Meniscal repair

The menisci are two C-shaped pads of fibrocartilage inside the knee joint that act as shock absorbers, load distributors and joint stabilisers. Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries, occurring both in sport (often alongside ACL injury) and as degenerative tears in older patients.

Symptoms

• Pain along the inner or outer joint line of the knee
• Swelling following activity
• Catching, clicking or locking of the knee
• Difficulty squatting or kneeling

Why preserving the meniscus matters

The meniscus plays a critical role in protecting the knee's articular cartilage. Removing large amounts of meniscal tissue (total or near-total meniscectomy) significantly increases the risk of developing knee arthritis over time. Where the tear pattern and tissue quality allow, repair is preferred to preserve the meniscus.

Arthroscopic meniscal repair

Meniscal repair is performed arthroscopically through small portals. Sutures or implants are used to hold the torn meniscal tissue together while healing occurs. The decision to repair versus trim depends on tear characteristics, tissue quality, blood supply at the tear site and associated injuries.

Partial meniscectomy

When a tear cannot be repaired, the unstable torn portion is trimmed back to a stable rim. This is a common, effective procedure for symptomatic tears that cause locking, catching or functional limitation.