Glossary
Meniscectomy (meniscus trimming)
Quick answer
A meniscectomy is the keyhole removal of a torn, unstable part of the meniscus, the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage. Today it is almost always partial, keeping as much healthy meniscus as possible, as Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha, explains when discussing repair versus removal.
What it is
Through arthroscopy portals, the surgeon uses small biters and a shaver to remove the frayed or flap-like fragment that is catching in the joint, then smooths the remaining edge so it is stable. A total meniscectomy, removing the whole meniscus, is now rarely done.
It is usually a day-case procedure under spinal or general anaesthesia.
Why it matters for patients
Recovery is often quicker than after repair: many people walk the same day and return to desk work within days. However, the meniscus spreads load across the joint, and removing a large part increases pressure on the cartilage, which raises the long-term risk of osteoarthritis.
For that reason, many surgeons now repair tears whenever the tear pattern and blood supply allow, especially in younger patients.
When it is considered
Partial meniscectomy is mainly for tears that cannot heal, causing mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching that have not settled. In older knees with arthritis and wear-type tears, exercise therapy is usually tried first because surgery often adds little. The decision rests on examination, MRI and your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can my meniscus be repaired instead of removed?
Sometimes. Tears in the outer, better-supplied zone and certain patterns in younger patients are often repairable. Whether yours is depends on the tear itself, which is assessed on MRI and confirmed at arthroscopy.
How soon can I pray normally after a meniscectomy?
Many patients manage chair prayer within days and return to kneeling over a few weeks as swelling settles. Deep bending is reintroduced gradually.
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