How long does a knee meniscal repair resection take?

The procedure itself typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes. However, you will be at the hospital for approximately 4-6 hours in total to allow for pre-operative checks and post-operative recovery monitoring before being discharged.

When can I drive after meniscus surgery?

For a resection, most patients can drive within 7-14 days. For a repair, it may be 6 weeks if you are required to wear a brace. You must be able to perform an emergency stop and no longer be taking sedative painkillers.

Will I need crutches after the operation?

Most patients use crutches for the first 48 hours for comfort. If you have a meniscal repair, you may need them for up to 6 weeks to strictly limit the weight placed on the healing cartilage.

What is the success rate of meniscal repair?

The success rate for meniscal repair is high, typically around 85-90%. Factors such as the age of the tear, the patient's age, and adherence to physiotherapy significantly influence the outcome.

Can I have this surgery done privately at Kinvara?

Yes, Kinvara Hospital offers private meniscal surgery with no waiting lists. We provide fixed-price packages and 0% finance options to make treatment accessible and stress-free.

Is the surgery performed under general anaesthetic?

Most meniscal surgeries are performed under general anaesthetic. However, some patients may be suitable for a spinal anaesthetic, where you are awake but numb from the waist down. Your anaesthetist will discuss this with you.

How much does knee meniscal repair resection cost?

Private knee arthroscopy at Kinvara typically starts from £3,500 - £4,500, depending on the complexity of the repair. This is a fixed-price quote that covers all your hospital and surgical fees.

Will I be able to squat after recovery?

Once fully recovered (usually around 3-4 months), most patients can squat again. However, we advise against deep repetitive squatting under heavy loads to protect the long-term health of the meniscus.

What happens if I don't have the surgery?

An untreated mechanical tear can act like 'grit in a gearbox,' gradually wearing away the smooth articular cartilage and leading to early-onset osteoarthritis and chronic joint inflammation.

Will I set off airport security scanners?

No. The sutures and anchors used in meniscal repair are either bio-absorbable or made of tiny amounts of non-magnetic material that will not trigger security alarms.

Home Treatments Orthopaedic SurgeryKnee Meniscal Repair Resection

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Knee Meniscus Surgery in Rotherham

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Whether your injury is a result of a sudden sports-related twist or gradual age-related wear, we offer both meniscal repair and resection (meniscectomy) to help you return to your active lifestyle. Our dedicated orthopaedic team serves patients across Yorkshire, including Sheffield and Doncaster, providing a supportive and professional environment for your recovery.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17

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Knee meniscal repair and resection are specialist arthroscopic (keyhole) procedures used to treat torn knee cartilage, restoring stability and relieving joint pain. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive knee meniscus surgery services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that knee conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Am I a Candidate for Knee Meniscal Repair & Resection?

Determining whether you require a repair or a resection depends on the nature of your injury and your general knee health. Our consultants use MRI imaging and physical examinations to assess your suitability.
Ideal candidates for surgery generally include those who experience:
• Persistent 'locking' where the knee cannot be fully straightened
• Failure to improve after 6-12 weeks of dedicated physiotherapy
• Sharp, localized pain that prevents normal walking or exercise
• A diagnosis of a 'displaceable' tear (such as a bucket-handle tear) confirmed on MRI.
Younger patients are more likely to be offered a repair because their tissue has a better blood supply. Older patients with 'degenerative' tears often see better results from a resection (partial meniscectomy), as the worn tissue is less likely to hold sutures effectively.

Our All-Inclusive Promise

No hidden costs - fixed price includes surgery, surgeon fees, and hospital stay
Comprehensive aftercare included for 12 months post-surgery
0% interest finance options available over 12 months for eligible patients
Pre-operative assessment and all surgical follow-up consultations included
Access to professional physiotherapy guidance for early-stage recovery

What is Knee Meniscal Repair & Resection?

The meniscus is a C-shaped wedge of tough, fibrocartilage that acts as a vital shock absorber between your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two - the medial and lateral menisci - which help distribute weight evenly and stabilise the joint. When these structures tear, either through acute trauma or degenerative changes (wear-and-tear), surgery may be required to restore function.
Knee meniscal repair involves suturing the torn edges of the cartilage back together. This is the preferred approach for 'red-zone' tears where there is a good blood supply. Conversely, meniscal resection (partial meniscectomy) involves removing the damaged or unstable portion of the meniscus while smoothing the remaining tissue to prevent further irritation. Our surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) for both techniques, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding joint structures.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses a high-definition camera (arthroscope) to inspect the joint in real-time. This allows for a precise intervention tailored to the specific geometry of the tear, whether it is a bucket-handle, radial, or degenerative flap tear. By preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible, we aim to protect the underlying articular cartilage from future wear.

At a Glance

Surgery Duration

45 - 60 minutes

Anaesthetic

General or Spinal

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Initial Recovery

2 - 4 weeks

Full Activity

3 - 4 months

Follow-up

2 weeks & 6 weeks

Benefits of This Procedure

Eliminates the mechanical 'locking' and 'catching' within the knee joint
Significant reduction in localized pain and chronic swelling (effusion)
Restores the ability to perform pivoting movements and high-impact sports
Prevents further damage to the articular cartilage lining the bones
Minimally invasive approach results in smaller scars and faster healing
Long-term reduction in the risk of developing secondary knee osteoarthritis

The Procedure

At Kinvara Hospital, meniscal surgery is performed using advanced arthroscopic equipment. This 'keyhole' approach ensures high precision and safety, with most patients returning home the same afternoon.

1
Two or three tiny incisions (portals) are made around the knee to allow access for the arthroscopic camera.
2
The knee joint is gently expanded with sterile fluid to provide a clear, unobstructed view of the internal structures.
3
The surgeon performs a full diagnostic sweep to identify any secondary issues with ligaments or cartilage.
4
For a repair, specialist 'inside-out' or 'all-inside' sutures are used to reconnect the torn meniscal tissue.
5
For a resection, the torn and unstable edges are carefully trimmed using precision micro-tools to leave a smooth rim.
6
The portals are closed with small sutures or Steri-Strips, and a protective dressing is applied.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery Timeline

Day 1-2

You will focus on pain management and elevation. Crutches are often provided to assist with balance. Patients who undergo resection can usually bear weight immediately, while repair patients may have weight-bearing restrictions.

Week 1-6

Swelling will subside and physiotherapy will begin. You will focus on quadriceps activation and achieving full extension. For a repair, you may wear a hinged knee brace to prevent deep flexion that could stress the sutures.

Week 6-12

Most restrictions are lifted. You can typically return to driving once you have full control of the pedals and are off medication. Impact activities like light jogging may begin toward the end of this phase.

Month 3-6

This is the 'return to play' phase. Strengthening exercises become more sports-specific. By month 6, the meniscus is generally fully healed (if repaired) or the joint has adapted to the resection.

Key Recovery Points

Icing the knee (20 mins every 2 hours) is critical in the first 72 hours
Strictly follow the weight-bearing limits set by your surgeon to protect repairs
Avoid any deep squatting or twisting for at least 6 weeks post-op
Early physiotherapy is the best predictor of a successful long-term outcome

Risks and Complications

Knee arthroscopy is a safe and routine procedure. However, transparency regarding potential risks is essential for informed consent. Our surgeons take every precaution to mitigate these possibilities.

Infection

Rare (<1%)

A small risk of infection at the portal sites or deep within the joint. We use prophylactic antibiotics to minimize this.

Blood Clots (DVT)

Low (1-2%)

Clots forming in the leg veins due to reduced mobility. Early walking and exercises are encouraged to prevent this.

Repair Failure

Uncommon (10-15%)

In some cases, the torn meniscus may fail to heal despite suturing, which might necessitate a secondary resection.

Nerve/Vessel Injury

Rare (<1%)

Potential irritation to small sensory nerves near the incisions, leading to localized numbness.

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