In short
- Keyhole repair of torn knee cartilage (meniscus) to protect the knee for the future.
- Treats: Meniscus tears from sports or twisting injuries; Tears with ACL injuries; Degenerative (age-related) tears.
- Video works well for reviewing your MRI report and deciding next steps.
- Treated by Dr. Yash S. Shah, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), at Bodyline Hospital, Paldi, Ahmedabad.
Arthroscopic meniscus repair
Where possible, Dr. Yash Shah prefers to repair the meniscus rather than remove it, because a healthy meniscus helps protect the knee from arthritis later in life.
Keyhole repair of torn knee cartilage (meniscus) to protect the knee for the future.
What it treats
- Meniscus tears from sports or twisting injuries
- Tears with ACL injuries
- Degenerative (age-related) tears
- Locked knee caused by a displaced tear
Common symptoms
- Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee
- Swelling after activity
- Catching, clicking or locking of the knee
- Difficulty squatting or sitting cross-legged
Meniscus repair: when to see a doctor
- Your knee locks and will not straighten fully
- Pain and swelling return every time you are active
- You had a twisting injury and the knee still hurts after two weeks
Meniscus repair: treatment options
Rest and physiotherapy
Many small or degenerative tears settle with the right exercises and time.
Arthroscopic repair
Suitable tears are stitched through small keyhole cuts, so they can heal.
Partial trimming
If a tear cannot be repaired, only the damaged part is trimmed and the rest is preserved.
Meniscus repair: recovery
After a repair, you may use crutches or a brace for some weeks while the meniscus heals, followed by physiotherapy.
Who treats you
Dr. Yash S. Shah consults and operates at Bodyline Hospital, Paldi. He trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy in Mumbai, and at NYU Langone, New York and Johns Hopkins, Baltimore.
Consultation room, Bodyline Hospital, Paldi 
With an arthroscopy mentor during fellowship 
Fellowship training
Video or clinic?
Video works well for reviewing your MRI report and deciding next steps. A locked knee should be examined in person.
Video consultation fee ₹1,000.
Questions
Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
Some small tears, especially at the outer edge where blood supply is better, can settle with time and physiotherapy. Others need repair.
This page is general information to help you understand your options. It is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.