Meniscal Tears

Surgical Treatment

Knee arthroscopy is commonly recommended surgical procedure for meniscal tears.  The surgical treatment options include meniscus removal (meniscectomy), meniscus repair, and meniscus replacement.  During meniscectomy, instruments about the size of a pencil are used to remove the torn meniscus.  In arthroscopic meniscus repair the torn meniscus will be sutured “all inside” or partially open depending on the extent and pattern of the tear.

Meniscus replacement or transplantation involves replacement of a torn cartilage with the cartilage obtained from a donor. It is considered as a treatment option to relieve knee pain in patients who have undergone meniscectomy, but otherwise have a relatively healthy knee.