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.
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?
- →Reattaches the root to restore the meniscus's critical hoop tension and function
- →Dramatically reduces the cartilage contact pressures elevated by a root detachment
- →Prevents or significantly slows progression to knee osteoarthritis after a root tear
- →Arthroscopic delivery — keyhole incisions with minimal surrounding tissue disruption
- →Preserves the native meniscus rather than trimming or discarding the tissue
- →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
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.