Could your meniscus tear be repaired instead of removed? Surgery isn't always the only option.
When a meniscus tear is suitable for repair, preserving the cartilage is usually preferred because the meniscus plays an important role in cushioning, stabilizing, and protecting the knee joint over time.
What is the meniscus? The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It helps absorb shock, distribute weight, and support smooth knee movement. When the meniscus is torn, the knee may become painful, swollen, stiff, or difficult to move normally.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced arthroscopic meniscus repair when clinically appropriate, helping restore knee function, relieve pain, and support a safe return to daily activities and sport.
Symptoms & Signs of a Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear can happen suddenly during a twisting movement, sports injury, or sudden change in direction. It may also develop gradually due to age-related wear and tear.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• A feeling that the knee is unstable or not moving smoothly
• Pain during squatting, pivoting, twisting, or climbing stairs
• Difficulty returning to sport or daily activities
If these symptoms continue, early evaluation can help determine whether the meniscus may be repairable or whether another treatment approach is more appropriate.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis is important because not every meniscus tear can be repaired; the type, location, size, and pattern of the tear all influence the treatment plan.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, evaluation often include:
• Detailed medical history and review of how symptoms began
• Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, movement, and knee stability
• Specific knee tests to check for signs of meniscus injury
• MRI scan to confirm the tear and assess its location and pattern
• Evaluation of the ACL, cartilage, ligaments, and other knee structures
• Review of activity level, lifestyle needs, and recovery goals
Early diagnosis is especially important because some meniscus tears are more suitable for repair when treated before the tear worsens or becomes less stable.
Treatment & Management
As mentioned, not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Some small, stable, or degenerative tears may improve with rest, activity modification, pain management, physiotherapy, and strengthening exercises.
Meniscus repair may be recommended when:
• The tear is located in an area with better blood supply
• The tear pattern is suitable for stitching
• The meniscus tissue is healthy enough to heal
• The injury is recent or still repairable
• The patient is active or wants to preserve long-term knee function
• There are associated injuries, such as an ACL tear, where repair may be considered as part of the surgical plan
During arthroscopic meniscus repair, the surgeon makes small keyhole incisions around the knee. A tiny camera is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to see the tear clearly and use specialized instruments to stitch the torn cartilage back together.
The goal is to preserve as much of the natural meniscus as possible, helping maintain knee cushioning, reduce stress on the joint, and support long-term knee health.
In some cases, if the tear cannot be repaired because of its location, pattern, or severity, partial meniscectomy may be recommended instead. This involves removing only the damaged portion while preserving as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery after meniscus repair usually takes longer than recovery after meniscectomy because the repaired cartilage needs time to heal.
A structured rehabilitation program may focus on:
• Protecting the repaired meniscus during healing
• Reducing pain and swelling
• Restoring knee range of motion
• Rebuilding strength
• Improving balance and control
• Supporting safe walking and daily movement
• Gradually returning to exercise or sport
• Reducing the risk of re-injury
Your return to activity will depend on the type of tear, the repair performed, healing progress, strength, stability, and guidance from your care team.
Why Early Treatment Matters
A repairable meniscus tear should be assessed early. If left untreated, the tear may worsen, become less suitable for repair, or contribute to ongoing pain, swelling, locking, and reduced knee function.
Timely diagnosis helps determine whether the meniscus can be preserved and allows your specialist to recommend the most appropriate treatment to support long-term knee health.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consider seeing an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if you experience:
• Knee pain after a twisting injury
• Swelling or stiffness that does not improve
• Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Pain during squatting, pivoting, or climbing stairs
• A feeling that the knee is unstable
• Symptoms that affect sport, exercise, or daily activities
Early assessment can improve the chances of identifying a repairable tear and choosing the right treatment plan.
Meniscus repair is an arthroscopic procedure used to stitch a torn meniscus back together so it can heal, helping preserve the knee’s natural cushioning and stability.
Meniscus repair stitches the torn cartilage together, while meniscectomy removes the damaged portion of the meniscus. Whenever possible, repair is preferred because it preserves more of the knee’s natural structure and function.
Patients with tears in areas of the meniscus that have better blood supply are often better candidates for repair. The tear pattern, tissue quality, age of the injury, activity level, and overall knee health also influence whether repair is suitable.
Recovery usually takes longer than after meniscectomy because the repaired cartilage needs time to heal. Many patients require several months of rehabilitation before returning to sports or high-impact activities.
Yes. Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery. It helps restore movement, rebuild strength, improve stability, and protect the repaired meniscus during healing.
No. Some tears cannot be repaired because of their location, shape, severity, or limited blood supply. In these cases, partial meniscectomy may be the better option.
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