance of the meniscus in preventing early arthritis.

In some cases it may be recommend to support the repair with biologics such as a platelet rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) which provide growth factors to the site of injury to promote the healing of the repaired meniscus.

There are also certain types of meniscus tears that often require surgical treatment. These include meniscal root tears and meniscal ramp tears.

In most cases non-weight-bearing with crutches will be necessary after surgery to allow for the meniscus to heal properly.

Partial Meniscus Removal (Partial Meniscectomy)

Many meniscus tears are degenerative tears and cannot be repaired due to poor blood supply in the area.

In these circumstances an arthroscopic meniscectomy is often recommended. Using small instruments the torn piece is trimmed away, leaving only healthy meniscus.

Following surgery crutches and bracing is not necessary. You will be encouraged to bear full weight and to move your knee right after surgery.

Meniscus Transplant

Sometimes the entire meniscus is severely damaged and a repair is impossible. In this situation it is likely that the articular cartilage protecting your knee will begin to wear away, leading to arthritis.

Meniscal transplant surgery replaces the meniscus cushion before the articular cartilage wears away. The donated meniscus (meniscal allograft) supports and protects the knee in hopes of delaying the development of arthritis.