Prognosis

Spontaneous healing of a peripheral meniscus tear or treatment of the meniscus by repair, reconstruction, replacement, or resection should result in return to full sporting or usual activity. If a tear is not diagnosed early and treated appropriately, a chronic long-standing meniscal tear is the result and is associated with a likelihood of developing degenerative arthritis.

After partial meniscectomy

Resection leads to rapid recovery over the course of a few weeks.

After meniscus repair

Surgical repair by suturing requires healing of the torn meniscus, usually taking 4-6 months.

After meniscus reconstruction/replacement

Meniscal tears treated with these procedures usually take 3 months to heal, with additional maturation occurring over the course of 1 year.