Meniscus surgery is performed as an out-patient procedure, which means you come into the hospital the day of surgery and go home the same day.  The procedure is performed under regional anesthesia, which means the legs are frozen and you will receive intravenous sedation.  No general anesthesia is required.  The operation is performed using two small holes in the front of the knee, each measuring less than 1 cm.  Depending on the type of tear in the meniscus, the meniscus is either repaired with sutures or the torn part is removed.  The operation usually takes approximately 30 minutes.  However, you must allow for the entire day due to pre-operative processing and post-operative recovery. 

After surgery, if a meniscectomy (removal of meniscus tissue) is performed, crutches are recommended for 2 days and then you can start walking without assistance.  The dressing is removed on the second day after surgery.  That means if surgery is on Tuesday, you can remove the dressing on Thursday.  If there is no leakage from the incisions, on the third day after surgery, you can take a shower.  Baths are not recommended.  Most patients can walk normally within 7-14 days after surgery.  If the meniscus is repaired with sutures, in most cases you must use crutches for 3 weeks and not put weight through the leg.  Range of motion is generally limited from 0-90 degrees after a repair for 6 weeks, followed by full range of motion. 

After meniscectomy (removal of meniscus tissue), patients are generally allowed to start very gradual return to sports between 6 and 8 weeks with return to full activity usually between 3 and 4 months.  If a meniscal repair is performed, running and light sports begin at 3 to 4 months with full recovery at 5 to 6 months.  After a meniscal repair, full squatting is not allowed until 6 months. 

Risks of surgery include, but are not limited to, anesthesia, infection, re-operation, meniscus re-tear, pain and stiffness.