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Meniscal surgery
Meniscus surgery can improve your mobility and reduce knee pain after a meniscus tear.
If non-surgical treatment isn't working, we offer:
- Easy access: Consultant appointments confirmed within 24 hours
- Expertise: Ranked number one in London for private orthopaedic care
- Quality of care: 97% of orthopaedic patients rate us as very good or excellent
What is the meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that protects the knee joint from movement and shock. It can become damaged by sudden twisting or impact to your knee. The collagen of the meniscus can also wear down over time, leading the meniscus to become thinner, more brittle and more prone to tearing. Each knee has two menisci: lateral on the outside and medial on the inside.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply and is known as the 'red zone'. Injuries to this part of the meniscus may heal on their own, although it is rare for tears to only happen in this area. Except in children and young adults, the rest of the meniscus has little or no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. If this area is damaged, it is unlikely to heal by itself.
What is meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery is an operation to either repair or remove a torn meniscus. If your meniscus is injured by a sudden twist or collision or wears over time and non-surgical treatments aren't effective, an operation can help improve your knee's mobility and stability.
The type of tear you have determines the type of meniscus surgery that will be most effective. Less serious tears can sometimes be repaired, allowing the cartilage to heal. For moderate to serious tears, the damaged tissue will be removed.
What are the types of torn meniscus surgery?
Most meniscus surgery procedures are carried out via arthroscopy (a keyhole procedure). This involves using a small camera called an arthroscope to see inside the knee joint. There are different types of arthroscopic surgery depending on the severity of your meniscus tear:
- Meniscus repair: A surgeon may be able to stitch up the tear, allowing your cartilage to heal on its own. This is often an option for bucket-handle meniscus tears as the injury runs through the 'red zone' of cartilage and the increased blood flow improves healing.
- Partial meniscectomy: Also known as debridement. A surgeon removes part of your torn meniscus and leaves healthy tissue in place. Smaller tears to the 'white zone' of your meniscus are often treated with this procedure, which is sometimes referred to as "cleaning" the joint. The removed cartilage is unlikely to grow back, but any issues that the loose, torn portion of the meniscus caused should be improved.
- Total meniscectomy: If you do need meniscus tear surgery, your surgeon will make every effort to preserve as much cartilage as possible. For larger or more complex tears, however, in rare cases it may be necessary to remove your whole meniscus.
- Meniscus transplant: Better suited for younger patients, a transplant may be recommended if the existing meniscus has been severely damaged or worn away. It may also be advised as a means of delaying the onset of knee arthritis. Meniscus transplants involve complex surgery and rehabilitation regimes, and the need for further surgery can be significant. As such, meniscus transplant surgery is fairly uncommon, with strict eligibility criteria.
The surgery is sometimes referred to by the type of tear you've suffered:
- Traumatic meniscus tear surgery treats a tear caused by sudden trauma such as a sport injury
- Degenerative meniscus tear surgery treats a tear caused by little or no trauma, usually linked to the menisci weakening with age
You may also see meniscus surgery described by the type or part of the meniscus that it treats, for example:
- Lateral or medial meniscus tear surgery, which focus on the lateral (outer) or medial (inner) meniscus.
In some cases, a small cyst can form next to a meniscus tear. A cyst is usually nothing extra to worry about but can cause discomfort. Meniscal cyst surgery involves removing the torn meniscus and decompressing its cyst.
Can I get a meniscus transplant?
For some people, a meniscus transplant may be a suitable course of treatment. An intact meniscus will be taken from a human donor and inserted into the knee joint via arthroscopy.
Eligibility criteria for meniscus transplant typically surround:
- Age: Transplant is generally only offered to those under the age of 45 who lead an active lifestyle.
- Injury: A transplant will not be recommended for minor injuries, or even some more significant ones. Irreparable tears or having less than 50% of the cartilage remaining may be cause for transplant.
- Underlying conditions: Transplantation is a means of avoiding or delaying the onset of knee arthritis, so people already living with the condition will not be eligible.
When would I need meniscus tear surgery?
Meniscus tears are common in people who play sports that involve sudden turns and possible collisions, such as football. You can also injure them through kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting. While you can damage cartilage in your knee in these ways at any age, the risk increases as you get older because the menisci weaken over time. Degenerative meniscus tears can occur with minimal or no trauma.
Typical symptoms of a tear include:
- Sharp knee pain or tenderness
- Swelling around your knee joint
- Difficulty straightening or moving your leg
- A popping or locking sensation in your knee
You may be recommended knee meniscus surgery by your orthopaedic consultant based on factors such as the type, size and location of the tear, and your age and activity level. Depending on your condition, they may recommend non-surgical solutions first, such as resting and ice, physiotherapy and pain medication.
Experts in treating meniscus tears
We offer rapid access to knee specialists, accurate diagnostics and high-quality treatment.
Meniscus surgery FAQs
The main aim of meniscus surgery is to restore the shock-absorbing abilities of your meniscus and enable you to move freely again without pain. Key benefits include:
- Rediscovering your full range of knee movement
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving your sensation of joint stability
- Getting you back to exercise and sport
- Improving your quality of life and mood
Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is a common, safe and effective treatment. Like with any operation, there are potential risks and side effects too. Your consultant will explain these to you with their recommendation.
Rare complications can include:
- Stiffness in your knee joint
- Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Infection
- Injury to the nerves and blood vessels around your knee
- Further tearing of the remaining meniscus after return to activity
- Minor complications linked to using anaesthetic, such as sickness
Before the procedure, your consultant may suggest some imaging such as an X-ray or MRI scan to assess your knee. They'll explain the whole procedure from imaging to surgery, including any risks and side effects, and answer any questions you may have.
You'll be told how best to prepare for meniscal repair or removal surgery, including:
- Arranging travel to and from the hospital and extra support while you recover
- Making your home as comfortable and easy to get around as possible
- Avoiding eating or drinking and certain medications for a period of time before the procedure
Your medical team will also recommend which type of anaesthesia you should have. The majority of meniscal surgery procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, but a different option might be more suitable depending on your age or any underlying health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Options include:
- General anaesthetic: You're put to sleep via an injection or a gas that you breathe through a mask. You won't feel anything during the operation and wake up once the anaesthetic has worn off
- Local anaesthetic: The area around your knee surgery site is numbed by injection. You'll remain awake through the procedure and may be able to feel movements within your knee, but you won't feel any pain
- Epidural anaesthetic: You'll receive an injection into your back and temporarily lose feeling in the lower half of your body but remain awake.
Meniscus surgery is performed as a keyhole procedure. It involves inserting a tiny camera called an arthroscope and specialised surgical instruments into small cuts around your knee. The arthroscope sends images to your surgeon via a monitor, which allows them to see the inside of your knee in detail.
Your surgeon will look at your tear and judge whether they can repair it or if they need to remove the damaged cartilage. They'll then close the incision with stitches or medical strips. The whole procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete.
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure, but you'll need to arrange transport to take you. You'll be given painkillers to help minimise any discomfort immediately after surgery. Ice may be helpful to reduce pain and swelling once you begin your recovery from meniscus surgery at home, as can elevating your leg.
You'll need to use crutches for a few weeks to keep weight off your knee, and sometimes your surgeon may recommend a brace to help support and restrict movement of the knee. You will be given regular physiotherapy exercises to strengthen your knee and help improve your mobility as you recover.
The total recovery time after torn meniscus surgery varies between people and surgery types. Meniscal repair has a longer recovery than a meniscectomy - usually several months - to protect the repair. Your consultant will let you know what to expect based on your surgery and condition, and when you can get back to your usual routine and activities.
Your consultant will guide you on all the specifics of your meniscal surgery recovery time. General guidance is that:
- You can drive once you have stopped using crutches, can sit comfortably, and have the power and mobility in your knee to perform an emergency stop
- You can return to a sedentary job in just a few weeks or a manual job that involves more physical exertion in up to 12 weeks.
Alternatives to meniscal tear surgery are typically non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy and in some cases injections. Your GP or orthopaedic consultant may recommend trying one or more of these first, depending on how severe your condition is. Your options may include:
- Resting your knee, avoiding activities that involve twisting or pivoting
- Icing your knee at regular intervals to reduce pain and swelling, especially in the immediate period after your injury
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to ease the initial pain and swelling
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee and in your legs
What does private meniscus surgery cost?
Private meniscus surgery costs are subject to the type of tear you have and the specifics of the treatment as recommended by your consultant. Payment for your treatment can be via a medical insurance provider or directly using self-pay.
Why choose HCA UK?
- Quick access to specialists: You can have an appointment with one of our orthopaedic consultants confirmed within 24 hours, helping you access treatment and recover sooner
- Imaging services: We offer the full range of diagnostic imaging across multiple locations. Our expert musculoskeletal radiologists report on all images and scans to inform the most effective treatment for your knee pain
- Effective treatment: Whether you undergo arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus or other treatment, you'll receive high-quality care in comfortable, private facilities
- Leaders in orthopaedics: We treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, ranking number one, based on Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) data
- Trusted by patients: Our 2023 patient satisfaction survey reported that 97% of orthopaedic patients rate us as very good or excellent and 99% would recommend us to family and friends.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Our meniscal surgery locations
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Request a knee appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced knee consultants to discuss your meniscus treatment. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
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