Meniscectomy for a Meniscus Tear

Surgery Overview

Meniscectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a torn meniscustorn meniscus. A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Surgeons who perform meniscectomies (orthopedic surgeonsorthopedic surgeons) 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.

What To Expect

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 meniscustorn meniscus 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.

Time needed to return 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: You have regained motion with minimal pain. You are not taking opioids.	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: You have regained motion and strength. Your knee is not swollen or painful.	3 to 6 months

Learn more

Meniscus Tear: Rehabilitation ExercisesMeniscus Tear: Rehabilitation Exercises

Why It Is Done

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.

Learn more

Meniscus Tear: Should I Have Surgery?Meniscus Tear: Should I Have Surgery?

Information about Meniscectomy for a Meniscus Tear

How Well It Works

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 1footnote 1}

Risks

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.

References

Citations

Abram SGF, et al. (2020). Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for meniscal tears of the knee: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(11): 652–663. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100223. Accessed June 6, 2021.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
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