Meniscal Repair

Meniscal Repair

Meniscal repair helps preserve the shock absorbing function of the knee meniscus. Unfortunately not all tears are suitable for repair, but it can be valuable in preserving the knee cartilage particularly in younger patients

The Procedure

The duration of surgery typically depends on the extent of the tear. Surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

A large bucket handle type tear can require the placement of multiple sutures either using an ‘all inside’ technique, an ‘inside out’ technique or more typically a combination of both. Additional incisions maybe required if these ‘inside out’ sutures are required. If the meniscal tear is fresh and the location of the tear is towards the joint periphery, were the blood supply is better, then the chance of the meniscal repair healing is greater. In some circumstances a fibrin clot can be used to enhance the success of this healing process.

Recovery

Meniscal surgery is usually performed as a day-case procedure, meaning patients can go home a few hours after their surgery. The bandage stays on for 48 hours, while the adhesive dressing over the wounds should remain for 10-14 days. Most patients are allowed to start fully weight bearing on their knee immediately. Following meniscal repair a hinged knee brace will be used to limit knee flexion at a maximum of 90 degrees for approximately 6 weeks to limit the movement of the healing meniscus.

Patients are typically seen at 2 weeks post-operation to check the healing and again at 6 weeks to discuss weaning from the hinged knee brace and ensure a rehabilitation program is in place.