Meniscus Repair & Debridement

A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making two small incisions (roughly 0.5 inch each) in the front of the knee joint. These small portals allow a camera to enter the joint for visualization of anatomic structures, as well as tools to repair any injured structures. Dr. Faulkner examines the menisci and determines if the meniscus is repairable or not (depending on the location and type of the tear). If the tear is repairable, he will stimulate some bleeding to promote healing, then stabilize the tear by passing sutures around the tear to approximate it. Occasionally, repairing the tear may involve a larger incision or a tunnel drilled through the shin bone to stabilize the meniscus tear. If the tear is irreparable, a shaver tool is used to debride the torn portion. In this case, only the torn portion is removed, so most of the meniscus is still remaining. The incisions are closed and dressings placed over the wounds. If the tear was repaired, a brace will be placed on the patient prior to waking up from anesthesia.

• This surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia with a nerve block, but can be performed with a nerve block and sedation or a spinal anesthetic.
• This surgery is usually outpatient, which means the patient will be able to go home the same day.
• Surgery typically lasts 0.5-1 hours.
• Patients will be fit for a brace at an appointment before surgery if the plan is to repair the meniscus and will need to bring this to surgery.
• The brace will be placed on the patient prior to waking up from anesthesia if the meniscus was repaired.
• The incisions will be closed with absorbable suture with dressings that can usually be removed 2-3 days after surgery.
• The brace will need to be worn locked in full extension all of the time, including at night, but may be removed for hygiene purposes and unlocked at least three times a day for knee range of motion.

• Decrease pain
• Eliminate knee buckling
• Eliminate painful catching or clicking
• Return to activities with more confidence and strength

• Patients who have persistent pain and catching in the knee that interferes with their quality of life
• Patients who want to return to sport, activities, or work to their full potential

Recovery following a knee arthroscopy depends on if the meniscus was repaired or debrided.

Meniscectomy: If the meniscus was debrided, the patient may immediately walk on the operative leg as tolerated and gradually increase activities as tolerated without restrictions. Physical therapy may be prescribed at the patient’s first postop appointment to regain strength and range of motion. Most patients are able to return to full activities by three months.

Meniscus repair: Recovery for a meniscus repair takes 4-6 months for full recovery. A knee brace is to be worn while walking and at night for a total of 4-6 weeks to help protect the meniscus repair. The brace should be unlocked at least three times a day for knee range of motion. Physical therapy (PT) will start roughly 2-4 weeks after surgery, depending on the type of meniscus repair.

Physical therapists follow a protocol outlined by Dr. Faulkner to regain range of motion and strength. Physical therapy and home exercises are a critical part to a patient’s outcomes and quality of life after surgery. Patients should expect to improve up to 3 months if they had a meniscal debridement and up to 6 months if they had meniscus repair. Patients are seen about every 6 weeks up to 3 months for meniscus debridement and 5-6 months for meniscal repair.