Meniscal Root Repair Surgery in Doha

What the operation does

The roots are the two ends of each meniscus, anchored into the top of the shin bone. When a root tears, the meniscus slides out of the joint and stops spreading weight, which can lead to rapid wear of the cartilage.

Root repair restores that anchor. The aim is not only to relieve pain but to give the meniscus back its job as a shock absorber, which is why it is considered a joint-preserving operation.

Who it is for

• Patients with a confirmed root tear on MRI and symptoms such as pain on weight bearing
• Knees with little or no established osteoarthritis
• Leg alignment that is straight or only mildly bow-legged or knock-kneed
• People willing to follow a protected rehabilitation plan for several weeks

Root repair is usually not recommended when arthritis is already advanced, because the meniscus can no longer protect damaged cartilage. In that situation other options, such as physiotherapy, injections, an osteotomy or a knee replacement, may be discussed instead.

How the surgery is done

The operation is performed arthroscopically, through small incisions around the knee, usually under general or spinal anaesthesia. Dr. Gelber first examines the whole joint, including the cartilage, the ligaments and the other meniscus, and confirms that the root tear is suitable for repair.

Strong sutures are passed through the torn root. In the transtibial pullout technique, a small tunnel is drilled from the front of the shin bone up to the original root attachment, and the sutures are pulled through and fixed on the bone at the front of the shin. Other techniques use a suture anchor placed directly at the root. When a root tear accompanies an ACL tear, both are usually treated in the same operation.

Most patients go home the same day or the next day.

Risks

Like any knee operation, root repair carries risks, including infection, blood clots in the leg, stiffness, and irritation where the sutures are fixed. The repair may not heal fully, and some knees still progress towards arthritis over time, particularly when cartilage damage was already present. Measures to reduce the risk of clots are discussed before surgery, especially for patients planning a long flight soon afterwards.

Recovery step by step

• First two weeks: crutches, little or no weight on the leg, swelling control, gentle movement and quadriceps exercises
• Weeks two to six: bending is gradually increased, usually limited to around 90 degrees, and weight bearing begins to increase from around four to six weeks
• Weeks six to twelve: walking without crutches, full movement and strength work with a physiotherapist
• Months four to six: deep squatting, kneeling and sitting on the floor are slowly introduced, and light sport may resume

Office workers often return within one to two weeks; physical and industrial work usually needs longer. Driving is possible once you are off crutches and can control the car safely. For prayer, a chair is usually advised for some months, with sujood reintroduced gradually.

Planning surgery around life in Qatar

Many patients choose to time the operation so that the crutch phase does not fall during Ramadan fasting or just before a long flight home. Physiotherapy sessions are frequent in the first months, so it helps to plan travel to Aman Hospital in Doha and time off work in advance. The cost depends on the techniques and implants used, the length of stay and your insurance cover, so it is worth checking with Aman Hospital and your insurer before surgery.