Meniscal Repair Surgery
Advanced Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair in Miami, Doral & South Florida
A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries and can cause pain, swelling, locking, and instability that interfere with sports, work, and everyday activities. When the meniscus is repairable, preserving the natural cartilage is often the preferred treatment to maintain long-term knee health. Dr. Rafael Sanchez, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and knee surgery, provides advanced arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery for patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida.
Using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Sanchez focuses on preserving the meniscus whenever possible to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and promote optimal joint function. His comprehensive approach includes accurate diagnosis, advanced surgical care, and individualized rehabilitation to help patients safely return to their active lifestyles.
What is Anatomy of the Meniscus?
Two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces are present between the thighbone and the shinbone. These are called menisci. They stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers.
What is Meniscal Repair Surgery?
Meniscus repair is an outpatient surgical procedure to repair torn knee cartilage. A variety of minimally invasive procedures are used to repair a torn meniscus, and postoperative protection is required to allow for recovery.
What is the Procedure for Meniscal Repair Surgery?
- Meniscus repair surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- The doctor sterilizes the surgical area and makes a small incision in the knee during the procedure.
- A small tube with a camera called an arthroscope will be inserted through a small incision, which enables your surgeon to view the inside of your knee on a large screen.
- Small miniature instruments are inserted through other small incisions and the supporting structures of the knee are gently moved out of the way to access the torn meniscus.
- The torn meniscus will be pinned or sutured depending on the extent of the tear.
- The scope and instruments are removed after the repair is completed, and the incision is closed and covered with a bandage.
What Does Postoperative Care for Meniscal Repair Surgery Involve?
- You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
- You may notice some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the knee area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to address the risk of surgery-related infection.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided.
- You will be placed on crutches with instructions on restricted weight-bearing. You are encouraged to walk with assistance as frequently as possible to prevent blood clots.
- You are advised to keep your leg elevated while resting to prevent swelling and pain.
- An individualized physical therapy protocol may be designed to help strengthen your knee muscles and optimize knee function.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
What are the Risks and Complications of Meniscal Repair Surgery?
Meniscus repair is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:
- Infection
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Allergic or anesthetic reactions
Why Choose Dr. Rafael Sanchez for Meniscal Repair Surgery in Miami, Doral & South Florida?
Dr. Rafael Sanchez is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in sports medicine, knee injuries, and arthroscopic surgery. He treats athletes and active individuals with meniscus tears using modern, tissue-preserving surgical techniques whenever appropriate, helping patients recover while protecting the long-term health of their knee.
Patients throughout Miami and South Florida choose Dr. Sanchez because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in sports medicine and knee surgery
- Advanced arthroscopic meniscal repair techniques
- Comprehensive evaluation of meniscus tears and associated knee injuries
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's age, activity level, and goals
- Emphasis on preserving the natural meniscus whenever possible
- Structured rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, mobility, and knee function
- Compassionate, patient-centered care focused on achieving lasting results
Whether your injury occurred during sports, exercise, work, or daily activities, Dr. Sanchez is committed to helping you return to an active lifestyle with improved knee function and confidence.
Meniscal Repair Surgery FAQs
A meniscus tear is an injury to the C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. It commonly occurs during sports involving twisting or pivoting movements but can also result from age-related degeneration.
Meniscal repair is recommended when the torn cartilage has the potential to heal, particularly in younger patients, active individuals, or tears located in areas with a good blood supply. Your surgeon will determine whether repair or partial meniscectomy is the most appropriate treatment.
Yes. Most meniscal repairs are performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques through small incisions with specialized instruments and a high-definition camera.
Recovery depends on the size and location of the tear, but patients typically use crutches and limit weight-bearing for several weeks. Full recovery and return to sports generally take approximately four to six months with proper rehabilitation.
Yes. Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery and helps restore knee flexibility, strength, balance, and function while protecting the repaired meniscus.
Although generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, blood clots, knee stiffness, anesthesia-related complications, and failure of the repaired meniscus to heal completely.
Schedule a Meniscal Repair Surgery Consultation in Miami, FL
If knee pain, swelling, or locking from a meniscus tear is limiting your mobility, Dr. Rafael Sanchez can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your injury. Serving patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida, he provides expert diagnosis, advanced arthroscopic meniscal repair, and comprehensive rehabilitation designed to restore knee function and support a safe return to daily activities and sports.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rafael Sanchez and learn more about your treatment options for meniscal repair surgery in Miami, FL.
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