What the meniscus does
Each knee has two C-shaped menisci that cushion load and stabilize the joint. Tears happen two ways: acute twisting injuries in younger patients, and degenerative fraying with age. Symptoms include joint-line pain, catching or locking, swelling after activity, and pain with squatting or twisting.
Repair vs. meniscectomy
Whether a tear can heal depends on its pattern and location — the outer third of the meniscus has blood supply and healing potential, while the inner rim does not. Repairable patterns (vertical, ramp, root, and many radial tears in the vascular zone) are stitched back together arthroscopically. Tears without healing potential are treated with partial meniscectomy — trimming only the torn fragment while preserving every millimeter of healthy tissue.
Root tears deserve special attention
A root tear detaches the meniscus anchor from bone and functionally unloads the entire meniscus — left untreated, it accelerates arthritis. Dr. Pettit performs transtibial root repair to restore the anchor, protected by a stricter recovery: toe-touch weight bearing in a locked brace for six weeks while the root heals.
Recovery expectations
After meniscectomy: weight bearing as tolerated immediately, crutches for comfort only, and return to full activity typically within four to six weeks as swelling allows. After repair: the knee is protected in a brace with flexion limited to 90° for six weeks — stable patterns bear weight as tolerated, while root and radial repairs protect weight bearing for six weeks — with return to sport at four months or later.
Frequently asked questions
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Tears in the vascular outer third sometimes can, and degenerative tears often become asymptomatic with therapy. Tears causing mechanical symptoms — locking, catching — or root tears warrant arthroscopic treatment.
Why not just trim every tear?
Because meniscal tissue is protective — removing it concentrates load on the cartilage and raises long-term arthritis risk. Repair preserves function; meniscectomy is reserved for tears that genuinely can’t heal.
How soon can I walk after surgery?
After meniscectomy, immediately as tolerated. After repair, it depends on the pattern: stable repairs walk as tolerated in a brace, root and radial repairs protect weight bearing for six weeks — your specific protocol will say exactly.
When can I return to sports?
Meniscectomy: typically 4–6 weeks. Repair: a minimum of four months, protecting deep squatting and pivoting until cleared.
See Dr. Pettit
5 locations across Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky · (513) 354-3700