What it is
The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion in the knee. With keyhole surgery a tear can be repaired (stitched) or the torn part trimmed away (partial meniscectomy).
Who it's usually for
Repair is mostly for younger people with certain tear types, often with an ACL injury. For middle-aged and older adults whose tears come from normal wear, studies show physical therapy often works as well as surgery, so it's usually tried first.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Can relieve locking or catching caused by a loose flap.
- A successful repair keeps the meniscus, which protects the knee long term.
⚠ Cons and risks
- For wear-and-tear tears, surgery is often no better than physical therapy.
- Removing meniscus tissue may raise the risk of arthritis later.
- Repairs don't always heal, and recovery is longer.
Recovery times are typical ranges; yours may be different. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect.
What recovery is like
After trimming, most people are walking normally within days. After a repair, you may use crutches and a brace for several weeks, with exercises to protect the stitches.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Is my tear from an injury or from wear?
- Should I try physical therapy first?
- Can the tear be repaired rather than trimmed?
When to get help quickly: Get help the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, if you can't put weight on your leg after an injury, or, after surgery, for fever, wound drainage, or new calf pain or swelling. For chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, call 911.
What surgeons say in their videos
Videos from different surgeons and doctors, newest first. They share their own views, and we don't rank or endorse any of them.
Common questions about meniscus surgery
What is meniscus surgery?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion in the knee. With keyhole surgery a tear can be repaired (stitched) or the torn part trimmed away (partial meniscectomy).
Who is meniscus surgery for?
Repair is mostly for younger people with certain tear types, often with an ACL injury. For middle-aged and older adults whose tears come from normal wear, studies show physical therapy often works as well as surgery, so it's usually tried first.
What is recovery like after meniscus surgery?
After trimming, most people are walking normally within days. After a repair, you may use crutches and a brace for several weeks, with exercises to protect the stitches.
What are the risks of meniscus surgery?
For wear-and-tear tears, surgery is often no better than physical therapy. Removing meniscus tissue may raise the risk of arthritis later. Repairs don't always heal, and recovery is longer.
Getting ready
Losing extra weight, exercising before surgery, stopping smoking and getting your home ready can make surgery safer and recovery easier.
How to get ready for surgery →Find a surgeon
Look up hip and knee surgeons in your state, from public records.
Find a hip & knee surgeon →Other knee surgeries
Sources
We base this page on these major medical organizations and studies. How we write our pages.
General information written for Hip & Knee Surgery, not by the surgeons in the videos. For education only; not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.