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Meniscus Repair

Surgery Overview

A meniscus tear is a common injury to the cartilage that stabilizes and cushions the knee joint. Whether or not your tear can be repaired depends on the type of the tear. Radial tears sometimes can be repaired, depending on where they are located. Horizontal, flap, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—generally can't be repaired.

Your doctor will suggest the treatment that will likely work best for you based on the zone where the tear is, the pattern of the tear, and how big it is. Your age, your health, and your activity level may also affect your treatment options. In some cases, the surgeon makes the final decision during surgery, when the surgeon can see how strong the meniscus is, where the tear is, and how big the tear is.

Meniscus repair is usually done with arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor puts a lighted tube and scope, called an arthroscope, with other surgical tools through small cuts (incisions) in your knee. Sometimes a larger incision is also needed. The surgeon repairs the meniscus using sutures (stitches) or anchors.

Other knee injuries—most commonly to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—may occur at the same time as a torn meniscus. In these cases, your surgeon will repair your torn meniscus, if needed, at the same time ACL surgery is done.

Information about Meniscus Repair

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Information about Meniscus Repair

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.