Meniscal repair
Protecting your knee
Protecting healthy tissue
Where possible, repairing the tear helps preserve the natural cushioning that protects your knee.
Expert keyhole care
Small incisions, specialist care
Your surgeon uses keyhole techniques to treat the damaged area precisely.
Support beyond surgery
Guidance at every stage
You’ll have clear, practical guidance as your knee heals, helping you gradually rebuild movement, strength and confidence.
Meniscal repair overview
Your meniscus is a curved piece of tough, flexible cartilage that sits between your thigh bone and shinbone, helping to cushion and protect your knee. If it tears, you may have pain or swelling, or notice that your knee catches or locks. Meniscal repair aims to preserve as much of this natural cushioning is possible. Your surgeon brings the torn edges together so they have a chance to heal. Not every meniscus tear can be repaired. Whether repair is suitable depends on where the tear is, its shape, the blood supply to that part of the cartilage and the health of the surrounding tissue. If repair isn’t possible, your surgeon may recommend removing only the damaged part of the meniscus. This is called a partial meniscectomy. Your consultant will review your scans and talk you through the approach they recommend. In some cases, they can only know for certain whether the tear can be repaired once they can see inside your knee during keyhole surgery.
How is surgery carried out?
Meniscus repair is typically carried out using keyhole knee surgery (knee arthroscopy). You’ll usually have a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout the operation.
During surgery, your surgeon makes tiny cuts around the knee and guides a slim camera into the joint. This gives them a clear view on a screen. They then use fine instruments to prepare the damaged area and bring the torn edges together with stitches or small repair devices.
If your surgeon finds that the tear can’t be repaired, they’ll follow the alternative plan discussed with you beforehand. Once surgery is complete, the small cuts are closed and covered with dressings.
Are there any risks?
As with any operation, there are some risks, although serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Excess bleeding or swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- The tear not healing as planned
Your consultant will talk you through these risks and answer any questions before you decide to go ahead.
Recovery from meniscal repair
Feeling more comfortable
It’s normal to experience some pain and swelling at first. Resting with your leg raised and taking pain relief as advised can help you feel more comfortable. Your care team will show you how to care for the small wounds and use crutches safely if needed.
Protecting the healing cartilage
You may need to wear a knee brace or limit how much weight you put through your leg. Your physiotherapist will help you regain movement while protecting the healing cartilage.
Building strength and confidence
Your exercises will gradually build strength and control as your knee heals. Your care team will explain when you can return to daily activities. Getting back to sport often takes around four to seven months, but your timing will depend on the tear and how your recovery progresses.
Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Meniscal repair FAQs
Meniscus repair is normally carried out as same-day surgery, so you can often go home later that day. Your care team will make sure you can move safely before you leave.
You may need crutches or a brace while the cartilage heals, though this depends on the type of repair. Your physiotherapist will show you how to use them safely.
You shouldn’t drive while wearing a knee brace or using crutches. Before returning to the road, you’ll need to walk comfortably and be able to perform an emergency stop safely. You should always check with your consultant and insurer first before driving again.
Your timing will depend on your surgery and the demands of your sport. Your physiotherapist will help you rebuild strength and control, then explain when it’s safe to restart training.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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