About Meniscus Tears

Various patterns of meniscal tears occur and in different patient age groups. Typically large tears in younger patients have a good potential to heal and will be repaired (stitched). Older patients with ‘wear and tear’ degenerative tears are very common. The first line of treatment for these tears should be to trial Physiotherapy as this has been shown to have similar benefit to knee arthroscopy ‘clean up’ surgery as first line treatment (Placebo ‘pretend’ surgery studies have confirmed this).

What is arthroscopic partial meniscectomy?

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is keyhole ‘clean up’ meniscus tear surgery. The grossly loose and unstable meniscus is gently removed, leaving as much stable meniscus as possible. This surgery in general should not be first line treatment for degenerative meniscus tears. Surgery can be useful as a secondary treatment for patients who have trialled a Physiotherapy program and still have localised tenderness around the meniscus tear. The remaining cartilage in the knee should be close to normal, knee arthroscopy is not an effective treatment if you have established arthritis, even if you have a meniscal tear.

What does arthroscopic partial meniscectomy involve?

The anaesthetist will give you a light general anaesthetic then the arthroscope camera is carefully inserted into your knee to inspect the damage. The torn and grossly loose meniscus is gently removed leaving as much stable meniscus remaining. You can fully weight bear on the knee immediately and start knee motion as pain allows. Physiotherapy starts at week two for knee motion assistance and muscle strengthening. On average most patients take around 4 – 6 weeks to make an 80% recovery, with the remaining recovery occurring slowly as activity levels increase.