Knee · Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy & meniscectomy

Arthroscopic meniscectomy uses FLOW 50 Coblation™ technology for precise removal of damaged meniscal tissue with minimal thermal damage to surrounding cartilage. Consultations with our fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Most patients walk the same day; return to desk work is typically 1–2 weeks and return to running and sport 4–6 weeks. Where the tear pattern allows, repair is preferred over removal — your surgeon will discuss both.

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

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Most patients walk same day
Desk work typically 1–2 weeks
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient cycling along a coastal path after knee arthroscopy recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Outpatient procedure

At a glance

Arthroscopic meniscectomy uses FLOW 50 Coblation™ technology for precise removal of damaged meniscal tissue with minimal thermal damage to surrounding cartilage.

Most patients walk same day
Desk work typically 1–2 weeks
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

1–3 days

to first consultation

2–4 weeks

from consult to surgery

Same day

most patients walking, outpatient

4–6 weeks

typical return to sport

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

My knee arthroscopy experience was perfect. Great attention to detail on testing, pre-surgical, and post-surgical care. Special call out to Dr. Abouali, just a really great person/surgeon and so much attention to my outcome. I will be skiing soon!

Michael Charbonneau

Knee arthroscopy

Pathway Surgery provides excellent and quick service. Dr. Abouali performed a successful knee arthroscopy for me in three weeks. If you have chronic pain and are waiting for surgery, I highly recommend Pathway Surgery.

Anna Sokolowski

Knee arthroscopy

The knee arthroscopy procedure with Dr. Jihad Abouali exceeded expectations. They expedited the process, ensuring a swift surgery that would have taken months elsewhere. Overall, a stellar experience.

Abdallah Elchanti

Knee arthroscopy

What is a meniscectomy?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. Each knee has two menisci. Tears can occur from twisting injuries, sports, or degenerative wear over time.

A meniscectomy is an arthroscopic procedure where a surgeon removes the damaged portion of the meniscus through small incisions. The goal is to remove unstable tissue that causes pain, catching, or locking while preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible.

Meniscectomy is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures. It is typically performed as an outpatient surgery.

Surgeon insights

Hear from our surgeons.

Our surgeons explain meniscus injuries, when surgery is needed, and what to expect during recovery.

Q&A guide

Knee sports injuries Q&A

Meniscus tears, meniscectomy vs. repair, and rehabilitation.

Full Q&A guide

View all surgeon Q&A guides

Indications

When is meniscectomy recommended?

Meniscectomy may be considered when conservative treatments have not provided relief.

Meniscus tears

Tears that cause mechanical symptoms such as locking, catching, or giving way.

Persistent pain

Knee pain that has not improved with rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Limited function

Difficulty with daily activities, walking, or participation in work or sports.

Degenerative tears

Age-related tears that cause ongoing symptoms despite non-surgical treatment.

Complex tears

Tears in areas of the meniscus with limited blood supply that are not suitable for repair.

Bucket handle tears

Large tears that flip into the joint space and cause the knee to lock.

What to expect

The procedure.

Meniscectomy is performed arthroscopically, meaning the surgeon uses a small camera and instruments inserted through 2–3 tiny incisions around the knee. This allows precise visualization and treatment of the damaged tissue.

2–3 small incisions (each less than 1 cm)
Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on the tear
Same-day discharge in most cases
Partial removal — preserving as much healthy tissue as possible

Meniscectomy vs. meniscus repair

Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your tear:

Meniscectomy: Removes damaged tissue; typically for complex or degenerative tears
Meniscus repair: Stitches the tear back together; best for tears in the outer “red zone” with good blood supply
The decision is often made during surgery based on what the surgeon sees

Your surgeons

Our knee arthroscopy specialists.

Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons experienced in knee arthroscopy.

Dr. Jihad Abouali

Knee & shoulder sports medicine

Dr. Thierry Pauyo

Hip, knee & shoulder sports medicine

Read full surgeon profiles

Your recovery

Recovery after meniscectomy.

Day 1
1

Day 1

Home

Walking with crutches or cane
Week 1
2

Week 1

Reduced swelling

Walking short distances, desk work
Weeks 2–4
3

Weeks 2–4

Physical therapy

Strengthening and range of motion
Weeks 4–6
4

Weeks 4–6

Return to activity

Gradual return to sports and exercise

1–2 weeks

Crutches

May be needed initially for comfort

1–2 weeks

Desk work

When comfortable sitting

4–6 weeks

Physical activities

Depending on progress

Could meniscal repair be an option?

For certain tears — particularly those in the outer “red zone” with good blood supply — meniscal repair may preserve your natural meniscus and protect against future arthritis. Your surgeon will evaluate your MRI to determine if repair is possible.

Learn about meniscal repair

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Meniscectomy removes the damaged portion of the meniscus, while meniscus repair stitches the tear back together. Repair is typically preferred when the tear is in an area with good blood supply (the outer "red zone"), but many tears occur in areas that don't heal well and require partial removal.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day, often within a few hours of arriving for surgery.

Crutches or a cane may be helpful for the first 1-2 weeks for comfort and stability. Most patients can put weight on the leg immediately after surgery, but walking may be uncomfortable initially due to swelling.

Return to sports typically occurs at 4-6 weeks, depending on your progress with physical therapy and the demands of your sport. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can often resume earlier than high-impact sports.

Meniscectomy is generally a low-risk procedure. Potential complications include infection, blood clots, stiffness, and persistent pain. Removing meniscus tissue may increase the long-term risk of knee arthritis, which is why surgeons aim to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly. Having recent knee X-rays or MRI is helpful but not mandatory—we can arrange imaging if needed.

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your knee symptoms and treatment options. No referral required.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Continue your research.

Specialty Knee procedures Surgeon Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez Elizalde Surgeon Dr. Michael Zywiel Surgeon Dr. Jihad Abouali Surgeon Dr. Thierry Pauyo Related procedure ACL Reconstruction in Canada Related procedure ACL Repair in Canada

Knee arthroscopy & meniscectomy