Meniscus Repair

Meniscus Repair

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we specialize in advanced treatments for meniscus tears, including minimally invasive meniscus repair surgery. Our goal is to preserve the natural function of your knee whenever possible, helping you return to the activities you love while reducing the long-term risk of arthritis and joint degeneration.

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries, but the right treatment can make a dramatic difference in your outcome. Unlike older approaches that focused on removing the damaged tissue, meniscus repair aims to restore your natural knee biomechanics, keeping your joint healthier for years to come.

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage located inside the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci – one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus). Together, they act as shock absorbers between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia).

The meniscus has several important functions:

• Cushioning the joint: Absorbing impact during walking, running, and jumping
• Stabilizing the knee: Helping the femur and tibia fit together properly
• Protecting cartilage: Preventing excessive wear on the smooth joint surfaces
• Distributing weight: Spreading body weight evenly across the knee

Because the meniscus has a limited blood supply, especially in its inner zones, tears often don’t heal on their own. That’s why arthroscopic surgery is frequently recommended to trim or repair a torn meniscus, depending on the tear’s location and severity.

What is Meniscus Repair?

Meniscus repair is a minimally invasive procedure where your orthopedic surgeon sutures torn meniscal tissue back together, allowing it to heal naturally over time. This approach preserves the meniscus’s ability to act as a shock absorber, stabilizer, and protector of your knee joint.

Meniscus repair is typically performed arthroscopically through tiny incisions using a small camera and specialized surgical instruments. This leads to less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery compared to traditional open procedures.

Not all tears are repairable, but when they are, repair is preferred over removal. Preserving the meniscus significantly lowers the risk of arthritis and helps patients maintain long-term joint health.

Meniscus Repair vs. Meniscectomy

The main difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy lies in whether tissue is saved or removed.

• Meniscectomy (removal): Provides faster short-term recovery (about 4-8 weeks) but increases the risk of arthritis and knee instability long-term.
• Meniscus Repair (preservation): Requires a longer recovery (6-9 months) but offers superior long-term results, keeping your knee stronger and healthier.

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons prioritize repair whenever possible.

Who is a Candidate for Meniscus Repair?

Ideal candidates for meniscus repair include:

• Younger patients (under 40 tend to have the best healing outcomes)
• Patients with fresh tears (less than 6 weeks old)
• Tears located in the “red zone” (outer portion of the meniscus with good blood supply)
• Active individuals, especially athletes, who want to protect knee function for the future
• Patients without significant arthritis or cartilage damage

Even if you don’t meet all of these criteria, our surgeons carefully evaluate each case with advanced imaging and a full physical exam to determine the best treatment option for you.

How Meniscus Repair Surgery is Performed

Meniscus repair is done arthroscopically using two or three tiny incisions around the knee. Your surgeon inserts an arthroscope (camera) to see the inside of the joint, then uses specialized suturing devices to repair the tear. The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.

Recovery After Meniscus Repair

• 0-6 weeks: Focus on healing. Limited or no weight-bearing. Use crutches and brace. Begin gentle physical therapy.
• 6-12 weeks: Gradual return to walking and light strengthening exercises.
• 3-6 months: Progressive strengthening, jogging, cycling, and controlled sports activities.
• 6-9 months: Full return to high-impact sports and activities.

Your progress is closely monitored by both your surgeon and physical therapist to ensure safe healing.

FAQ: Meniscus Repair

Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

• Expert orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience in meniscus surgery
• Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less pain
• Comprehensive care, from diagnosis to surgery to personalized rehabilitation
• Cutting-edge biologic treatments to improve healing and outcomes
• Proven success rates and patient satisfaction scores

Our team is dedicated to helping you preserve your knee health and return to the activities you love with confidence.

Take the First Step Toward Long-Term Knee Health

If you’ve been diagnosed with a meniscus tear or are experiencing knee pain, the orthopedic team at Princeton Brain & Spine Orthopedics is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons to learn whether meniscus repair is right for you.