Arthroscopy · knee

Meniscal repair

Repairs a meniscal tear when its pattern, blood supply and tissue quality provide a realistic chance of healing.

Consultation and assessmentAll procedures

General guidance

When it may be considered

  • repairable traumatic tears
  • unstable tears causing mechanical symptoms
  • tears in areas with healing potential

Individual decision

How suitability is determined

The decision is based on the type, location and age of the tear, cartilage condition, knee stability and the patient's goals.

An abnormal scan alone is not an indication for surgery. The symptoms, clinical examination, progression and the patient's goals must be considered together.

Surgical plan

Decisions that tailor the procedure

  • the type, location and age of the tear
  • tissue quality and healing potential
  • ACL stability and other associated injuries
  • the repair technique and restrictions required for healing

Alternatives

What is discussed before surgery

A stable or degenerative tear without locking may be managed by controlling swelling, rehabilitation and a progressive return to activity. Injections do not repair the meniscus; they may be discussed only for a clearly defined associated condition.

Read about conservative treatment

Before the procedure

Preparation and safety

  • restore full extension and control swelling according to the preoperative plan;
  • plan for crutches and any restrictions on weight-bearing or knee flexion;
  • tell the medical team about diabetes, anticoagulant treatment, allergies, smoking and any active infection;
  • do not stop or change long-term medication without instructions from the medical team;

After the procedure

Rehabilitation

Weight-bearing, knee flexion and the return to activity are protected more carefully than after meniscectomy to allow the repair to heal.

The exact protocol, permitted weight-bearing and follow-up schedule depend on the procedure performed and individual progress.

Informed consent

Risks and limitations

Possible complications include failure to heal, stiffness, persistent pain, infection and the need for further surgery.

No procedure can guarantee complete pain relief or a return to a particular level of activity.

After surgery

Signs that require prompt medical assessment

  • fever, discharge, spreading redness or worsening pain at the wound;
  • sudden swelling of the calf, chest pain or difficulty breathing;
  • uncontrolled pain, new numbness, or a change in the colour or temperature of the limb.

For severe symptoms or an emergency, call 112. The instructions given to you at discharge take priority over the general information on this page.

Meniscal injuries

Related procedures for the same region or clinical pathway

Selective partial meniscectomyAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

In detail

Beyond a straightforward repair

Beyond a straightforward repair

Complete radial tears, root tears and substantial meniscal deficiency require a different strategy. Reconstruction may include converging sutures, root reattachment, alignment correction or, selectively, meniscal transplantation.

Read about meniscal reconstruction

Editorial responsibility

Medically reviewed content

Dr. Răzvan Anițaș
Consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon; PhD in medical sciences
Last editorial update: 22 August 2026

Professional background

Medical sources used for patient information

First step

Consultation, diagnosis and an individual treatment recommendation

This information does not replace a consultation. Surgery is recommended only after the individual benefits, alternatives and risks have been assessed.

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