The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) in each knee. Each knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side of the knee, and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These structures act as shock absorbers, help stabilise the knee, and allow smooth joint movement by distributing weight and reducing friction between the bones. Meniscal injuries can occur due to twisting or rotating movements of the knee, especially during sports or physical activity. They can also result from gradual wear and tear associated with ageing, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced knee mobility.

Meniscus surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further damage to the knee joint. Depending on the type and severity of the tear, the procedure may involve either repairing the torn tissue or removing the damaged portion while preserving as much of the meniscus as possible. There are three main types of meniscus surgery:

• Meniscus Repair: Suturing the torn edges of the meniscus together to allow it to heal naturally. This is generally preferred when possible, especially in younger or active patients.

• Partial Meniscectomy: Removing only the damaged portion of the meniscus while keeping the remaining healthy tissue intact.

• Total (or full) Meniscectomy: Removing the entire meniscus, usually only done when the tissue is too damaged to preserve.

Long-term outcomes are influenced by several factors, including the size and location of the tear, the type of surgery performed, and how closely the rehabilitation plan is followed. After surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and engage in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming or cycling to support long-term knee health and reduce the risk of re-injury.