In the knee, there are two menisci, the internal and external menisci; these are real wedges, shock-absorbers or silentblocks whose role is to improve congruence between the femur and the tibia (see diagram) and to reduce stress on the cartilage.

Their role is therefore very important and the removal of an entire meniscus, as was done a long time ago, was very annoying for the future of the knee.
Today, arthroscopic surgery makes it possible either to repair a possible fracture of the meniscus or to remove just the broken fragment in cases where repair is impossible.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

It is a minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes two holes in the knee on a patient who is locally or totally asleep.

Through one of the holes a micro-camera is put in place and allows the inside of the knee to be observed on a video screen. Through the second hole, the surgeon passes instruments to palpate, aspirate or repair the diseased meniscus fragment.

These operations are fairly short, lasting 10 to 20 minutes, and are performed on an outpatient basis.

The consequences of arthroscopic meniscus surgery.

In the aftermath a little rest is necessary (see special case of patients over 50 years of age) an ice bladder should be placed on the knee 3 to 4 times a day and self-rehabilitation exercises (see video) should be performed regularly. This is often the only rehabilitation required. However, sometimes a physiotherapist may be required. Walking is resumed immediately with normal pressure (see video). The crouching position, therefore, total flexion is forbidden for 45 days (see video). The resumption of professional activities can be done in 8 to 10 days, excluding any work of strength or work requiring crouching positions.
The return to sport is done between 4 to 6 weeks, always respecting a progressive return, except for meniscus repairs, where it is necessary to wait 3 months.