Meniscectomy for a Meniscus Tear

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 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.

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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.

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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 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.