- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY NSW |
- 03 9421 6133
Preserving your knee’s natural cushioning and stability
Understanding the wear-and-tear changes that can affect your hip joint over time
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure located between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) in each knee. You have two menisci in each knee: the medial (inner) and lateral (outer). These structures play a vital role in absorbing shock, distributing weight, stabilising the joint, and protecting the smooth cartilage surfaces.
A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, locking, or a catching sensation in the knee. If left untreated, it may lead to ongoing dysfunction and contribute to early joint degeneration. Dr Jason Hockings performs arthroscopic meniscus repair to restore the function of this crucial structure, particularly in younger, active individuals or those who wish to preserve their native knee for the long term.
Where appropriate, meniscus repair is preferred over removal, as it offers the potential to maintain joint health and prevent the early onset of osteoarthritis. The procedure involves suturing the torn tissue to promote healing, using minimally invasive techniques that aim to protect as much of the natural meniscus as possible.
Around 2.1 million Australians (1 in 11 people) have osteoarthritis, with a 58% increase expected by 2032 due to population ageing and rising obesity rates
Understanding meniscus tears
Meniscus injuries often occur due to twisting movements, deep bending, or direct trauma, frequently during sporting activities. In older individuals, tears may arise more gradually due to wear and degeneration.
Whether a meniscus tear can be repaired depends on its type, location, and severity:
Tears more likely to be repairable:
- Occur in the outer third of the meniscus (the red zone), where blood supply is better
- Are vertical, longitudinal, or root tears
- Are identified early in younger, active individuals with healthy joint cartilage
Tears less likely to be repairable:
- Occur in the inner two-thirds (the white zone), which lacks adequate blood flow for healing
- Are complex, degenerative, or frayed
- May require trimming or removal of the damaged tissue (partial meniscectomy)
Dr Hockings will review your MRI scans and assess your knee function to determine whether repair is the most suitable option.
What does meniscus repair surgery involve?
Meniscus repair is usually performed as an arthroscopic (keyhole) day procedure under general or spinal anaesthesia. Dr Hockings inserts a small camera (arthroscope) and specialised surgical instruments through tiny incisions in the knee to visualise and treat the tear.
The damaged edges of the meniscus are carefully prepared, and sutures or absorbable fixation devices (such as arrows or anchors) are used to hold the tissue in place while it heals. Preserving the meniscus, where possible, helps protect the long-term health and stability of your knee joint.
The procedure usually takes under an hour, and most patients return home the same day.
Recovery and rehabilitation after meniscus repair
Recovery from meniscus repair requires patience and a structured rehabilitation program to support healing and protect the sutured tissue. It is typically longer than recovery from a partial meniscectomy, as the tissue must re-integrate securely.
General recovery timeline:
- Weeks 0–6: A knee brace may be required, and crutches are often used to minimise weight-bearing. Physiotherapy will focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- Weeks 6–12: As healing progresses, your physiotherapist will guide you through gradual strengthening exercises, especially targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- 3–6 months: Low-impact activities like walking or swimming may be reintroduced. Running, pivoting, and squatting are generally delayed until healing is confirmed.
- 6+ months: Return to sports and high-demand activities is typically allowed once the meniscus is fully healed and functionally stable.
Dr Hockings will work closely with your physiotherapy team to provide an individualised rehabilitation plan and monitor your progress to ensure safe and steady recovery.
Benefits of meniscus repair
When successful, meniscus repair offers several long-term benefits over simply removing the torn tissue:
- Preserves the natural shock absorption and load distribution of the knee
- Reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life
- Helps maintain joint stability and biomechanics
- May delay or avoid the need for more extensive procedures such as joint replacement
Dr Hockings prioritises preservation where clinically appropriate, especially in younger or active individuals aiming to maintain joint function for years to come.
Are there risks with meniscus repair?
As with any surgical procedure, meniscus repair carries potential risks. These may include:
- Incomplete healing of the tear
- Re-tear during recovery or after returning to high-impact activity
- Knee stiffness or swelling
- Infection, bleeding, or blood clots (rare)
Strict adherence to rehabilitation guidelines is essential for a successful outcome. If a repair fails to heal, further procedures such as revision arthroscopy or partial meniscectomy may be required.
Is meniscus repair right for you?
Meniscus repair is most suitable for:
- Younger patients with acute, repairable tears
- Athletes or physically active individuals seeking joint preservation
- Tears located in the red zone (outer third of the meniscus)
- Patients with healthy joint alignment and minimal arthritis
Not all meniscal tears are repairable. Factors such as tear pattern, blood supply, tissue quality, and overall joint health will influence whether repair is recommended.
Dr Jason Hockings will perform a thorough clinical examination, review your imaging, and discuss your goals to help determine the best treatment pathway, whether that involves repair or another option such as partial meniscectomy.
During your consultation, Dr Hockings will explain the most appropriate surgical approach based on your condition, anatomy, and individual needs. Many people experience a significant improvement in pain, function, and mobility following hip replacement surgery. Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical approach and your overall health, but most patients gradually return to walking, driving, and normal activities over the course of several weeks to months.
If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.
