Dr. Ast performs meniscus repair in Paramus, stitching a torn meniscus so it can heal and preserving the cushion in the knee. It is chosen for suitable tears after non-surgical care, and Dr. Ast explains when repair or trimming fits the tear's location and pattern.
Michael Ast performs meniscus repair in Paramus when it is the right step, and reviews every alternative with you first.
What is Meniscus Repair?
Meniscus repair uses stitches to bring the edges of a torn meniscus back together so the tissue can heal.
The meniscus is the C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee.
Repair is preferred over trimming when the tear is in a part of the meniscus with enough blood supply to heal, usually the outer rim. Keeping more meniscus helps protect the knee over the long term.
Not every tear can be repaired. Tears in the inner part have little blood supply, and those are more often trimmed. The choice is guided by the tear's location, pattern, and the patient's age and activity.
What happens during Meniscus Repair, step by step?
Repair is done with arthroscopy, a small camera through tiny incisions.
The surgeon places sutures across the tear to hold the edges together while the tissue heals. If the tear is in a region that cannot heal, the surgeon trims the damaged part instead. Dr. Ast will explain what was found and done.
What is recovery like after Meniscus Repair?
Repair requires a more protected recovery than trimming because the stitched tissue needs time to heal.
Many people use a brace and limit deep bending and full weight for a period of weeks, with a gradual return to activity over several months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Your surgical team will set the specific restrictions for your repair.
Read the full guide to preparing for surgery →
Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.
What do patients ask most?
Why repair a meniscus instead of removing the torn part?+
Which tears can be repaired?+
Is recovery longer after a repair than a trimming?+
Can a repaired meniscus tear again?+
What are the treatment options?
- 01Rest, ice, and activity changes for the initial injuryRest, ice, and activity changes for the initial injury.
- 02Physical therapy for degenerative tears and to restore motionPhysical therapy for degenerative tears and to restore motion.
- 03Anti-inflammatory medicine or an injection when appropriateAnti-inflammatory medicine or an injection when appropriate.
- 04Meniscus trimming, for tears that cannot be repairedMeniscus trimming, for tears that cannot be repaired.
- 05Meniscus repair, for suitable tears where preserving the cushion is possibleMeniscus repair, for suitable tears where preserving the cushion is possible.
Fellowship trained at Hospital for Special Surgery (Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement surgery). Sees patients in Paramus.
About Dr. Ast →