Orthopaedics
Meniscal Repair
Day-case keyhole surgery to fix a torn meniscus — the cartilage that cushions your knee.
Day Case
Home the same day
Keyhole
Two small incisions
Specialist Knee Surgeons
Hundreds performed annually
About This Procedure
What is a Meniscal Repair?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and shin bone, cushioning the knee and helping it move smoothly. Meniscal tears are common — they happen during sport (twisting or pivoting injuries), during everyday activity, or gradually as the cartilage wears with age. At Optimised Care, meniscal repair is performed arthroscopically — through two small incisions about the size of a buttonhole. Your consultant inserts a tiny camera and specialist instruments to either stitch the tear back together (a true repair, preserving the meniscus) or trim away the damaged portion (a partial meniscectomy). Which option suits you depends on where the tear is, what shape it is, and how long it has been there. Most meniscal procedures take 30 to 60 minutes and are performed under general or regional anaesthetic. You go home the same day.
Common Question
Will I keep my meniscus?
Where the tear is in the outer "red zone" of the meniscus — the part with a good blood supply — your consultant will usually try to repair it with stitches. Where the tear is in the inner "white zone" with little blood supply, healing a repair is unlikely, so the damaged portion is carefully trimmed instead. The aim is always to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible.
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Arrival and admission
You arrive at The Bromsgrove Hospital around two hours before surgery. You will meet your consultant, the anaesthetist, and the nursing team. Final consent is signed, and your operating leg is marked.
02
Anaesthetic
Most patients have a general anaesthetic for meniscal surgery. Some opt for spinal anaesthetic (numbing from the waist down) instead — your anaesthetist will discuss which is right for you.
03
The procedure
Two small incisions are made on either side of your kneecap. A tiny camera and specialist instruments are inserted, and the consultant either stitches the tear together or trims away the damaged tissue. The whole procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
04
Recovery and discharge
You spend a few hours in recovery while the anaesthetic wears off. The nursing team helps you walk on crutches, gives you pain relief and aftercare instructions, and discharges you the same day. A friend or family member must drive you home.
Key Benefits
Why choose private meniscal repair?
→Keyhole approach — only two small incisions
→Day case — home the same day
→Preserves natural meniscus where possible
→Faster recovery than open surgery
→Specialist knee consultants
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £4,950
Includes consultant fees, hospital stay, anaesthetic, and follow-up appointment.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
Recovery depends on whether you had a repair or a trim
A partial meniscectomy (trim) heals quickly — most patients are back to driving within a week and back to sport in 4 to 6 weeks. A true meniscal repair takes longer because the stitched cartilage needs to heal — usually 3 to 4 months before you return to twisting and pivoting sports. The trade-off is that your knee keeps its natural cushion long term. Your physiotherapist will give you a tailored programme. Following it carefully is the single biggest predictor of a good outcome.
24-48 hours
Rest, ice, elevate. Pain is well controlled with simple painkillers.
1 week
Stitches checked. Most patients off crutches if a partial meniscectomy was performed.
2-4 weeks
Physiotherapy intensifies. Walking, swimming, and gentle cycling resume.
6 weeks
Most partial meniscectomy patients back to sport. Repair patients still in protective rehab.
3-4 months
Meniscal repair patients return to pivoting sports under physio guidance.
Meniscal Repair is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for meniscal repair — a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.