“I tore my meniscus in a match, and Dr. Unmesh got me back on the field within a season.”
SPORTS & SHOULDER SURGERY
Meniscus
Meniscus
Repair
Arthroscopic repair of a sports-related meniscus tear — preserving your meniscus and guiding you safely back to training and competition.
Meniscus repair, at a glance.
A quick summary of what the procedure involves, who it's for, and what to expect — from recovery to cost.
Meniscus repair stitches a torn meniscus back together arthroscopically, preserving tissue rather than removing it — especially important for athletes and active patients. Recommended for repairable tear patterns, often from a pivoting or twisting sports injury. Light training resumes around 8 to 12 weeks, with a full return to competitive sport around 4 to 6 months.
ABOUT THE TREATMENT
Preserving Your Meniscus for Peak Performance
A meniscus tear from sport, whether a sudden twist during a match or a deep squat under load, can sideline you quickly. Rather than trimming away torn tissue, Dr. Unmesh prioritises repairing and preserving the meniscus wherever the tear pattern allows, since a preserved meniscus better protects your knee for the long, active career ahead of you. The repair is performed arthroscopically, and your rehabilitation is built around your specific sport.
Minimally invasive
technique
technique
Tissue-preserving
repair
repair
Sport-specific
return to play
return to play
OUR SURGICAL APPROACH
Arthroscopic Technique
-
01
Detailed imaging to assess the tear pattern
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02
Small keyhole incisions for camera & instruments
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03
Meniscus repaired & preserved — Dr. Unmesh confirms stability before closing
BENEFITS
Benefits of Meniscus
Repair
Tissue-preserving surgery built to get active patients back to their sport.
01
Preserves the
Preserves the
Meniscus
Repairing rather than removing keeps the meniscus's natural cushioning.
02
Minimally
Minimally
Invasive
Small keyhole incisions mean less tissue disruption and scarring.
03
Protects
Protects
Long-Term Knee Health
Preserved meniscal tissue helps protect against early knee arthritis.
04
Sport-Specific
Sport-Specific
Rehabilitation
Your recovery plan is built around the demands of your sport.
05
High-Definition
High-Definition
Precision
Arthroscopic camera guidance helps ensure an accurate, secure repair.
06
Return to
Return to
Competition
A structured, sport-specific plan guides your return to full training.
WHY CHOOSE DR. UNMESH
Experience. Expertise. Better Outcomes.
A patient-first approach, backed by years of experience and advanced surgical expertise, to help you move better and live pain-free.
19+
Years of
Experience
Experience
1,100+
Joint & Sports
Surgeries
Surgeries
14,000+
Surgeries
Performed
Performed
“
Surgery is never the first conversation — my goal is to help you move better and live pain-free, with or without an operation.
— Dr. UnmeshSYMPTOMS & WHO NEEDS IT?
Could You Need
Meniscus
Repair?
Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. If your symptoms started with a sports injury and haven't settled, it may be time for an assessment.
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01
A Twisting or Pivoting Injury
Pain that started with a sudden twist, pivot or deep squat during sport.
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02
Locking or Catching in the Knee
A sensation of the knee catching, locking or giving way.
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03
monitoring
Imaging Confirms a Repairable Tear
MRI shows a tear pattern suited to repair rather than removal.
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04
accessibility_new
Swelling After Activity
Swelling that recurs each time you try to train or compete.
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05
Limited Response to Conservative Care
Symptoms that haven't improved enough with rest or physiotherapy.
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06
sports_soccer
A Return-to-Sport Goal
Athletes wanting the best long-term outcome for their knee and career.
HOW THE SURGERY WORKS
A Step-by-Step Journey
From consultation to return to sport, here's what the meniscus repair process looks like.
01
Consultation & Evaluation
We review your injury, sporting goals and imaging together.
02
view_in_ar
Advanced Imaging
MRI helps map the tear pattern and confirm it's suitable for repair.
03
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Arthroscopic Repair
The meniscus is stitched back together through small keyhole incisions.
04
Brace & Guided Rehabilitation
A brace protects the repair while a staged, sport-specific rehab programme rebuilds strength.
05
Return-to-Sport Testing
Strength and agility testing confirms you're ready before returning to full competition.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
What to Expect After Surgery
Meniscal healing takes time — here's a general guide to what your return to sport looks like.
Week 1–4
Protected Weight-BearingCrutches and a brace protect the repair while it heals.
EARLY PROTECTIONWeek 4–8
Progressive LoadingWeight-bearing and range of motion increase gradually.
MENISCAL HEALINGWeek 8–12
Light TrainingLight, sport-specific training begins under guidance.
LIGHT TRAININGMonth 3–5
Sport-Specific DrillsAgility, cutting and sport-specific drills are progressively introduced.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE4–6 Months
Return to CompetitionFull return to competitive sport once testing confirms readiness.
BACK TO SPORT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
How do athletes usually tear their meniscus?
Sports-related meniscus tears often happen from sudden pivoting, twisting or deep squatting movements, common in football, basketball and similar sports, sometimes alongside an ACL injury.
Can I keep playing with a torn meniscus?
Playing on an untreated tear risks worsening the damage and can affect long-term knee health. Dr. Unmesh will advise on a safe path back to sport based on your specific tear.
Will the meniscus be repaired or removed?
Wherever possible, Dr. Unmesh repairs and preserves the meniscus rather than removing torn tissue, since preserving the meniscus better protects the knee from future arthritis, especially important for active patients.
How is meniscus repair performed?
Meniscus repair is performed arthroscopically through small keyhole incisions, using a camera and specialised instruments to stitch the torn meniscus back together.
How long until I can return to training?
Light training typically resumes around 8 to 12 weeks after repair, with a full return to competitive sport around 4 to 6 months, depending on the tear pattern and your rehabilitation progress.
Do I need crutches after surgery?
Yes, most patients use crutches with limited weight-bearing for around 4 to 6 weeks to protect the repair while the meniscus heals.
Will I need a brace?
A hinged knee brace is often used for the first several weeks to protect the repair during early healing, particularly for larger or more complex tears.
Can this be combined with ACL reconstruction?
Yes, meniscus tears often occur alongside ACL injuries in sport, and Dr. Unmesh can address both in the same surgery when needed.
Will I need physiotherapy specific to my sport?
Yes, rehabilitation is tailored to the demands of your sport, progressing through strength, agility and sport-specific movement testing before you return to full training.
Am I a candidate for meniscus repair?
Candidacy depends on the tear pattern, location and your activity goals. Dr. Unmesh will confirm whether repair is possible, or whether a different approach is needed, through examination and MRI.