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MENISCUS SURGERY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’re suffering from knee pain, we can help. At HCA UK, we offer fast access to our orthopaedic consultants and the latest diagnostic technology in our state-of-the-art facilities across London, Cheshire and Birmingham.
Our knee specialists will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment that’s tailored to your specific injury or condition. Not only do we treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, but also 97% of our orthopaedic patients are likely to recommend us to their family and friends.
Our knee specialists will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment that’s tailored to your specific injury or condition. Not only do we treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, but also 97% of our orthopaedic patients are likely to recommend us to their family and friends.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that protects the knee joint from movement and shock. It can become damaged by a sudden twisting movement or impact to your knee. The collagen of the meniscus can also wear down over time, leading the meniscus to become thinner, more brittle and prone to tearing. Each knee has two menisci: lateral on the outside and medial on the inside.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply and is known as the 'red zone'. Injuries to this part of the meniscus may heal on their own, although it’s rare for tears to only happen in this area.
The rest of the meniscus has little or no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. If this area is damaged, it’s unlikely to heal by itself.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply and is known as the 'red zone'. Injuries to this part of the meniscus may heal on their own, although it’s rare for tears to only happen in this area.
The rest of the meniscus has little or no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. If this area is damaged, it’s unlikely to heal by itself.
Typical symptoms of a tear include:
- Sharp knee pain or tenderness
- Swelling around your knee joint
- Difficulty straightening or moving your leg
- A popping or locking sensation in your knee
Meniscus surgery is an operation to either repair or remove a torn meniscus. If your meniscus is injured by a sudden twisting movement, a collision or it wears down over time, and non-surgical treatments aren't effective, an operation can help improve your knee's mobility and stability.
The type of tear you have determines the type of meniscus surgery that will be most effective. Less serious tears can sometimes be repaired, allowing the cartilage to heal. For moderate to serious tears, the damaged tissue will be removed.
The type of tear you have determines the type of meniscus surgery that will be most effective. Less serious tears can sometimes be repaired, allowing the cartilage to heal. For moderate to serious tears, the damaged tissue will be removed.
Most meniscus surgery procedures are carried out via arthroscopy (a keyhole procedure). This involves using a small camera called an arthroscope to see inside the knee joint. There are different types of arthroscopic surgery depending on the severity of your meniscus tear:
The surgery is sometimes referred to by the type of tear you've suffered:
You may also see meniscus surgery described by the type or part of the meniscus that it treats, for example:
- Meniscus repair: Your surgeon may be able to stitch up the tear, allowing your cartilage to heal on its own. This is often an option for bucket-handle meniscus tears, as the injury runs through the 'red zone' of cartilage and the increased blood flow improves healing.
- Partial meniscectomy: Also known as debridement, this involves your surgeon removing part of your torn meniscus and leaving healthy tissue in its place. Smaller tears to the 'white zone' of your meniscus are often treated with this procedure, which is sometimes referred to as "cleaning" the joint. The removed cartilage is unlikely to grow back, but any issues that damaged meniscus caused should be improved.
- Total meniscectomy: If you do need meniscus tear surgery, your surgeon will make every effort to preserve as much cartilage as possible. In rare cases, when there is a large or more complex tear, it may may be necessary to remove your whole meniscus.
- Meniscus transplant: Better suited for younger patients, a transplant may be recommended if the existing meniscus has been severely damaged or has worn away. It may also be advised as a means of delaying the onset of knee arthritis. Meniscus transplants involve complex surgery and rehabilitation regimes, and the need for further surgery can be significant. As such, meniscus transplant surgery is fairly uncommon, and only a small number of patients are eligible.
The surgery is sometimes referred to by the type of tear you've suffered:
- Traumatic meniscus tear surgery treats a tear caused by sudden trauma such as a sport injury.
- Degenerative meniscus tear surgery treats a tear caused by little or no trauma, usually linked to the menisci weakening with age.
You may also see meniscus surgery described by the type or part of the meniscus that it treats, for example:
- Lateral or medial meniscus tear surgery, which focus on the lateral (outer) or medial (inner) meniscus.
- Meniscal cyst surgery, which is when a small cyst forms next to a meniscus tear. The cyst is usually nothing to worry about, but it can cause discomfort. This surgery involves removing the torn meniscus and decompressing the cyst.
Meniscus tears are common in people who play contact sports, such as football and rugby, or activities that involve sudden turns and pivoting, such as netball and tennis. You can also injure your meniscus through kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting. While you can damage cartilage in your knee in these ways at any age, the risk increases as you get older because the menisci weaken over time. Degenerative meniscus tears can occur with minimal or no trauma.
Your orthopaedic consultant will discuss whether surgery is the best option for you, as it depends on the type, size and location of the tear, and your age and activity level. They may suggest trying non-surgical solutions first, such as resting your knee, applying ice to reduce pain and swelling, physiotherapy and pain medication.
Your orthopaedic consultant will discuss whether surgery is the best option for you, as it depends on the type, size and location of the tear, and your age and activity level. They may suggest trying non-surgical solutions first, such as resting your knee, applying ice to reduce pain and swelling, physiotherapy and pain medication.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist knee consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Meniscus surgery
What to expect
From the moment you visit us, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred to us or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our knee specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, examine your knee and arrange any necessary scans.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s more comprehensive private diagnostics network. All our tests and scans are carried out in our state-of-the-art facilities by our expert teams.
Your consultant may refer you to have an X-ray or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view your knee in more detail so they can make a diagnosis and decide whether treatment or surgery is the best option for you.
If you need surgery, your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
03
Surgery
Meniscus surgery a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure that’s carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope and specialised surgical instruments into small cuts around your knee. The arthroscope sends images to your surgeon via a monitor, which allows them to see the inside of your knee in detail.
Your surgeon will look at your tear and decide whether they can repair it or if they need to remove the damaged cartilage. Once it’s been repaired or removed, they'll close the incision with stitches or medical strips. The whole procedure usually takes less than an hour.
04
Post surgery
You'll be given painkillers to help minimise any discomfort immediately after surgery. You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure, but you'll need to arrange to be collected from the hospital as you won’t be able to drive.
Once you’re home, you should apply ice to your knee and keep your leg elevated when sitting to help reduce pain and swelling. You'll need to use crutches for a few weeks to keep weight off your knee, and your surgeon may recommend a brace to help support and restrict movement of the knee. Our physiotherapy team will give you exercises to strengthen your knee and help improve your mobility as you recover.
Locations
Choose from our modern hospitals in London, Birmingham and Manchester for your meniscus surgery.
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Meniscus surgery FAQs
The main aim of meniscus surgery is to restore the shock-absorbing abilities of your meniscus so you can move freely again without pain. The key benefits include:
- Rediscovering your full range of knee movement
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving your sensation of joint stability
- Getting you back to exercise and sport
- Improving your quality of life and mood
For some people, a meniscus transplant may be a suitable course of treatment. Your consultant will let you know if it’s an option for you.
The eligibility criteria for a meniscus transplant includes:
The eligibility criteria for a meniscus transplant includes:
- Age: A transplant is generally only offered to those under the age of 45 who lead an active lifestyle.
- Injury: A transplant will not be recommended for minor injuries, or even some more significant ones. If you have an irreparable tear or have less than 50% of the cartilage remaining in your knee, you may be eligible for a transplant.
- Underlying conditions: A transplant is a means of avoiding or delaying the onset of knee arthritis, so patients already living with the condition will not be eligible.
The total recovery time after torn meniscus surgery varies between people and surgery types. After the procedure, you'll need to use crutches for a few weeks to keep weight off your knee.
Meniscal repair has a longer recovery than a meniscectomy - usually several months - to protect the repair. Your consultant will let you know what to expect based on your surgery and condition, and when you can get back to your usual routine and activities.
Meniscal repair has a longer recovery than a meniscectomy - usually several months - to protect the repair. Your consultant will let you know what to expect based on your surgery and condition, and when you can get back to your usual routine and activities.
Everyone’s recovery is different and your consultant will be able to advise you on when you can go back to work and drive. General guidance is that:
- You can drive once you have stopped using crutches, can sit comfortably, and have the power and mobility in your knee to perform an emergency stop.
- You can return to a sedentary job in just a few weeks or a manual job that involves more physical exertion in up to 12 weeks.
Alternatives to meniscus surgery are typically non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy and, in some cases, injections. Your GP or orthopaedic consultant may recommend trying one or more of these first, depending on how severe your condition is. Your options may include:
- Resting your knee and avoiding activities that involve twisting or pivoting
- Icing your knee at regular intervals to reduce pain and swelling, especially in the immediate period after your injury
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to ease the initial pain and swelling
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee and in your legs.
Our patients’ stories
Sarah-Jane’s return from knee injury
It was when she slipped on the dancefloor at an office party that 38-year-old Sarah-Jane finally realised something wasn’t right with her knee. A keen skateboarder and tennis player, Sarah-Jane had always led an active lifestyle, but never thought much about injuries.
Hana's recovery: Roaring back from a serious knee injury
Hana was a fearsome player on the pitch, but her commitment came at a price. In 2018 she tore her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and was seen by Mr Simon Thompson. He helped her get back to playing at a competitive level and Hana got to wear the England jersey she’d dreamed of. So, when she then suffered a meniscal tear in 2020, she knew who she was going to see.
How knee surgery got one avid skier back on the slopes
As a frequent skier and active young professional in the city, Gaëlle loves running and exercise classes to keep fit, but her love of these activities has come at a price – her knee. A previous skiing accident damaged her meniscus and her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and left her in so much pain that she couldn’t ski, so Gaëlle started looking around at treatment options.
“ With hindsight, I should have dealt with my knee problems a long time ago. I’d say to anyone else in my position that if you’re not sure about anything, you should seek the help of a specialist.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.