About Meniscus Tear
Key Highlights
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Specialized care tailored to the unique anatomy and healing potential of children and adolescents.Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques often used, leading to smaller incisions and less scarring.Focus on preserving as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible to protect long-term joint health.Goal of full return to sports and physical activities with restored knee stability.Comprehensive rehabilitation plans designed for young, growing patients.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent knee pain, swelling, or locking that does not improve with rest and conservative care.
- A specific injury, often during sports, involving twisting of the knee while bearing weight.
- Mechanical symptoms like the knee catching, locking, or giving way.
- Significant tear in the vascular "red zone" of the meniscus, which has good healing potential.
- Large, unstable, or complex tears that could lead to further joint damage if left untreated.
- Failure of a trial of non-surgical management (e.g., physical therapy, activity modification).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, patient history, and imaging (MRI) to confirm the tear.
- Discussion of surgical options (repair vs. partial meniscectomy) and expected outcomes with the family.
- Pre-operative tests as required, which may include blood work.
- Guidance on ceasing certain medications (like NSAIDs or blood thinners) prior to surgery.
- Arranging for crutches and post-operative support at home.
- Fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before the procedure).
Risks & possible complications
- General risks of anesthesia and surgery (e.g., reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding).
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the knee joint.
- Persistent pain, swelling, or weakness.
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels (rare).
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Failure of a meniscus repair to heal, potentially requiring a repeat procedure.
- Long-term risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) to manage swelling.
- Use of crutches and a knee brace as directed by the surgeon, often for several weeks.
- Structured physical therapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Gradual return to walking, followed by light activities, as guided by the care team.
- Strict adherence to activity restrictions, especially avoiding sports and high-impact activities for the prescribed period (often 3-6 months for repairs).
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress through the rehabilitation phases.
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Typical hospital stay: 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation)
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Expected recovery time: Return to daily activities: 2-4 weeks; Return to sports: 3-6 months (longer for repairs)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering meniscus tear in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform meniscus tear. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for meniscus tear compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation) | ~ Return to daily activities: 2-4 weeks; Return to sports: 3-6 months (longer for repairs) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation) | ~ Return to daily activities: 2-4 weeks; Return to sports: 3-6 months (longer for repairs) | Know More |
Krishna Khan, a 14-year-old competitive soccer...
Krishna Khan, a 14-year-old competitive soccer player, had always been the star midfielder for his club team. During a crucial playoff game, he planted his foot to change direction and felt a sudden, sharp 'pop' in his right knee, followed by immediate swelling. He tried to rest and ice it, but weeks later, he couldn't run or pivot without his knee locking and giving way. An MRI confirmed a complex bucket-handle tear of his medial meniscus. His pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lee, explained that due to the tear's size and location, and Krishna's young age and athletic goals, arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus was the best option to preserve the cartilage and his future in sports. Krishna was terrified of surgery and the long recovery, fearing he'd lose his spot on the team and fall behind his peers. The procedure went smoothly. The first six weeks of recovery on crutches in a brace were frustrating, but he diligently followed his physical therapy. Nine months post-op, after gradual strengthening and sport-specific drills, Krishna was cleared to play. He returned to soccer, initially anxious with every cut, but his knee felt stable. Making his first game-winning assist brought tears of relief. His emotional journey shifted from fear of permanent loss to immense gratitude for a second chance and a newfound respect for his body's resilience.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Meniscus Tear
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform meniscus tear and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata