Knee · Meniscus preservation

Meniscal repair

Arthroscopic meniscal repair uses all-inside suture techniques with all-suture implant devices through small incisions, preserving the meniscus rather than removing it. Consultations with our fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Repair extends recovery compared to meniscectomy because the tissue must heal: protected weight-bearing in a brace for several weeks, with return to pivoting sports typically 4–6 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained knee surgeons perform meniscal repair. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Preserves your meniscus
Brace & protected weight-bearing
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient returning to cycling after meniscal repair recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Meniscus-preserving

At a glance

Arthroscopic meniscal repair uses all-inside suture techniques with all-suture implant devices through small incisions, preserving the meniscus rather than removing it.

Preserves your meniscus
Brace & protected weight-bearing
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

1–3 days

to first consultation

2–4 weeks

from consult to surgery

4–6 months

typical return to pivoting sport

No referral

required to start

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

Pathway Surgery was absolutely amazing! Dr. Pauyo completed ACL and meniscus reconstruction and the entire process went smoothly. Pathway was super quick to get me in for my surgery, which was the main reason I considered them. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Gracie Dalton

ACL & meniscus repair

I was weary going the private route for my ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair but I don’t regret a thing. Dr. Jihad Abouali and Emma have been great. Everything was smooth sailing — travel, accommodations, surgery clinic, pharmacy needs. I felt very well taken care of.

Grace Churchill

ACL & meniscus repair

I had meniscus repair surgery in both knees, and the service was spectacular from start to finish. I was told to bring a walker, and I haven’t had to use it other than to keep my balance upon discharge. Dr. Abouali was terrific.

Kathy Weiss

Bilateral meniscus repair

What is meniscal repair?

Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. When torn — from a sports injury or degenerative wear — it can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms like catching or locking.

Meniscal repair is a procedure that stitches the torn meniscus back together rather than removing it. This preserves your natural shock absorber and helps protect the knee from developing arthritis over time.

Key benefits of meniscal repair

Preserves natural cushioning
Protects against arthritis
Maintains knee stability

Not all tears can be repaired — it depends on the location, pattern, and blood supply. Tears in the outer “red zone” have the best healing potential. Your surgeon will evaluate your MRI to determine if repair is an option.

Surgeon insights

Hear from our surgeons.

Our surgeons explain meniscus injuries, repair techniques, and what to expect during recovery.

Q&A guide

Knee sports injuries Q&A

Meniscus repair, healing expectations, and return-to-sport timelines.

Full Q&A guide

View all surgeon Q&A guides

Surgical technique

All-inside meniscal repair.

Minimally invasive repair performed entirely through the joint.

An all-inside meniscal repair is performed arthroscopically through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. All-suture implants are placed entirely inside the knee to bring the torn edges of the meniscus back together.

Because the repair is done from inside the joint, this technique avoids additional incisions on the outside of the knee and reduces disruption to surrounding tissues.

Key benefits

Preserves as much natural meniscus as possible
No additional incisions outside the knee
Reduced disruption to surrounding tissues
Allows tissue to heal naturally

Repair devices we use

Our surgeons select the optimal device based on tear pattern and patient anatomy.

FAST-FIX FLEX

Smith+Nephew’s all-inside meniscal repair system

NovoStitch Pro

Circumferential stitching for complex tears

JuggerStitch

Zimmer Biomet’s all-suture meniscal repair

Your surgeons

Our meniscal repair specialists.

Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons experienced in meniscal preservation.

Dr. Jihad Abouali

Knee & shoulder sports medicine

Dr. Thierry Pauyo

Hip, knee & shoulder sports medicine

Read full surgeon profiles

Your recovery

Recovery after meniscal repair.

0–2 weeks
1

0–2 weeks

Protected

Brace, limited weight bearing
4–6 weeks
2

4–6 weeks

Progressive

Gradual weight bearing
3–4 months
3

3–4 months

Strengthening

Full motion and muscle work
4–6 months
4

4–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

0–2 weeks

Protected phase

Brace and limited weight bearing

3–4 months

Strengthening

Full motion and muscle work

4–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

Recovery is slower than meniscectomy — but preserving your meniscus provides better protection for your knee over the long term compared to removal.

Not a candidate for repair?

For tears that can’t be repaired — such as complex, degenerative, or white zone tears — meniscectomy offers quick relief with the fastest recovery time. It’s an effective solution when repair isn’t possible.

Learn about meniscectomy

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Not all tears are repairable. Tears in the outer "red zone" of the meniscus—which has better blood supply—are most likely to heal after repair. Complex, degenerative, or tears in the inner "white zone" may not be suitable for repair and may require partial removal.

The repaired meniscus needs time to heal—similar to how a broken bone needs time to mend. Putting too much stress on it too soon can cause the repair to fail. Protected weight bearing and limited deep bending give the tissue time to heal properly.

If a repair does not heal, a second surgery to perform a partial meniscectomy is usually possible. This is why attempting repair is often preferred—if it heals, you preserve valuable tissue; if not, meniscectomy remains an option.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly. Having a recent MRI is very helpful since it shows the location and pattern of your tear.

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss whether meniscal repair is right for you. No referral required.