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This page is designed to give you a general understanding of what happens before and after your operation. It is designed to help you to prepare for your operation and advise on how you can assist in your recovery. 

Meniscal injury

The meniscus is a “C” shaped, structure made of cartilage which sits between your tibia (shinbone) and your femur (thigh bone). It acts as a cushion to absorb shock and protect the surfaces of your knee joint. Your knee contains a meniscus on the inner (medial) side and one on the outer (lateral) side. 

A torn meniscus is a common knee injury. Activities which cause you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, especially when putting the pressure of your full weight on it can lead to a tear. 

Some meniscus tears can heal without surgical intervention. 

Unfortunately, the meniscus does not have a good blood supply, and some tears do not heal. The torn meniscus may catch within the knee joint causing locking of the knee and loss of range of movement. 

Meniscus repair 

A meniscus repair involves using an arthroscope (keyhole camera) which is connected to a viewing screen. The arthroscope is inserted through a very small incision at the front of your knee. A further small incision is made, and instruments are inserted to perform the repair. A thorough examination is made of the inside of the knee joint. The meniscus tear is identified, and the torn edges are stitched back into place. 

Some tears are not repairable. Often this cannot be determined prior to the surgery, even with the aid of MRI scanning. 

The wounds are usually closed with steri-strips covered with small dressings and bandaged with a wool and crepe bandage to keep the swelling to a minimum for the first 24-48 hours.

Aims 

The main aim of surgery is to preserve the shock absorbing and load distributing qualities of your meniscus. Once the knee is fully rehabilitated you will be able to return to your normal level of function including full participation in any sports. 

Risks 

All operations involve an element of risk: 

  • Potential problems for meniscus repair include failure of the repair and joint stiffness
  • Uncommon problems include infection, and blood clot (otherwise known as a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)
  • Rare problems include nerve or blood vessel injury
  • Minor complications relating to the anaesthetic such as sickness and nausea are relatively common.

Please discuss these issues with the doctor if you would like further information. 

Benefits 

The intended benefits of meniscus repair surgery are to:

  • Recover full range of knee movement
  • Reduce pain and locking
  • Improve function 
  • Return to full sporting activities 
  • Improve quality of life 

Admission

What happens before your admission to hospital? 

You will be assessed by the pre-assessment team.  This may be a face to face or telephone appointment. This is to assess your fitness for surgery. You will be given information regarding your surgery, and you will be able to ask questions. 
  
Coming into hospital 

You will be admitted to hospital on the day of your surgery. Admissions times vary but are typically 7am or 12pm. You will not be allowed to eat anything for 6 hours prior to your surgery. You can drink tea/coffee with a small amount of milk up to 2 hours before your surgery. Clear fluid (water/black tea/coffee) is allowed until you are called to theatre. You may also receive a carbohydrate drink 2 hours prior to your surgery. 

After your operation

The operation takes approximately one hour, which includes anaesthetic time. You will wake up in the recovery room of the theatre, where you will remain until you are awake. It is very important that you alert the nurse if you are experiencing pain.

Physiotherapy 

You will be assessed by the therapy team before and after your surgery.  They will teach you how to mobilise with crutches, demonstrate post-operative exercises and ensure you are safe on stairs (if required) prior to your discharge.

Depending on your surgeon, you may be required to wear a brace following surgery and have restricted range of movement (ROM).  This will be discussed with you prior to your surgery.  You will be shown how to adjust the brace and take on/off when you are at home.  If a brace is required, it is normally worn for six weeks and post-operative instructions must be followed.

You will be referred for outpatient physiotherapy following your surgery.  This usually starts two weeks after your operation.  The therapy team will discuss this with you and will refer you to your local Physiotherapy department.  If you live out of area, you will need to request your own outpatient therapy closer to home.  

It is very important that you follow the advice given to you by the therapy team.

This is a day case operation, and you will be discharged home in the afternoon/early evening following your surgery.  Please ensure you have family or friends who can bring you into hospital and pick you up in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will it be painful?

This procedure can be painful due to the surgery performed inside your knee.  Your pain will be controlled with medication, a local anaesthetic injection during the operation and the use of ice

Pain relief

You will be given pain relief to help reduce the discomfort whilst you are in hospital.  You will be discharged with medication to take at home.  To keep your pain controlled, ensure you take regularly.  This will ensure you can mobilise comfortably and complete your post-operative exercises.

Ice

Applying ice to the knee can help to minimise pain and swelling.  You will be given an ice pack to use whilst you are on the ward.  You will be encouraged to continue with ice therapy once you are discharged from hospital.  You can use your own ice pack/a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over your knee.  You should ice the knee for 20 minutes at a time.  

What do I do about my wound?

When you are discharged from hospital, you will have a compression bandage on your knee.  This will remain in place for 24-48 hours.  After this time, you can remove the bandage at home,

The dressing on the wounds needs to stay in place for 10-14 days.  You will be seen by the practice nurse at your GP practice or by the post-operative team at Heatherwood for a wound check.

What should I do if I have a problem? 

Please contact the ward you were discharged from if you have any of the following: 

  • Increasing pain 
  • Increasing redness, swelling or oozing around the site of the wound 
  • Fever (temperature higher than 37.5°C) 
  • Sudden inability to move your leg. 

When can I return to driving?

You can return to driving from six weeks following your consultant review.  You cannot drive whilst wearing a brace. You must be confident and competent to control the car and complete an emergency stop.  

When can I return to work?

If you have a desk-based job, it is likely that you can return to work from two to three weeks post-surgery.  If you have a manual/active job, you should expect to be off work for at least three months.  Your consultant team will guide you with this.

When can I fly?

We do not recommend that you fly for six weeks following your surgery.

When can I return to leisure activities

Return to sport and activity will be guided by your Consultant and Physiotherapist.  

Follow-up Appointment

Follow appointments are dependent upon your Consultant guidelines.  You should expect to be seen at two weeks post-surgery (Physiotherapy) and a six-week review with your consultant. 

Please note that this is an advisory leaflet only. Your experiences may differ from those described.

Useful Contacts

Heatherwood Hospital:

Frimley Park Hospital:

Wexham Park Hospital:

 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Orthopaedics service.

About this information

Service:
Orthopaedics

Reference:
N/006

Approval date:
24 June 2025

Review date:
24 June 2028

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.