✦ 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?

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Resolves pain, swelling, locking, and catching caused by a torn meniscus
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Day-case keyhole procedure — small portals and same-day discharge
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Repair preserves the full meniscal structure and protects long-term joint health
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Associated ligament or cartilage injuries identified and treated in the same session
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Avoids the need for open knee surgery in the overwhelming majority of cases
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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

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery Cost in Hyderabad

The cost of arthroscopic meniscus surgery in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000, with an average estimated cost of ₹1,10,000. The final expense depends on the type and severity of the meniscus tear, whether repair or meniscectomy is required, surgical complexity, implant or fixation requirements, anesthesia, investigations, hospital stay and postoperative rehabilitation.

Procedure	Approximate Cost Range
Meniscectomy or repair	₹70,000 ₹1,50,000
Meniscus Tear Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery Meniscectomy or repair	₹70,000 ₹1,50,000

The above figures are approximate estimates and the final cost may vary depending on the patient's knee condition and the procedure required. Meniscus repair may be preferred over meniscectomy when the tear pattern, location and tissue quality allow repair, as preserving meniscal tissue can help maintain knee function. The overall expense may include consultation, imaging, preoperative tests, surgeon and anesthesia charges, arthroscopy equipment, repair devices when required, hospital stay, medicines and physiotherapy. Additional procedures for associated ligament or cartilage injuries may involve separate charges.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

The cost of arthroscopic meniscus surgery depends on the location and severity of the tear, the type of procedure required, associated knee injuries, surgical complexity and any repair devices used. Diagnostic investigations, anesthesia, hospitalization and postoperative rehabilitation can also influence the overall treatment expense.

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Type of meniscus tear: The size, location and pattern of the tear can determine whether repair or partial meniscectomy is appropriate.
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Meniscus repair: Repair may require specialized fixation devices, which can affect the overall cost.
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Meniscectomy: Partial removal of damaged meniscal tissue may have different surgical requirements compared with repair.
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Tear location and blood supply: The healing potential of a tear can influence the treatment approach.
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Associated injuries: ACL tears, cartilage damage or other knee injuries may require additional procedures.
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Surgical complexity: Complex or multiple tears can increase operating time and surgical requirements.
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Diagnostic investigations: X-rays and MRI may be required to assess the meniscus and other knee structures.
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Anesthesia: Anesthesia charges depend on the procedure and the patient's medical condition.
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Hospital stay: Admission and postoperative monitoring requirements can contribute to the total expense.
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Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore knee movement, strength and function.
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Previous knee surgery: Revision or previously operated knees may require additional assessment and more complex treatment.
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Additional procedures: ACL reconstruction, cartilage procedures or other arthroscopic treatments performed during the same surgery may increase the overall cost.

Insurance Coverage for Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the terms and conditions of the individual policy. Coverage can vary based on procedure limits, implant or fixation-device coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, hospitalization benefits and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm their policy coverage with the insurer before surgery.

Checking your policy coverage
Cashless approval process
Required documentation
Insurance-related queries before the procedure

Dr. Sai Kishan

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with expertise in orthopedic surgery, arthroscopy, sports medicine and joint replacement. Patients with meniscus tears, knee pain or associated ligament injuries can consult him for a detailed evaluation and treatment plan. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee pain, swelling and movement limitations Locking, catching or instability symptoms History and mechanism of knee injury Location and pattern of the meniscus tear Associated ACL, ligament or cartilage injuries Clinical examination findings X-ray and MRI findings when required Whether meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy is appropriate Need for additional arthroscopic procedures Expected recovery and rehabilitation requirements The recommended treatment is determined based on the patient's symptoms, clinical examination, imaging findings, tear characteristics and overall knee condition.

Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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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