Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient surgical procedure to repair torn knee cartilage. The torn meniscus is repaired by a variety of minimally invasive techniques and requires postoperative protection to allow healing.

How long does it take to recover from torn meniscus surgery?

If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. If your meniscus was repaired, it may take as long as 3 months.

Can you go home after meniscus surgery?

You may be able to return to most of your regular activities within a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your knee. It may take as long as 6 months before your knee is strong enough for hard physical work or certain sports.

Are you awake during meniscus surgery?

During the Surgery

You may be given medications to relax you, but you'll be awake throughout the procedure. With regional anesthesia, pain medicine is injected into a space in your spine. You'll be numb below the waist but awake during the surgery. 7

Does meniscus surgery require hospital stay?

In the past, a torn meniscus required a three- to four-inch incision and an overnight stay (or two) in the hospital. Now, the meniscus tear can be repaired with the arthroscope through two tiny (less than a half-inch) incisions. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis in less than an hour.

Meniscus Injuries | Q&A with Dr. Andrew Cosgarea

Is torn meniscus surgery painful?

Pain and pain management

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is moderately painful. Because more soft tissue surgery is performed, it is more painful than a standard arthroscopy, but less painful than a ligament reconstruction or another procedure that requires drilling holes through the bone.

Should you get surgery for a torn meniscus?

Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.

How long are you in the hospital after meniscus surgery?

Arthroscopic meniscus repair typically takes about 40 minutes to perform, and usually you will be able to leave the hospital the same day. There are three main types of meniscus repairs.

Can I drive after meniscus surgery?

You can drive when you are no longer using crutches or a knee brace, are no longer taking prescription pain medicine, and have some control over your knee. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

How long do I have to wait to walk after meniscus surgery?

It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Most patients can walk without a knee brace and crutches in about 2 to 3 months.

What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?

Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired. This is often because the tissue degeneration affects blood flow to the cartilage, making healing less likely after surgery. A doctor may recommend removing the damaged tissue and suggest physical therapy exercises.

How much does a torn meniscus surgery cost?

The most common knee surgery performed on people over 65 is repair of torn meniscus cartilage. The procedure is costly, at up to $10,000 a patient — and it's also usually a waste, if not outright harmful.

Can a meniscus tear lead to knee replacement?

Conclusions: In patients with knee osteoarthritis arthroscopic knee surgery with meniscectomy is associated with a three fold increase in the risk for future knee replacement surgery.

What happens if a meniscus tear is left untreated?

An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own without surgery?

In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won't heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.

Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?

The Truth About Meniscus Tears

Not all meniscus tears require surgery. That said, very few meniscus tears will heal completely without surgery. 1 It's important to understand that not all meniscus tears cause symptoms, and even if a meniscus tear occurs, the symptoms may subside without surgery.

Should I wear a knee brace for a torn meniscus?

Wearing a brace can help limit the stress placed on your meniscus while it heals and protect you from re-injury. As a result, you can be more physically active throughout your recovery and get back to doing what you love sooner.

How do you shower after meniscus surgery?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. When you shower, keep your bandage and incisions dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them. If you have a brace, take it off if your doctor says it is okay. It might help to sit on a shower stool.

What type of meniscus tear requires surgery?

The most common type of tear to the meniscus is a radial tear. This type of tear occurs in the area of the knee that isn't supplied with blood, so it cannot heal on its own. Surgery may be required if the tear is severe. In the case of a radial tear, the surgeon will trim away the damaged part of the meniscus.

How long is meniscus surgery time?

Approximately 15-45 minutes. Surgery time may vary slightly based on the complexity of your injury and any additional procedures required.

How do they sedate you for meniscus surgery?

Regional or spinal anesthesia uses an anesthetic injected in your spine to numb the lower part of your body so you will not feel pain. You will likely have sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

Can I live with a meniscus tear?

“You can live with a meniscus tear,” Dr. Parker says. “And it may heal on its own, or just not cause you problems.” However, you'll know pretty quickly when it is a problem.

Why does meniscus tear hurt at night?

There are a couple of reasons why your knee pain is worse at night: Pain is perceived to be worse at nighttime. As you climb into bed and start to quiet your mind pain becomes more pronounced than when you were active during the day distracted by your activities. An active day may cause your knee joint to swell.

Can you make a meniscus tear worse?

A meniscus tear can get worse when left untreated. For example, you might have trouble managing the pain and swelling in your knee, or your knee may continue feeling like it's catching or locking.

Can you weight bear after meniscus surgery?

As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. How quickly this progress occurs varies by surgeon, but a typical range is 4-8 weeks. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months.