Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure in which the meniscus, which is the cartilage around your knee, is completely or partially removed. Your doctor may suggest full or partial meniscus removal if you tear your meniscus. Meniscectomy can be done with local or general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep) and it can decrease pain and restore mobility.

What Is a Meniscectomy?

A meniscectomy is an outpatient, elective surgery to remove the torn meniscus in your knee. It’s typically done as an arthroscopic procedure. This involves small incisions, about a centimeter long, that your surgeon used to insert an arthroscope (a small surgical camera) and small instruments for the removal of part or all of the meniscus.

Types of meniscectomy surgeries include:

• Partial meniscectomy : Removes a small piece of the torn meniscus
• Total meniscectomy : Removes the entire meniscus