Knee | Meniscus Repair

The menisci are two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion and stabilize the knee. Each meniscus is anchored to the tibia by its roots.

A meniscal root tear occurs when one of these attachments is torn. Because the root helps keep the meniscus functioning normally, a root tear can cause the meniscus to lose its ability to distribute load across the knee.

Not every meniscal root tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on factors including the patient’s age, activity level, symptoms, degree of arthritis, knee alignment, and characteristics of the tear.

For appropriately selected patients, meniscal root repair surgery may be recommended to restore the meniscus’s attachment and help preserve the knee.

Meniscal root repair is typically performed arthroscopically. The torn meniscal root is prepared and repaired back to its normal attachment on the tibia, often using sutures passed through a small bone tunnel and secured on the tibial side.

The exact technique depends on the location and type of root tear and the patient’s anatomy.

A functioning meniscus helps distribute forces across the knee. When the root is torn, the meniscus can become displaced from its normal position and lose much of its ability to protect the joint.

Repairing the root may help restore meniscal function and potentially reduce the progression of joint degeneration in appropriately selected patients.

Recovery is typically slower than after a routine meniscus trim. Patients commonly require 6 weeks of limited weight bearing, followed by gradual restoration of knee motion, strength, and function.

Return to running, pivoting sports, and other high-impact activities generally takes 6 months and depends on healing and rehabilitation progress.

Many patients are able to return to recreational activities following successful healing and rehabilitation. The timeline depends on the patient’s age, activity level, cartilage health, associated injuries, and progress with rehabilitation.

Potential risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, failure of the meniscus to heal, recurrent tearing, and progression of arthritis. As with any surgery, there are also risks associated with anesthesia.

A meniscus allograft transplant replaces a damaged or missing meniscus with a size-matched donor meniscus.

The goal is to restore a portion of the knee’s natural cushioning and load distribution after substantial loss of meniscal tissue.

Meniscus transplantation may be considered for selected patients who have significant meniscal deficiency and persistent knee pain or functional limitations.

Ideal candidates generally have relatively preserved cartilage and appropriate knee alignment and stability. Significant arthritis, untreated ligament instability, or abnormal alignment may make transplantation less appropriate or require additional treatment.

Meniscus transplantation is generally intended for patients with meniscal deficiency, not advanced arthritis throughout the knee.

Patients with significant cartilage loss or widespread arthritis may require different treatment options. A thorough evaluation is important to determine whether meniscus transplantation is appropriate.

Meniscus transplantation is typically performed using arthroscopic or minimally invasive techniques. A donor meniscus is carefully sized and positioned within the knee, then secured to restore its attachment and stability.

Additional procedures, such as ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, or alignment correction, may sometimes be necessary.

Recovery is gradual because the transplanted meniscus needs time to heal. Patients typically have restricted weight bearing for 6 weeks, followed by progressive physical therapy.

Return to running and higher-impact sports generally takes 6-12 months and depends on healing and rehabilitation.

The goal of meniscus transplantation is to reduce symptoms and improve knee function while preserving the natural joint. Some patients are able to return to sports, although return to high-impact or pivoting activities is individualized.

Potential risks include infection, stiffness, persistent pain, graft failure or displacement, continued cartilage degeneration, and the need for additional surgery.