Meniscus Root Repair
The detached root of the meniscus is surgically reattached to the bone — restoring the hoop tension that allows the meniscus to distribute load, absorb shock, and protect the knee from accelerated cartilage damage.
What is Meniscus Root Repair?
The meniscal root is the attachment point where the meniscus anchors to the tibial plateau. When this root tears, the entire meniscus loses its hoop function — the mechanism by which it converts vertical compressive forces into radial tension and distributes load across the joint. The result is a dramatic increase in cartilage contact pressure, making meniscal root tears a significant driver of accelerated arthritis. Arthroscopic root repair passes strong sutures through the torn root and secures them via a tunnel in the tibia, restoring the hoop mechanism. Dr. Sai Kishan performs meniscal root repair at Lux Hospitals with an emphasis on biological preservation of the joint.
Indicated when MRI confirms a meniscal root tear — most commonly the posterior medial root — in a patient with appropriate cartilage quality, good tissue viability, and who is willing to comply with the essential six-week non-weight-bearing recovery protocol required to protect the repair.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Arthroscopic Setup
Spinal or general anaesthesia; portals are placed to give direct access to the posterior root region of the affected meniscus.
Tear Confirmation & Tissue Assessment
The root tear is visualised and the tissue quality assessed; the cartilage surfaces are checked to confirm repair is appropriate for the degree of joint damage.
Suture Placement in the Root
Strong sutures are passed through the torn root tissue using a specialised passing device, capturing the tissue securely for fixation.
Tibial Tunnel Creation & Suture Passage
A drill tunnel is created through the tibia at the native root footprint; the sutures are passed through the tunnel and pulled to reduce the root back to bone.
Cortical Button Fixation & Closure
Sutures are tied over a cortical button on the far tibial cortex; portals are closed and non-weight-bearing crutches prescribed for six weeks.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Reattaches the root to restore the meniscus's critical hoop tension and function
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Dramatically reduces the cartilage contact pressures elevated by a root detachment
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Prevents or significantly slows progression to knee osteoarthritis after a root tear
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Arthroscopic delivery — keyhole incisions with minimal surrounding tissue disruption
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Preserves the native meniscus rather than trimming or discarding the tissue
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Addresses a high-impact diagnosis that is frequently missed on initial assessment
Meniscal root tears are one of the most consequential knee injuries that clinicians still miss. When treated promptly and correctly, we can protect a patient's knee for decades. When missed, the joint deteriorates rapidly.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Meniscus Root Repair Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Meniscus Root Repair in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,20,000, with an average cost of around ₹1,70,000. The final expense can vary depending on the type and severity of the root tear, associated knee injuries, surgical technique, fixation materials, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation requirements.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Root tear, joint preservation | ₹1,20,000 ₹2,20,000 |
| Root avulsion, preserves joint | ₹1,20,000 ₹2,20,000 |
Meniscus root repair may be considered when the tear pattern and tissue condition are suitable for repair. Preserving and restoring the meniscus root can help maintain normal knee biomechanics and may support long-term joint preservation, although the suitability of repair depends on individual clinical and imaging findings.
Factors Affecting Meniscus Root Repair Cost
The overall cost of meniscus root repair depends on the characteristics of the tear, associated knee problems, fixation method and the level of surgical and rehabilitation care required.
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Type, location and severity of the meniscus root tear or root avulsion
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Degree of meniscus displacement and condition of the surrounding meniscal tissue
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Associated injuries involving the ACL, PCL, collateral ligaments, cartilage or other knee structures
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Pre-operative MRI scans, X-rays and other investigations required for surgical planning
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Arthroscopic equipment, suture devices, anchors and other fixation materials used during repair
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and surgical equipment charges
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Hospitalisation, medications and post-operative monitoring requirements
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Knee bracing, physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation following surgery
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Follow-up consultations and additional treatment required during the recovery period
Insurance Coverage for Meniscus Root Repair
Meniscus root repair performed for a medically necessary knee injury may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm their coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with an experienced orthopaedic knee specialist is recommended to evaluate a suspected meniscus root tear and determine whether repair is appropriate. At Lux Hospitals, the orthopaedic team can review symptoms, physical examination findings and imaging to develop an individualised treatment plan. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee pain, swelling, locking, clicking and other symptoms associated with the meniscus injury History of the injury, including twisting events, sports injuries or gradual onset of symptoms MRI findings to determine the location, pattern and extent of the meniscus root tear Knee alignment, stability and the condition of associated ligaments and cartilage Whether the meniscus tissue and tear pattern are suitable for arthroscopic root repair Expected recovery, weight-bearing restrictions, bracing, physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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