What Is Meniscus Surgery?

The meniscus is a band of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and provides stability to the knee joint. It protects the articular cartilage on the ends of the femur and tibia, reducing friction and supporting joint movement. When a meniscus tear occurs, it can often be treated with arthroscopic meniscus repair, a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore knee function. Dr. Tehrany’s meniscus surgery offers an effective solution to preserve joint health and mobility for Staten Island and the greater New York area.

Why Choose Manhattan Orthopedic Care for Meniscus Surgery

At Manhattan Orthopedic Care (MOC), patients on Staten Island and in New York benefit from the committed patient-centered care provided by the MOC team.

Dr. Tehrany is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He completed his orthopedic residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he developed advanced skills in arthroscopic knee procedures.

Patients seeking meniscus surgery benefit from this combination of surgical expertise, advanced arthroscopic techniques, and individualized rehabilitation planning designed to support joint preservation and long-term knee function.

Meniscus Repair Procedure Overview

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive procedure designed to repair torn cartilage and restore knee stability.

Procedure Consultation

During consultation, Dr. Tehnrany evaluates the extent of the tear and discusses treatment options, including full meniscus repair when appropriate.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Patients receive detailed guidance on preparation, medications, and activity modifications. A personalized plan supports successful surgical outcomes and recovery.

Day of Surgery

Small incisions are made in the front and back of the knee. A tiny video camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint. Surgical instruments may be inserted through the other incisions. After finding and inspecting the area of damage, the surgeon decides how to treat the damage.

  • Fragments removed The damaged area is cleared of loose fragments. If the tear is located in an area of the meniscus that does not receive a good blood supply, that portion of the meniscus may be removed completely.
  • Meniscus tears repaired Tears that are in an area of the meniscus with a good blood supply are usually repairable because the blood supply promotes healing. The surgeon uses sutures or special fasteners known as anchors to sew or anchor the torn edges of a meniscus together. The meniscus will then heal itself.

This approach supports healing and joint preservation, aligning with best practices for repairing a meniscus tear.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following arthroscopic meniscus repair, incisions are closed, and the knee is bandaged. A rehabilitation plan guides recovery and functional improvement. The meniscus repair protocol may include temporary activity restrictions and physical therapy to support healing.

Ideal Candidates for Meniscus Surgery

Meniscus surgery is ideal for patients with repairable tears seeking to preserve knee function.

  • Active individuals with tears in their meniscus
  • Patients experiencing joint pain or instability
  • Those motivated to follow a rehabilitation plan
  • Individuals seeking joint-preserving treatment

Dr. Tehnray also emphasizes that not all tears require surgery. Staten Island meniscus surgery patients can schedule an orthopedic evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What to Expect From Recovery

Recovery following arthroscopic surgery for a tear in the meniscus varies based on severity and adherence to rehabilitation.

The meniscus repair protocol typically includes:

  • Initial rest and swelling management
  • Gradual restoration of motion
  • Physical therapy to improve strength
  • Progressive return to activity

Full recovery may take several months, but joint-preserving surgery supports long-term knee health. Many Staten Island patients praise Dr. Tehrany for their quick recovery from meniscus repair surgery.

Benefits of Meniscus Repair

Meniscus surgery offers significant advantages for patients with repairable tears.

  • Preservation of knee cartilage
  • Improved joint stability
  • Reduced risk of future degeneration
  • Enhanced mobility and function
  • Minimally invasive surgical approach

Choosing arthroscopic meniscus repair supports long-term joint health and active lifestyles.

Risks of the Procedure

Dr. Tehrany and his team take great care to reduce potential risks. These include:

  • Infection (rare)
  • Stiffness
  • Incomplete healing
  • Re-tear of the meniscus

Following your surgeon’s prescribed meniscus repair protocol and rehabilitation plan goes a long way in supporting a full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does meniscus repair surgery take?

Arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tear and whether additional knee structures require treatment during the procedure.

Will I need crutches after meniscus repair surgery?

Many patients use crutches for several weeks following meniscus repair to protect the healing cartilage. The exact duration depends on the location of the tear and whether the repaired tissue needs additional protection during early healing.

Can a tear heal without surgery?

Some small tears located in areas of the meniscus with good blood supply may improve with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification. However, larger or persistent tears often require surgical repair to restore knee stability and prevent further joint damage.

How successful is arthroscopic meniscus repair?

Meniscus repair surgery has high success rates, particularly when the tear occurs in a portion of the meniscus that receives good blood flow. Preserving the meniscus is often beneficial for long-term knee joint health and function.

Can I return to sports after meniscus surgery?

Many athletes are able to return to sports after meniscus surgery once healing and rehabilitation are complete. The timeline varies depending on the type of repair performed, the sport, and the patient’s strength and mobility recovery.

Does meniscus surgery increase the risk of arthritis?

Preserving the meniscus through repair can actually help protect the knee joint and reduce the long-term risk of osteoarthritis compared with removing a large portion of the cartilage.

Book a Consultation

Schedule an evaluation to learn whether the procedure is right for you. Dr. Tehrany consults patients throughout Staten Island and the greater New York area for meniscus repair surgery.

Book a Consultation