The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a cushion between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). It plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee and absorbing shock. Meniscus repair surgery is a procedure to fix a torn meniscus, restoring its structure and function.
The surgery itself is painless due to anaesthesia, but post-operative pain is common. Pain management strategies, including medication and icing, are typically provided.
The success of meniscus repair surgery depends on several factors, including the type and location of the tear, patient characteristics, and adherence to post-operative care. Here's a detailed look at the effectiveness of this treatment:
Preservation of Knee Function:
Return to Activities:
Prevention of Degeneration:
Type of Tear:
Patient Age:
Concurrent Injuries:
Adherence to Rehabilitation:
Whether you can drive after meniscus repair surgery depends on several factors, including which leg was operated on, your recovery progress, and your ability to control the vehicle safely. If the surgery was on your left knee and you drive an automatic car, you may be able to resume driving sooner than someone who had surgery on their right knee, which controls the accelerator and brake pedals. In general, patients are advised not to drive until they can walk comfortably without crutches, have good control of their leg muscles, and can perform an emergency stop without hesitation or pain. This often takes around 4 to 6 weeks, but it can vary. Your reaction times must be back to normal, and you should not be taking any pain medication that could impair alertness or coordination. Before returning to driving, it's a good idea to test your ability in a safe, stationary setting—such as sitting in your parked car and simulating driving motions. Always check with your surgeon or physiotherapist before getting behind the wheel, and consult your car insurance provider as some policies may have restrictions following surgery. Safety should always come first—for you and others on the road.
Preparing for meniscus repair surgery involves a combination of physical, logistical, and medical steps to help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. First, your surgeon will likely order imaging studies, such as an MRI, to confirm the type and location of the meniscal tear. This helps determine the most suitable surgical approach. You may also need routine blood tests or a general health check-up, particularly if you have other medical conditions. It’s important to let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Some, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be paused before surgery to reduce bleeding risk. If you smoke, consider cutting back or quitting, as smoking can slow tissue healing. Physically, maintaining strength in your leg muscles—within comfort limits—can support a better recovery. Some patients are referred for prehabilitation, or pre-op physiotherapy, to improve knee mobility and muscle tone beforehand. You’ll need to fast for several hours before surgery, usually from midnight if the procedure is scheduled for the morning. Finally, arrange transport home and have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you’ll be unable to drive or manage alone immediately after the procedure due to the effects of anaesthesia.
Meniscus repair surgery typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the tear and whether other issues inside the knee need attention during the same operation. The length of the procedure can vary based on factors such as the type and location of the meniscus tear, whether the surgery is performed on one or both knees, and the individual patient's anatomy and condition. Arthroscopic techniques, which are minimally invasive, allow for shorter operating times compared to open surgery. In straightforward cases involving small, stable tears that can be easily stitched, the procedure may be completed relatively quickly. However, if the tear is complex, located in an area with less blood supply, or requires additional procedures such as removing damaged tissue or addressing cartilage injuries, the surgery may take longer. In some cases, a surgeon may begin with a plan for meniscus repair but decide during the operation that partial meniscectomy (removal of the torn part) is more appropriate. This decision can also affect the duration. Although the surgical part is relatively brief, patients should also account for pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery time in the hospital, which may add a few hours to the total experience.
Returning to sports or work after meniscus repair surgery depends on the type of tear, the specific demands of your activity, and how well your knee is healing. For most people, a gradual return begins around 3 months post-surgery, but full return to high-impact sports may take closer to 4 to 6 months—or even longer for more complex repairs. If your job is sedentary, such as office work, you may be able to return within 1 to 2 weeks, especially if you're allowed to keep your leg elevated and limit walking. However, roles that involve standing, lifting, squatting, or other physical tasks generally require more recovery time—often 6 to 12 weeks—depending on how your knee responds to rehab. For sports, especially those involving cutting, pivoting, or jumping (like football, basketball, or netball), a more cautious approach is necessary. Before returning, you’ll need to have full strength, range of motion, and confidence in the knee, as well as clearance from your surgeon or physiotherapist. Rushing back too early can risk re-injury or even failure of the repair. Rehabilitation is key, and returning safely means progressing through each stage of physiotherapy with a focus on function, control, and conditioning—not just pain relief.
As with any surgical procedure, meniscus repair carries some risks, though complications are relatively uncommon when performed by an experienced surgeon. The most common risk is that the meniscus may not heal fully, especially if the tear is in a part of the tissue with limited blood supply. In such cases, symptoms like pain, swelling, or mechanical catching may persist, and further surgery might be required. Infection is a rare but serious risk following any arthroscopic procedure. Signs include increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or fever. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) can also occur, particularly if mobility is limited after surgery, although preventive steps are usually taken to reduce this risk. Stiffness or reduced range of motion can occur during recovery, especially if rehabilitation is delayed or overly cautious. Some patients may experience ongoing discomfort, especially during intense activity, and in rare cases, damage to surrounding structures such as cartilage, ligaments, or nerves may occur during the operation. Other potential issues include adverse reactions to anaesthesia or post-operative complications like joint swelling (effusion) or scar tissue formation. While most people recover well, it's important to follow all post-op instructions and attend follow-ups to catch and manage any complications early.
Recovery time after meniscus repair surgery can vary depending on the size and location of the tear, the type of repair performed, and how well the individual follows their rehabilitation plan. Generally, full recovery takes between three to six months, but some patients may need longer if the repair was complex or if they return to high-impact activities. In the first few weeks, patients often use crutches to avoid placing weight on the operated knee, especially if the repair was done in a region of the meniscus that heals slowly. During this time, swelling and discomfort are common, and physiotherapy usually begins to restore motion and prevent stiffness. Around six weeks post-surgery, many patients can begin to increase their weight-bearing and start more active rehabilitation exercises. By three months, most people regain a significant amount of strength and mobility, and some may return to low-impact activities like walking or cycling. However, full return to sports or physically demanding work is usually only recommended after the six-month mark, once the meniscus has fully healed and the knee is stable. Each person’s recovery is different, and regular follow-up with your surgeon and physiotherapist is essential to monitor healing and adjust the plan as needed.
Meniscus repair surgery is usually performed under either general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia, depending on the patient's health, preferences, and the anaesthetist’s recommendation. General anaesthesia means the patient is completely asleep and unaware during the procedure. This is commonly chosen for younger or more anxious patients, or when the surgeon expects the operation to take longer or involve other parts of the knee. Regional anaesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural block, numbs the lower half of the body. In this case, the patient remains awake but feels no pain from the waist down. Sedatives may also be given to help the patient relax during the operation. Regional anaesthesia is often preferred in patients with certain medical conditions or in cases where avoiding a general anaesthetic is safer. In some situations, local anaesthesia combined with light sedation may be suitable, particularly for very minor or straightforward repairs, though this is less common for deeper procedures inside the knee. The choice of anaesthesia is always made in consultation with the anaesthetist, who will assess the patient's medical history, fitness for surgery, and comfort needs to ensure the safest and most effective approach.
Yes, physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery after meniscus repair surgery. The goal of physiotherapy is to help restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee, while also protecting the repaired meniscus as it heals. In the first few weeks after surgery, the focus is usually on reducing swelling, improving knee motion, and learning how to walk properly—often with the aid of crutches to reduce pressure on the healing tissue. Gradually, as healing progresses, exercises are introduced to strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. These muscles help support the joint and reduce the load on the meniscus. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a personalised program that evolves over time. Early rehabilitation is gentle and carefully structured to avoid stressing the repaired area. Later stages include more dynamic exercises aimed at regaining full knee function for daily activities, work, and sport if relevant. Skipping physiotherapy or returning to activity too soon can increase the risk of re-injury or incomplete healing. In most cases, patients can expect to continue with supervised physiotherapy for several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the repair and individual progress.
Many people regain full knee function after meniscus repair surgery, especially if the tear is in a well-vascularised (well-supplied with blood) area and the repair heals properly. However, the outcome depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the tear, the exact location within the meniscus, the patient's age, overall joint health, and commitment to post-operative rehabilitation. In general, younger patients with isolated tears and no other knee damage tend to recover best. With proper healing and a structured physiotherapy program, these individuals can expect to return to normal activities and even high-level sport in time. However, not all tears heal completely, and in some cases, particularly when the meniscus is damaged in areas with poor blood supply, full recovery may not be possible. It's also important to manage expectations. Even when symptoms resolve and strength returns, some patients may notice subtle changes in how the knee feels during certain movements or high-impact activity. That said, most patients do achieve significant improvement in pain, stability, and function. Ongoing knee care—including staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding repetitive knee stress—can help preserve knee function long-term and reduce the risk of future injuries.