✦ Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Q: What determines whether a meniscal tear is repaired or trimmed?

Tear location is the most important factor — tears in the vascular outer third can heal after repair, while central zone tears in the avascular region have poor healing potential. Tear pattern, tissue quality, acuity, and patient age also influence the decision.

Q: How long does recovery take after meniscal surgery?

After partial meniscectomy, patients return to walking within days and sport in 4–6 weeks. After repair, protected weight-bearing continues for 6 weeks and return to sport typically requires 3–4 months to allow the repaired tissue to heal adequately.

Q: Can arthroscopic meniscal surgery be performed as a day case?

Yes. The vast majority of meniscal procedures are completed as day-case surgery. Patients arrive on the morning of surgery and are discharged home on the same day once they have met basic recovery criteria and received physiotherapy guidance.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of leaving a meniscal tear untreated?

Significant untreated tears — particularly root tears and bucket-handle patterns — progressively damage the cartilage beneath them. Over time, this accelerates the onset of compartmental knee arthritis and may eventually necessitate partial or total joint replacement.

A keyhole procedure using a camera inside the knee to either trim an irreparable meniscal tear or repair a reparable one — eliminating mechanical symptoms while preserving as much functional cartilage as possible.

30–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

4–12 Weeks FULL RECOVERY

What is Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery?

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery encompasses two distinct techniques — partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair — selected based on the nature of the tear. Partial meniscectomy removes only the unstable torn fragment, leaving as much intact meniscal rim as possible. Meniscal repair uses sutures to reappose and fix the torn tissue, preserving the entire structure. The decision between trimming and repairing depends on tear location, pattern, tissue quality, and the patient's age and activity level. Dr. Sai Kishan approaches every meniscal procedure at Lux Hospitals with a preservation-first philosophy — repairing wherever the biology supports it.

Appropriate for patients with a symptomatic meniscal tear producing pain, swelling, catching, locking, or mechanical limitation that has not settled with conservative management — where arthroscopic treatment offers a reliable solution for both the acute presentation and long-term joint health.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Arthroscopic Access

Spinal or general anaesthesia; standard knee portals are established for camera and instrument insertion.

Systematic Joint Survey

All meniscal surfaces, cartilage, ligaments, and joint compartments are assessed under direct vision to characterise the tear fully.

Partial Meniscectomy When Indicated

Unstable, irreparable fragments are trimmed using a motorised shaver and punch, preserving the maximum amount of stable meniscal rim.

Meniscal Repair When Appropriate

Sutures are delivered through the tear using all-inside devices or inside-out technique, reducing and securing the tear in its anatomic position.

Portal Closure & Weight-Bearing Guidance

Portals are closed; weight-bearing instructions are provided based on whether repair or resection was performed — each has a different recovery protocol.

Outcomes

30–60 minDURATION

Day CaseHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

4–12 WeeksRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Resolves pain, swelling, locking, and catching caused by a torn meniscus
→Day-case keyhole procedure — small portals and same-day discharge
→Repair preserves the full meniscal structure and protects long-term joint health
→Associated ligament or cartilage injuries identified and treated in the same session
→Avoids the need for open knee surgery in the overwhelming majority of cases
→Return to sport often achieved within 4–6 weeks following partial meniscectomy

Every meniscal tear presents an opportunity — repair it if you can, trim it only if you must. Protecting meniscal tissue is protecting the knee's future, and that philosophy should guide every decision in the operating room.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What determines whether a meniscal tear is repaired or trimmed?+

How long does recovery take after meniscal surgery?+

Can arthroscopic meniscal surgery be performed as a day case?+

What are the long-term consequences of leaving a meniscal tear untreated?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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