Meniscal repair and implants

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage inside either side of the knee. It acts as a shock absorber between the long bones of the leg. It can be damaged by injury or overuse, causing pain, swelling and locking of the knee. Meniscal tears are the most common knee injury presenting to a knee specialist. Unfortunately, most meniscal tears are not repairable. If a meniscal tear justifies surgery but at the time of an arthroscopy it is found not to be repairable, then the only remaining option is to trim away the torn tissue, leaving behind a smooth and stable surface. If only part of the meniscus is trimmed then this is called a partial meniscectomy. If the whole meniscus is removed then this is called a total meniscectomy.