The condition
The knee has two menisci—C-shaped cartilage cushions between the thigh and shin bones that absorb shock and protect the joint. A twisting injury can tear one, causing pain, swelling, catching, or locking. Tears in the outer part, which has better blood supply, can often be repaired.
The surgery
Meniscus repair is a typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera. The torn edges are stitched together with small sutures or devices, sometimes through a small extra incision. If the tear cannot be repaired, the torn part may be trimmed instead (a faster recovery). The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Crutches and a brace locked straight for 6 weeks, with weight added in steps to full by ~6 weeks (some tears allow full weight sooner in the brace).
- Motion
- Bending to 90° for 6 weeks, then full motion by 10–12 weeks. No deep loaded squatting until 4 months.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Not before 4 months, once strength allows.
- Sports
- Typically 5–6 months, after strength and hop testing (with an ACL reconstruction, the ACL timeline applies).
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: A healed meniscus protects the cartilage and lowers the long-term risk of arthritis. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the repair not healing (which may need another surgery), numbness near the incisions, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery