# Meniscus Surgery

> Citation bundle for Meniscus Surgery on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/meniscus-surgery
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/meniscus-surgery

- Category: orthopaedic

## Description

A tear of a meniscus is a rupturing of one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee called menisci. When doctors and patients refer to "torn cartilage" in the knee, they actually may be referring to an injury to a meniscus at the top of one of the tibiae.

## Overview

A tear of a meniscus is a rupturing of one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee called menisci. When doctors and patients refer to "torn cartilage" in the knee, they actually may be referring to an injury to a meniscus at the top of one of the tibiae. Menisci can be torn during innocuous activities such as walking or squatting. They can also be torn by traumatic force encountered in sports or other forms of physical exertion. The traumatic action is most often a twisting movement at the knee while the leg is bent. In older adults, the meniscus can be damaged following prolonged 'wear and tear'. Especially acute injuries can lead to displaced tears which can cause mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or locking during motion of the joint.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

- **Complication rate:** 6.00% (range 3.70–9.00%) — from 3 cited sources

## FAQs

### What is meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery treats a torn meniscus, one of the crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion the knee joint. The two main approaches are meniscal repair, which stitches the torn cartilage together, and meniscectomy, which removes the damaged portion. It is usually performed to relieve pain and mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking.

### Who is a typical candidate?

It is generally considered for people with a meniscus tear that causes persistent pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms, particularly when non-surgical treatment has not helped. Not every tear needs surgery, and some are managed without an operation. The choice depends on the type and location of the tear, the person's age, and their activity level.

### What is the difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy?

In a repair, the surgeon sutures the torn edges so the meniscus can heal, which is generally preferred when the tear is in a part of the cartilage with a good blood supply. In a meniscectomy, the damaged part is trimmed away because it is unlikely to heal on its own. Preserving meniscus tissue where possible is generally favoured to protect the joint over the long term.

### How is the surgery performed?

Meniscus surgery is usually done arthroscopically, meaning the surgeon works through small incisions using a camera and fine instruments. It is performed under anaesthesia and is often carried out as a day-case procedure. The arthroscopic approach avoids opening the knee joint fully.

### What does recovery generally involve?

Recovery involves managing swelling and gradually restoring movement and strength, usually with a course of physiotherapy. A repair generally requires a more protected and longer rehabilitation than a meniscectomy, because the stitched cartilage needs time to heal. Return to sport and heavier activity is guided by the surgeon and physiotherapist.

### What are the main risks, and what does it cost?

Recognised risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, nerve or blood-vessel injury, and the possibility that a repair may not heal and needs further surgery. Removing meniscus tissue can also increase the long-term risk of joint wear. Cost varies by clinic and country; see the destinations listed for this procedure.

## Cited authors

- Ajaykumar Shanmugaraj — Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Prushoth Vivekanantha — Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Felipe Moreira Borim — Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim, 25-29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.

## Sources

- [Surgical Management of the Discoid Lateral Meniscus: a Systematic Review of Outcomes.](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-025-09980-9) — Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine (accessed 2026-07-13)
- [Surgical repair of radial meniscus tears yields favorable healing rates: a systematic review.](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-026-07080-z) — Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research (accessed 2026-07-13)
- [The repair of horizontal cleavage tears yields higher complication rates compared to meniscectomy: a systematic review.](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-019-05557-5) — Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA (accessed 2026-07-13)