What is meniscus repair?
Meniscus repair is keyhole surgery that stitches a torn meniscus back together so it can heal, rather than removing the damaged portion. Because the meniscus protects the joint surface, keeping it intact lowers the long-term risk of arthritis.
Not every tear is repairable — healing depends on the tear having access to a blood supply, which is richest at the outer rim. Where a repair is possible, it is almost always the preferred choice.
Who is it for?
Repair is most successful for:
- Tears in the outer, blood-supplied “red zone” of the meniscus.
- Younger patients with healthy surrounding cartilage.
- Acute tears, particularly those alongside an ACL reconstruction.
- Longitudinal or “bucket-handle” tear patterns.
If a tear cannot heal, a partial trim (removing only the damaged fragment) may be the right answer instead. The decision is sometimes confirmed during the operation, once the tear can be seen directly.
How the procedure works
Through small incisions, the surgeon inspects the tear with an arthroscope and passes specialised sutures across it to bring the edges together. The stitches hold the meniscus in place while the body heals the tear over the following weeks. When combined with an ACL reconstruction, both are completed in the same operation.
Recovery timeline
A repair is protected more carefully than a trim, because the stitched tissue needs time to knit together.
Protect
A brace and limited weight-bearing or bending, to shield the healing repair.
Restore motion
Gradual return to full range of motion and normal walking.
Strength & return
Progressive strengthening and a graded return to sport, guided by symptoms.
Risks & outcomes
Meniscus repair is a safe, well-established procedure. The main consideration is that not every repair heals — a small proportion may need further surgery — but a successful repair preserves the cushion that protects your knee for decades. General surgical risks, such as infection or stiffness, are uncommon and actively managed.