Meniscectomy for a Meniscus Tear
Surgery Overview
Meniscectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a torn meniscus, Opens dialog. A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Surgeons who perform meniscectomies (orthopedic surgeons, Opens dialog) will make surgical decisions based on the meniscus's ability to heal as well as your age, health, and activity level.
Your doctor will suggest the treatment that will likely work best for you based on where the tear is, the pattern of the tear, and how big it is. In some cases, the surgeon makes the final decision during surgery, when the surgeon can see the how strong the meniscus is, where the tear is, and how big the tear is.
Meniscus surgery is usually done as arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor uses a lighted tube called an arthroscope, or scope. The doctor puts the scope and other surgical tools through small cuts in your knee.
Rehabilitation (rehab) varies depending on the injury, the type of surgery, your surgeon's preference, and your age, health status, and activities. Time periods vary, but meniscus surgery is usually followed by a period of rest, walking, and selected exercises. Most people who have arthroscopic meniscectomy can bear weight a day or two after surgery and can return to full activity within 2 to 4 weeks. After the full range of motion without pain is possible, you can return to your previous activity level.
How soon you can walk, drive, and do more vigorous activities will depend on the type and extent of the surgery and your success in rehab.
How long recovery can take
Surgery to repair a torn meniscus, Opens dialog involves rehabilitation. But rehab varies depending on the injury, the type of surgery, and your doctor's preference. In general, meniscus surgery is followed by a period of rest, walking, and selected exercises.
Every recovery is different and depends on many things. But here are some typical times for returning to activities.
Activity | Uncomplicated meniscectomy | Meniscus repair surgery |
|---|---|---|
Bear weight (put weight on your knee while standing or walking) | Right away, as tolerated | 0 to 6 weeks |
Walk without crutches | 2 to 7 days | 4 to 6 weeks |
Drive, if the affected leg is to be used for gas and brake or for clutch | 1 to 2 weeks, if:
| 4 to 6 weeks |
Regain full range of motion | 1 to 2 weeks | Motion is typically restricted for first 4 to 6 weeks to allow the meniscus to heal. |
Return to heavy work or sports | 4 to 6 weeks, if:
| 3 to 6 months |
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If a meniscus tear is causing pain or swelling, your doctor may recommend surgery to have the torn pieces of the meniscus removed. The edges will be surgically shaved to make the remaining meniscus smooth. Your surgeon will try to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible. This can help prevent long-term degeneration of your knee and allow you to return to full activities.
To decide whether to remove all or part of your meniscus, the doctor will look at the location, length, tear pattern, and stability of the tear as well as the condition of the whole meniscus. Your surgeon will also consider the condition of the entire knee, your age, and any age- or injury-related degeneration.
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Removing the whole meniscus generally reduces some symptoms. But losing the meniscus reduces the cushioning and stability of the joint. Most people, especially if they are young or active, aren't satisfied with a total meniscectomy. This is why surgeons try to remove as little of the meniscus as they can.
Younger people who have a meniscus tear from an injury are the most likely to have less pain and better function after a partial meniscectomy.footnote 1
In any surgery, there is a risk of infection or bleeding. And there are risks from anesthesia.
When all or part of the meniscus is removed, the risk of arthritis increases. This is because the meniscus is the cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Without that cushion, there is more wear and tear on the bones.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.