Meniscal repair risks and complications

Meniscal repair is a very common and effective surgery, with 90% of patients making a full recovery with no long-term consequences.

However, as with all surgeries, there is a degree of risk involved, and this will depend on a number of factors including your age, lifestyle, exercise and injury history, and the type of procedure you are having. Your surgeon can talk to you in more detail about these risks, and whether your specific circumstances make any of them more likely.

Some swelling, swelling, bruising, stiffness and discomfort are normal after surgery. However, these should improve in the days and weeks after the procedure.

The risk of more serious issues post-surgery is low – less than 1 in 100 patients are affected – but can include the following:

a. Accidental damage to the nerves of the interior of the knee joint

This can lead to loss of sensation or numbness (either temporary or permanent)

b. Infection After Surgery

The risk of infection is low (less than 1%) but can cause fever, swelling and pain in the knee. If you do have signs of infection, let your surgeon know as soon as possible.

Bleeding inside the knee joint

Known as septic arthritis, this can cause pain and swelling.

c. Blood clots

The risk of a blood clot forming post-surgery and causing problems is very low - fewer than 1 in 1,000 patients are affected. However, if your surgical team considers that you may be at greater than normal risk, you may be given anti-clotting medication.

d. Surgery is unsuccessful

In a small number of cases, surgery is not successful, either because the repair does not heal properly, or the patient does not follow the recommended recovery procedures and the stitches are torn post-operatively. In either instance it may be necessary to repeat the surgery.

e. Stiffness (Arthrofibrosis)

Stiffness after a meniscal resection procedure is common. In order to minimise any stiffness, it’s critical to get the knee moving quickly after surgery. Many surgeons also want to see rehab started as early as possible after surgery.

Whilst most patients with post-operative stiffness respond well to physical rehabilitation, one exception is when a cyclops lesion develops post-surgery. This occurs when a ball of scar tissue forms in the front of the knee, preventing it from straightening fully. In this instance, a secondary and smaller surgery may be required to clean out the scar tissue.

f. Knee weakness and instability

Although a meniscal resection is a common and widely practised procedure with high success rates, a small number of patients experience long-term weakness and or instability after surgery. In some cases, a second surgery may be required.

If you believe you have any of the complications detailed above when you are home, contact your doctor.