Should you repair or remove a torn meniscus? Compare recovery, long-term joint health, and candidacy.
Meniscus repair stitches the torn meniscus back together using arthroscopic sutures. The goal is to preserve the meniscus and its shock-absorbing function. Best for: Tears in the outer third (red zone, good blood supply), vertical/longitudinal tears, younger patients, tears concurrent with ACL reconstruction. Recovery: 3-6 months, restricted weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks, brace required, limited squatting/kneeling for 4-6 months.
Partial meniscectomy trims away the damaged portion of the meniscus, leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is the most common meniscus surgery. Best for: Complex tears, tears in the inner third (white zone, poor blood supply), degenerative tears in older patients, flap tears. Recovery: 3-6 weeks, weight bearing immediately, most patients return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks.
The meniscus absorbs 50-70% of the load across your spine. Removing meniscus tissue increases stress on cartilage and accelerates arthritis. Studies show patients who undergo meniscectomy have a 5-10x higher risk of knee arthritis within 15-20 years compared to those who have a successful repair. For younger patients especially, surgeons strongly prefer repair when the tear pattern allows it.
Search 73,628 spine surgeons across 50 states.
Find spine surgeons Browse All Procedures