Meniscal Repair
Meniscal repair is intended to restore function and preserve tissue in the knee joint.
Overview
The meniscus is a c-shaped piece of rubbery cartilage in the knee joint. It can become torn through sudden injury or wear-and-tear over time. Meniscal repair is designed to restore the meniscus and help preserve tissue in your knee.
What is meniscal repair?
In meniscal repair, a tear in the meniscus is stitched back together, just as a tear in a piece of fabric might be. The procedure is done by an orthopaedic surgeon in a minimally invasive surgery.
Meniscal repair is an alternative to meniscal removal, also known as meniscectomy. Both repair and removal may offer pain relief in the knee, but only repair preserves the natural tissue. This is important, as studies show that meniscal tissue plays a key role in the long-term health of the knee.1-2
Meniscal repair may offer these benefits:
Long-term pain relief in the knee3-4
Return to natural biomechanics in the knee5-6
Reduced risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee,1-7 when compared to meniscal removal
Not every meniscal tear is suitable for repair. Your surgeon will recommend the best treatment option based on the type, size, and location of the tear as well as other factors.
Is meniscal repair right for me?
To find out if meniscal repair is a treatment option, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine your knee and review your health situation in determining if the treatment is recommended. Here are other things to know:
The procedure
- First step
The procedure is typically done arthroscopically. One or more small incisions are made around your knee so that your surgeon can insert a tiny camera and surgical instruments. - Second step
Fluid is pumped into the knee joint so that your surgeon can better see the tear. - Third step
Your surgeon will evaluate the tear and select tools to reattach the torn pieces. The surgeon may use sutures or anchors to hold the pieces in place. - Fourth step
When the repair is complete, any remaining debris in the joint will be removed. Your surgeon will close the incision(s).
What is the recovery like?
Each patient’s recovery is different and depends on several factors, including knee anatomy, treatment needs, and medical history. Typically, patients wear a brace and use crutches for 4-6 weeks after surgery.9 Heavy lifting may be restricted during this time. Physical therapy exercises are often prescribed to restore movement and build strength in the knee.
What are the risks involved?
All surgery has risks and the potential for complications. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have before you decide on treatment. Some of the possible risks and complications for meniscal repair surgery include:
Blood clotting
Blood clotting problems – such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) – may occur after surgery and interrupt normal blood flow. Your medical team may recommend medications and exercises to reduce the risk.Infection
Infection may occur at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body. Your medical team will provide information about how to watch for this problem.Pneumonia
After surgery, pneumonia or other breathing problems may develop. Your medical team may recommend measures to reduce the risk.Nerve problems
Though uncommon, nerves or blood vessels in the knee area may be damaged during surgery.Long-term pain and stiffness in the knee
In some cases, pain and stiffness may continue after surgery. Movement of the knee may become restricted. Following the recovery guidelines of your medical team may help reduce this risk.
In some cases, you may need additional surgery to address a complication. Talk to your surgeon about the possible risks for your specific health situation.
Disclaimers
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Not everyone is a candidate for meniscal repair surgery, and individual results of surgery will vary. Every patient's case is unique, and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication, and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency, please call 911 and seek emergency help. 39910 6/2023
Citations
1. Stein T, Mehling AP, Welsch F, von Eisenhart-Rothe R, Jäger A. Long-term outcome after arthroscopic meniscal repair versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for traumatic meniscal tears. Am J Sports Med. Year; 38(8):1542-1548.
2. Papalia R, Del Buono A, Osti L, Denaro V, Maffulli N. Meniscectomy as a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. British Medical Bulletin. 2011;99:89-106.
3. Pujol N, Tardy N, Boisrenoult P, Beaufils P. Long-term outcomes of all-inside meniscal repair. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(1):219-224.
4. Johnson MJ, Lucas GL, Dusek JK, Henning CE. Isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair: a long-term outcome study (more than 10 years). Am J Sports Med. 1999;27(1):44-49.
5. Beamer BS, et al. Changes in Contact Area in Meniscus Horizontal Cleavage Tears Subjected to Repair and Resection. Arthroscopy. 2017;33(3): 617-624.
6. Zhang AL, Miller SL, Coughlin, DB, Lotz, JC, Feeley, BT. Tibiofemoral contact pressures in radial tears of the meniscus treated with all-inside repair, inside-out repair and partial meniscectomy. The Knee. 2015;22(5): 400-404.
7. Chung KS, Ha JK, Yeom CH, et al. Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Results Between Partial Meniscectomy and Refixation of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-up. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(10):1941-1950.
8. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Accessed May 15, 2023. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/
9. HSS website. Accessed May 25, 2023. https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_torn-meniscus.asp#recovery.