Keyhole surgery to address tears in the "cushions" of the knee

There are two meniscal structures in each knee. Their role includes working as shock absorbers and stabilising structures in the joint. When injured, they can cause jamming in the  joint (preventing movement) and pain when they get stuck in the wrong position.

Treatment is usually either to repair or remove the injured section of the meniscus - the decision is based on the position, shape and size of the tear.

This procedure is usually possible via two small (1-2 cm) cuts in the front of the knee. Occasionally, to get a better fix, further incisions are needed however. The knee is filled with water and a camera is used to look around the knee. 

The surgery (including anaesthetic) usually takes under 1 hour to complete. Most patients have a general anaesthetic with local anaesthetic is used to control post-operative pain. At the end of the operation, the incisions are closed with sutures and a dressing is applied. The knee is then wrapped in a bandage to limit swelling and pain.

Sometimes, it is necessary to put a brace on the knee to limit movement. This gives the meniscus the best chance of healing. This will be fitted (and instructions will be given about using this) before you are discharged.

Most surgeries can be done as day-case procedures - with the patient being discharged within a few hours of surgery. 

The bandage remains on for 24 hours and the dressing can be left on for 2 weeks.

Most patients will be allowed to begin using the knee fully straight away. When there is a need to limit this, instructions will be made clear before you leave the hospital. 

Patients are routinely seen at 2 weeks (to check that the wounds have healed and remove sutures) and 6-8 weeks (to ensure pain is improving and motion has returned). The need for further appointments may be discussed if needed.

Most patients require simple painkillers for a couple of weeks only although it is not uncommon for it to take 2-3 months for swelling and soreness to settle completely.