Meniscus Repair: Surgery & Rehab

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disk that acts as a "shock absorber" between the thighbone and shinbone. It helps cushion and stabilize the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci—one on the outside of the knee and one on the inside.

A meniscus tear is often caused by a single acute injury—such as a sudden twist or quick turn during sports activity. Because the menisci weaken and wear thin over time, older people are more likely to experience a degenerative meniscus tear.

In many cases, a surgical procedure called "arthroscopy" is used to repair or remove a torn meniscus.

• Meniscus repair: torn pieces of cartilage are sewn back together to enable healing. However, ability to perform a repair is dependent on tear type and blood supply - not all tears are actually repairable.

Considerations for the Post-operative Meniscal Repair Many different factors influence the post-operative meniscal repair rehabilitation outcomes, including type and location of the meniscal tear and repair. Consider taking a more conservative approach to range of motion, weight bearing, and rehab progression with more complex tears or all-inside meniscal repairs. Additionally, this protocol does not apply to meniscus root repairs or meniscus transplants.

It is recommended that PTs collaborate closely with the referring surgeon regarding intra-operative findings and satisfaction with the strength of the repair.