Arthroscopic meniscus surgery focused on saving your meniscus whenever possible, to protect your knee today and in the years ahead.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicolás Zarur · Updated October 2026
The meniscus is your knee’s shock absorber. When it tears, the goal is to save as much of it as possible, because a healthy meniscus protects your knee from arthritis for years to come.
Surgery time
Hospital stay
Walking
Return to sport
*Depends on whether the meniscus is repaired (sutured) or trimmed. [Validate all figures with Dr. Zarur.]
Each knee has two menisci, C-shaped pads of cartilage between the thighbone and the shinbone. They cushion every step, spread your body weight and help keep the knee stable.
In athletes, tears usually happen with a twist while the foot is planted. After 40, the meniscus becomes weaker and can tear with simple movements, like squatting or getting up from a chair.
Not every tear needs surgery. Small, stable tears often heal with physical therapy. When surgery is the best option, there are two approaches:
The torn edges are stitched together so the meniscus can heal. Best for younger, active patients and tears in areas with good blood supply. Recovery is longer, but the knee keeps its full cushion.
Only the damaged piece that can’t heal is removed. Recovery is faster, but less meniscus remains to protect the joint.
Dr. Zarur always tries to preserve the meniscus when the tear allows it. The final decision is made with your MRI and, sometimes, during the arthroscopy itself.
Meniscus surgery is done by arthroscopy: a small camera and fine instruments enter the knee through two or three incisions of less than one centimeter. It’s usually an outpatient procedure.
If the meniscus tear comes with an ACL injury, both are usually treated in the same surgery.
[Dr. Zarur to add his technique and experience in numbers.]
This is a typical plan after a meniscus repair. After a trim, most steps happen faster.
Surgery day
Outpatient arthroscopy. You go home the same day with a knee brace if the meniscus was repaired.
Weeks 1–4
Crutches and limited bending to protect the repair. Gentle exercises to keep the muscles active.
Weeks 4–8
Walking without crutches, recovering full motion and starting strength work.
Months 3–4
Cycling, swimming and light jogging under your physical therapist’s guidance.
Months 4–6
Return to pivoting sports once strength and stability tests are passed.
Some small tears in the outer edge of the meniscus, where there is blood supply, can heal with rest and physical therapy. Larger tears or tears in the inner part usually don’t heal without treatment.
A tear that keeps catching or locking can grow and damage the cartilage, which increases the risk of arthritis. Not every tear needs surgery, but every tear deserves a proper evaluation.
After a trim, most patients walk within days and return to sport in 6 to 8 weeks. After a repair, recovery takes longer, usually 4 to 6 months before returning to pivoting sports. [Validate with Dr. Zarur.]
Usually yes after a repair, for the first weeks, to protect the stitches. After a trim it’s rarely needed.
Yes. When both are injured, they are usually treated in the same arthroscopy, which means one anesthesia and one recovery.
Yes. Send us your MRI and reports, and Dr. Zarur will review them and tell you if you need surgery before you travel to Tijuana.
Send us your MRI or book a visit in Tijuana or Mexico City. We’ll tell you if your meniscus can be saved.
Get a clear diagnosis and honest options. We reply within one business day.
Trusted by Champions
Former President of the Mexican Football Federation’s Medical Commission and team physician for Cruz Azul, Morelia, Veracruz and Frontón México.
