What is Meniscus Repair?

Meniscus repair uses stitches to bring the edges of a torn meniscus back together so the tissue can heal.

The meniscus is the C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee.

Repair is preferred over trimming when the tear is in a part of the meniscus with enough blood supply to heal, usually the outer rim. Keeping more meniscus helps protect the knee over the long term.

Not every tear can be repaired. Tears in the inner part have little blood supply, and those are more often trimmed. The choice is guided by the tear's location, pattern, and the patient's age and activity.

What happens during Meniscus Repair, step by step?

Repair is done with arthroscopy, a small camera through tiny incisions.

The surgeon places sutures across the tear to hold the edges together while the tissue heals. If the tear is in a region that cannot heal, the surgeon trims the damaged part instead. Dr. McMillan will explain what was found and done.

What is recovery like after Meniscus Repair?

Repair requires a more protected recovery than trimming because the stitched tissue needs time to heal.

Many people use a brace and limit deep bending and full weight for a period of weeks, with a gradual return to activity over several months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Your surgical team will set the specific restrictions for your repair.

Read the full guide to preparing for surgery →

Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.