Meniscectomy for meniscus tear at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is meniscal surgery 

Your meniscus is a layer of cartilage in your knee joint that acts like a shock absorber between the bones in your upper and lower knee. It allows your knee joint to move smoothly and helps keep it stable. 

Injury to the meniscus may not heal on its own as there is a limited blood supply to that area. Despite this, non surgical management usually yields good results. If conservative management does not manage your symptoms your consultant may recommend surgery on the meniscus. This maybe a meniscal repair where internal small sutures are used to stitch the meniscal tear. A meniscectomy (removal of part of the meniscus) may at times be recommended by your surgeon.  

What are the benefits of meniscal surgery? 

If your symptoms persist despite attempts to rehabilitate the knee, a meniscal surgery may allow you to overcome symptoms and allow you to rehabilitate more easily.  

Is meniscal surgery right for me? 

Meniscal surgery is carried out to improve symptoms that cannot be otherwise managed without surgery. Consultation with your surgeon will help you decide if this approach is best for you. 

What happens during and after meniscal surgery? 

The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole) under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make small incisions in your knee and access the meniscus using special surgical tools and a tiny camera. They will assess the extent of the injury and either remove a part of the meniscus (meniscectomy) and/or repair any tears (meniscal repair).  

A physiotherapist will visit you before you leave hospital to show you gentle exercises, and how to use the stairs safely. They will give you early advice depending on the operation that you have had. 

Recovery 

Our team of specialist physiotherapists will provide expert treatment, rehabilitation and advice during your hospital stay, and if appropriate follow-up as an outpatient to support your full recovery. 

You will discuss the length of your hospital stay and any concerns with the consultant prior to the operation. You will go home once you are able to mobilise safely and deemed medically fit. 

Long-term recovery