- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY NSW |
- 03 9421 6133
Meniscectomy
Relieving pain and restoring knee function by removing damaged meniscal tissue
The meniscus is a vital, crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises your knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, the medial (inner) and lateral (outer), which help absorb shock, guide movement, and protect the underlying joint surfaces. When the meniscus is torn, either through injury or wear and tear, it can cause pain, swelling, clicking, or a catching sensation in the knee.
A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat meniscal tears by removing the damaged or unstable tissue. In most cases, a partial meniscectomy is performed, where only the torn section is trimmed, and the healthy cartilage is preserved. This approach aims to relieve symptoms while maintaining as much of the natural meniscus as possible. A total meniscectomy, which involves removing the entire meniscus, is rarely performed due to its association with higher risks of joint degeneration and arthritis over time.
Dr Jason Hockings performs arthroscopic (keyhole) meniscectomy using advanced techniques and a personalised approach, ensuring the procedure is appropriate for your specific type of tear, age, activity level, and long-term joint health. This page will help you understand what’s involved in a partial meniscectomy, when it’s recommended, what to expect during recovery, and how it fits into the broader treatment plan for knee injuries.
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 meniscectomy surgery involve?
Meniscectomy is performed as a minimally invasive keyhole procedure using arthroscopy. Under general or spinal anaesthesia, Dr Hockings inserts a small camera (arthroscope) and fine instruments through tiny incisions around the knee.
During the procedure:
- The torn or damaged part of the meniscus is carefully trimmed away.
- The remaining healthy cartilage is smoothed to prevent further irritation.
- In the case of total meniscectomy, which is uncommon, the entire meniscus is removed when no viable tissue can be preserved.
The procedure usually takes under 45 minutes and is done as a day surgery. Most patients go home the same day with a clear rehabilitation plan in place.
Recovery and rehabilitation after meniscectomy
Recovery after a partial meniscectomy is typically quicker than meniscus repair because there is no need to protect healing tissue. Most people experience rapid improvement in symptoms within days to weeks.
Typical recovery includes:
- Walking the same day as surgery, often with minimal assistance
- Light duties and desk work within a few days
- Return to full activity within 4 to 6 weeks for most patients
- Physiotherapy to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in knee movement
You may experience mild swelling or discomfort initially, but this usually resolves with rest, elevation, and appropriate pain relief. Dr Hockings and your physiotherapy team will guide your rehabilitation to ensure a safe return to your usual activities.
Benefits of a partial meniscectomy
When meniscus repair isn’t suitable, partial meniscectomy can offer important benefits, including:
- Prompt relief from symptoms like pain, locking, or catching
- Quick recovery and faster return to work or sport compared to repair
- Minimally invasive technique with small incisions and low complication rates
- Improved knee function and mobility in daily life
While it doesn’t restore the meniscus, partial removal may allow you to regain comfort and movement when repair is not possible.
Are there risks with meniscectomy surgery?
As with any surgery, meniscectomy carries some risks. Although uncommon, these may include:
- Infection
- Knee stiffness
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Incomplete relief of symptoms
- Progression of joint wear or early osteoarthritis, especially after total meniscectomy
Dr Hockings will explain these risks and whether meniscectomy is the most appropriate and lowest-risk option for your specific condition.
Is a meniscectomy right for you?
Meniscectomy may be suitable if you:
- Have a meniscus tear in an area with poor healing potential
- Have complex or degenerative damage not suitable for repair
- Experience persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life
- Are not a candidate for meniscus repair due to age, tear pattern, or arthritis
During your consultation, Dr Jason Hockings will review your symptoms, physical examination, and MRI imaging to determine whether meniscectomy is the most effective treatment for your needs. His goal is always to preserve knee health where possible while ensuring the best long-term outcome. Dr Hockings will also 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.
