The meniscus distributes load and helps stabilize the knee. Tear pattern, symptoms and associated injuries guide the choice of rehabilitation, repair or limited removal.
When can a meniscus be repaired?
Some tears have a better healing environment and repair potential than others. Age, tear location, tissue quality, tear pattern and ligament stability influence whether a repair may be suitable.
Patient reviews
Patient experiences, in their own words.
Meniscus root tear surgery
★★★★★
I had a root tear of the inner meniscus and it was causing me extreme pain. I had the good fortune to be referred to Dr. Haber for a consultation reference my injury. I was extremely nervous about the future of my being able to complete the outdoor activities I like to do and getting back to work with such an injury. Dr. Haber was very understanding about my concerns and truly listened to everything I had to say. He explained everything reference the injury and he was straight forward with my prognosis. I scheduled my surgery and anytime I needed further questions answered his office liaison Nick was right on top of taking care of questions or adjusting schedules. The office staff was on time and friendly and when I needed to get in to see Dr. Haber after the surgery for an emergency check up Nick was able to get me in right away. If you are looking for an excellent doctor who has a great bed side manner then Dr. Haber is the doctor for you.
Steven GarrowGoogle review
Meniscus surgery
★★★★★
The care I received for a meniscus surgery was exceptional. Not only was Haber a skilled surgeon, but his bed side manner and thoughtful handling of questions is the best I ever had. I felt fortunate to be cared for by he and his amazing team.
Marc GillottiGoogle review
Meniscus repair
★★★★★
Probably the best experience I’ve ever had with a doctor. Dr Haber has gone above and beyond throughout the pre op and post op process and I’m really glad I went with him for my meniscus repair.
Ryan ErgoGoogle review
ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair
★★★★★
Dr Haber is a world class orthopedic surgeon. His resume speaks for itself… I’m 8 weeks post op, and had an ACL reconstruction and meniscus took multiple stitches. Forever grateful to Dr Haber and if anyone needs an orthopedic surgery, should know, that he is as good as it gets!
KP
Kolio PlachkovGoogle review
Selected patient reviews. Individual experiences and recovery vary; reviews do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Many degenerative tears can be managed initially with targeted exercises and other nonsurgical treatment. A locked knee or selected acute injuries may warrant more urgent evaluation.
Complex meniscal deficiency
For carefully selected patients, meniscal transplantation or other advanced reconstructive strategies may be relevant. Dr. Haber has published on segmental meniscal transplantation and related knee biomechanics.
Rehabilitation after meniscus treatment
Meniscus repair or transplantation often needs more early protection than limited trimming. Crutch use, weight bearing and knee-motion limits depend on the exact repair and any other procedures.
When meniscus work is combined with ACL surgery, crutches and weight-bearing progression commonly range from 2–6 weeks, and a hinged knee brace is worn for the first 6 weeks. The meniscus repair may change your permitted exercises and progression.
Preserving functional meniscal tissue is often desirable when feasible, but the best choice depends on the tear, tissue quality, knee condition and patient factors.
Do meniscus tears always need surgery?
No. Many patients improve with rehabilitation and symptom management, particularly with degenerative tear patterns. Certain mechanical symptoms or acute tears may warrant a different approach.
