What is Meniscus Repair Surgery?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage located between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci — one on the inner (medial) side and one on the outer (lateral) side. They act as shock absorbers, improve joint stability, and protect the cartilage inside the knee.
Meniscus repair surgery is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure in which the torn meniscus is repaired using specialized sutures or fixation devices rather than removing it. Preserving the meniscus helps maintain normal knee function and may reduce the long-term risk of osteoarthritis.
Arthroscopic meniscus repair aims to preserve the meniscus whenever possible because it plays an important role in knee stability and shock absorption.
Who Needs Meniscus Repair Surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this procedure if you have:
- A repairable meniscus tear confirmed on MRI
- Persistent knee pain despite conservative treatment
- Knee locking or catching
- Recurrent knee swelling
- Knee instability during walking or sports
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- A sports-related meniscus injury
- A meniscus tear associated with an ACL injury
Common Causes
Symptoms
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Locking of the knee
- Clicking or catching sensation
- Difficulty squatting
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Knee instability
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- McMurray Test
- Thessaly Test
- MRI Scan
- Digital X-rays
- CT Scan (if required)
- Blood investigations before surgery
Types of Meniscus Repair Surgery
Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
The torn cartilage is repaired using sutures or specialized fixation devices. Preferred when the tear is located in an area with good blood supply and the tissue is suitable for healing.
Partial Meniscectomy
Only the damaged portion of the meniscus is removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Recommended when the tear cannot be repaired.
Meniscus Root Repair
Performed for tears involving the meniscus root, which is essential for maintaining normal knee biomechanics.
Meniscus Repair with ACL Reconstruction
Many patients with ACL injuries also have meniscus tears. Both procedures can often be performed during the same arthroscopic surgery.
Benefits
- Relief from knee pain
- Preservation of natural knee cartilage
- Improved knee stability
- Better joint function
- Reduced risk of future cartilage damage
- Faster return to daily activities
- Improved quality of life
- Potential reduction in the long-term risk of osteoarthritis compared with meniscus removal
The Procedure
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation
- Administration of spinal or general anesthesia
- Arthroscopic examination of the knee joint
- Identification of the meniscus tear
- Repair using sutures or fixation devices
- Treatment of any associated cartilage or ligament injuries
- Stability assessment
- Wound closure
- Recovery and rehabilitation
Duration: The surgery usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the injury.
Recovery Timeline
Success Rate
Meniscus repair has excellent outcomes in appropriately selected patients, particularly when the tear is located in the outer, well-vascularized portion of the meniscus. Success depends on the tear pattern, patient age, associated injuries, surgical technique, and commitment to rehabilitation.
Risks
Although meniscus repair surgery is generally safe, possible risks include:
Cost of Meniscus Repair Surgery in India
The final cost depends on: Hospital, Surgeon's expertise, Tear pattern, Implants and fixation devices used, Additional procedures such as ACL reconstruction, Hospital stay and rehabilitation.
Why International Patients Choose India
- Highly experienced orthopedic surgeons
- Advanced surgical and arthroscopic technology
- Internationally accredited hospitals (NABH & JCI)
- Affordable treatment compared to Western countries
- Minimal waiting time
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs
- English-speaking healthcare teams
- Personalized care for international patients
Best Hospitals for Meniscus Repair Surgery in India
Hospital selection depends on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and budget. See our full hospital network →
International Patient Journey
- Share your medical reports (and MRI scans, if relevant).
- Receive a free expert medical opinion.
- Get a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
- Confirm your travel dates.
- Receive medical visa assistance.
- Arrive in India and meet your patient coordinator.
- Consultation and pre-operative evaluation.
- Meniscus Repair Surgery.
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
- Follow-up consultation.
- Return home with complete medical records and recovery guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the tear is repairable, preserving the meniscus is generally preferred because it helps maintain normal knee function and may lower the long-term risk of arthritis. However, not every tear is suitable for repair. The choice depends on the location, size, and pattern of the tear.
Most international patients are advised to stay in India for 2–3 weeks to complete surgery, begin rehabilitation, and attend follow-up appointments before traveling home.
Yes. Physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery and helps restore knee strength, flexibility, balance, and normal function.
Many patients return to sports after successful rehabilitation. Return to high-impact sports typically takes 4–6 months, depending on healing and your surgeon's recommendations.
Yes. If both injuries are present, surgeons commonly perform ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair during the same arthroscopic procedure.