Meniscus Repair

What is meniscus repair?

The meniscus is one of two c-shaped cartilages that function to distribute weight across the knee and reduces stress on the bone. Acute meniscus injury is quite common in young people; chronic degeneration is also also common in older people. When torn, the meniscus requires suturing to allow healing. 

Indications and contraindications for meniscus repair

Indications for surgical meniscus repair are based on:

Tear Type: The outer zone of the meniscus has a better blood supply and potential for healing, injury in an outer zone can be repaired.

Tear Size: Smaller tears have a better chance of healing after repair.

Patient Age: Healing after repair is more predictable in young patients.

Activity Level: Patients engaged in physically demanding activities are more in need of repair, rather than resection.

Contraindications for meniscus repair include: 

Complex tears that are too large, too complex, or problematically located.

Chronic tears leading to significant degeneration of the meniscus.

Inadequate healthy meniscus.

Severe knee arthritis which may not benefit from repair.

Benefits and complications of meniscus repair

Benefits

  • Preservation of the native meniscus.
  • Improved long-term outcomes, including delay of degenerative arthritis.


Known complications

  • Post-operative infection.
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion.
  • Scarring.
  • Repair failure
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

The surgery

Meniscus repair is typically performed arthroscopically. 

Preparation prior to surgery

  • You will receive a thorough health assessment: including medical history. You may be advised to modify certain lifestyle factors and you may be referred to another specialist. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications as your surgery date approaches. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to evaluate your condition and plan your surgery.  Functional deficiencies will be assessed; additional nueromuscular testing may be completed. Potential donor muscles are selected.
  • Skin and bowel preparation: On the evening before your surgery, you will be asked to wash your leg using the sponge provided at your pre-admission clinic. A skin test may be administered if an iodine allergy is suspected. You will also be provided medicine to help you evacuate your bowels prior to surgery.
  • Patient education: if neccessary, you may speak with a physiotherapist who can advise you on post-operative mobility. 

 

On the day of the surgery

  • You will be asked to complete your surgical paperwork and will meet with the anaesthetist.
  • The surgical site will be prepared.
  • You will be administered general or regional anaesthesia.
  • An incision will be made over the knee joint, through which the arthroscope will be inserted.
  • A further incision will allow tool access.
  • The meniscus will be repaired with either the sutures place on the meniscus from the inside knee joint outward (inside-out technique), from the outside of the knee inward (outside-in technique) or entirely within the joint space (all-inside technique).
  • The wound will be sutured and dressed.


After your surgery

  • Discharge: meniscus repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. 
  • Wound care: your incisions will be closed with sutures and covered by a waterproof dressing. You may clean the wound gently with warm water and soap, being careful to dry it thoroughly. 
  • Pain and swelling: You may experience mild to moderate pain. You will be prescribed painkillers to manage these symptoms. Inflammation can be controlled by icing (15 minutes per hour maximum).
  • Mobilising: Weightbearing will be increased gradually, under supervision. Crutches may be used initially. 
  • Aftercare: after 6 weeks, you will be asked to complete further checks to assess healing, and at three, six and twelve months after your surgery for the same reason. 
  • Physiotherapy: a tailored program will help you to build strength, flexibility and mobility around your newly transferred tendon. 

Concerns

If you are concerned about your pain level, or develop significant bleeding, fever or redness around the surgical site, please contact us immediately. For after-hours support, contact the hospital at which your surgery was completed. They will contact Prof. Al Muderis on your behalf.

Norwest Private Hospital: (02) 8882 8882

Macquarie University Hospital: (02) 9812 3000

This treatment could be eligible for our
No 'Out-of-Pocket' Expenses Program

For further information, click here or to check your eligibility, please contact our team. 

Speak with our team on +61 2 8882 9011

Need an urgent appointment? No problem.
Need X-rays? X-ray facilities available at all clinic locations

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Professor Munjed Al Muderis

Professor Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in osseointegration, hip, knee and trauma surgery. He is a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group.

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Disclaimer

Information provided via this website is for educational and communication purposes only. The material presented is neither intended to convey the only, nor necessarily the best, method or procedure, but rather represents techniques and procedures used by Professor Munjed Al Muderis. Professor Munjed Al Muderis disclaims any and all liability for injury and/or other damages which result from an individual using techniques presented on this website. Professor Munjed Al Muderis, to the best of his knowledge, believes the information presented is current and applicable to work being done by orthopaedic surgeons worldwide.