Facing the prospect of surgery can often feel daunting, accompanied by many questions and uncertainties. This guide is here to support you through the meniscus tear surgery journey, offering clear and reassuring information to help you understand each stage. From the initial preparation to recovery, we aim to empower you with practical insights. Under the expert care of Professor Paul Lee, a leading specialist in cartilage injuries, and the dedicated team at MSK Doctors, you can be confident in receiving top-quality treatment in a caring and professional environment.

Understanding the Meniscus Tear Surgery Process

The meniscus is a vital piece of cartilage in your knee that acts like a cushion, helping to absorb shock and keep the joint stable. A meniscus tear happens when this cartilage is damaged, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatments like rest or physiotherapy, surgery might be recommended. The common procedure is knee arthroscopy—a minimally invasive surgery where tiny instruments and a camera are inserted through small cuts to either repair or trim the damaged meniscus. Two main surgical approaches exist: repairing the meniscus by stitching the torn parts back together or trimming away (partial meniscectomy) any unstable fragments.

Preserving as much of the meniscus as possible is crucial. According to expert consensus, “preservation of the meniscus should be considered as the first line of treatment because partial meniscectomy often leads to worse long-term outcomes compared to repair” (Kopf et al., 2020). It’s also important to remember that unusual knee anatomy can sometimes influence these injuries. For example, a rare case reported the meniscus tear occurring due to an unusual attachment of the meniscus to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), highlighting the complexity of some knee injuries (Wang et al., 2011). Thanks to Professor Paul Lee’s extensive experience and the MSK Doctors’ thorough approach, your diagnosis and surgical plan will be tailored specifically to your knee’s needs.

Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know

Getting ready for surgery involves a few key steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Typically, you’ll have pre-operative assessments such as scans and general health checks, which help your medical team plan the procedure and identify any other knee issues.

There is some variation in how imaging is used. While MRI scans are not always performed routinely, they are recommended if arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) is being considered, to spot any additional damage. In these cases, a musculoskeletal specialist will decide when an MRI is necessary (Kopf et al., 2020).

On the day of surgery, you’ll receive advice on fasting and managing medications, and it’s a good idea to arrange transport to and from the hospital in advance. The team at MSK Doctors understand that anaesthesia and hospital admission can be anxious times, so they provide clear information and ongoing support to help you feel comfortable.

What Happens During Meniscus Tear Surgery?

When you arrive for surgery, the first step is to check in and prepare for anaesthesia, which will be carefully administered by skilled professionals to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free.

Knee arthroscopy involves making very small cuts around the knee to insert a camera and fine instruments. Your surgeon will then assess the tear and decide whether to stitch it back together or trim the damaged tissue. Importantly, “when repair is required, surgery should be performed as early as possible to improve healing chances” (Kopf et al., 2020).

The procedure usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. After surgery, some soreness is normal, but with Professor Paul Lee’s expert technique, the aim is to reduce discomfort and foster a smooth recovery.

Knowing what to expect during surgery can ease nerves and help you feel more in control of your treatment.

Recovery After Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect

Recovery starts right away as you wake from the anaesthesia, with the hospital team closely monitoring you and helping you take your first steps. The time it takes to recover varies from person to person and depends on the type of surgery you had.

In general, the early days focus on reducing swelling and pain, followed by regaining knee movement and strength. Simple measures like icing the knee and keeping your leg elevated can help manage discomfort. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on medications and avoid rushing back to full activity, as doing too much too soon can hinder recovery.

Being aware of the typical recovery stages allows you to plan your return to daily life, work, and exercise realistically and confidently.

The Importance of Rehabilitation and Ongoing Support

Rehabilitation through physiotherapy is essential in restoring your knee’s strength, flexibility, and function after surgery. Your exercises will be carefully tailored and gradually progressed to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

While complications like infection or reinjury are rare, if you notice unusual pain, swelling, or other concerns, it’s important to seek advice promptly. Throughout your rehabilitation, Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team provide continuous support, working closely with you to maximise your recovery.

Additional resources and support are available to help you stay informed and motivated during this important phase.

Conclusion
Meniscus tear surgery can feel challenging, but having clear information and a strong support network makes all the difference. By understanding the process before, during, and after surgery, you can prepare effectively and look forward to regaining your knee’s comfort and function. With Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team by your side, you are in experienced hands dedicated to your wellbeing.

For personalised advice and treatment, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Kopf, S., Beaufils, P., Hirschmann, M. T., Rotigliano, N., Ollivier, M., Pereira, H., Verdonk, R., Daraboš, N., Ntagiopoulos, P. G., Dejour, D., Seil, R., & Becker, R. (2020). Management of traumatic meniscus tears: the 2019 ESSKA meniscus consensus. Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, 28(4), 1177-1194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-05847-3

Wang, J. H., Wong, A. K., Romanowski, J. R., & Fu, F. H. (2011). Meniscus tear developed by pulling of the anomalous insertion of medial meniscus on anterior cruciate ligament. Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, 19(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1464-6