Arthroscopic meniscectomy

Arthroscopic meniscectomy in Turkey: what it is and how it works

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is keyhole knee surgery that removes the torn part of a meniscus, the C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee between the thigh bone and shin bone. Through two or three cuts of about 5 mm, the surgeon passes a camera and small instruments into the joint, finds the torn flap and trims it back to a stable edge. Usually only the damaged part is removed (a partial meniscectomy); taking out the whole meniscus is rarely done today because the knee then loses its shock absorber. Orthopaedic and sports-medicine departments in Turkey do the operation as a day case.

This guide explains when trimming helps and when it does not, how it differs from repair, what it costs against the UK, US and Germany, the recovery and the risks. For other joint procedures see our orthopedics treatments in Turkey.

Get my free quote

What does a torn meniscus feel like, and which tears are trimmed?

A meniscus tear brings pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, swelling after activity, catching, a feeling that the knee gives way and sometimes locking, where the knee cannot fully straighten. Tears fall into two broad groups. Traumatic tears in younger patients, often from twisting in sport, can be sharp and sometimes repairable. Degenerative tears in people over about 40 come from wear and are often found on MRI in knees that give no symptoms at all. Trimming is mainly for tears that cannot heal, such as frayed flaps and complex or degenerative tears in poorly supplied parts of the meniscus, and for torn fragments that lock the knee.

How is the operation done, step by step?

• Anaesthesia. Spinal or general anaesthesia, sometimes with a local block for pain relief afterwards.
• Entry. Two small cuts beside the kneecap tendon; the joint is filled with saline so the surgeon can see.
• Inspection. The camera checks both menisci, the cartilage surfaces and the cruciate ligaments, which also shows damage the MRI may have missed.
• Trimming. A small basket punch or motorised shaver removes the unstable part, aiming to save as much healthy meniscus as possible.
• Closure. The fluid is washed out, the cuts are closed with a stitch or tape and a light bandage is applied.

It usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, and most patients go home the same day or after one night.

Does arthroscopic meniscectomy actually work?

It works well for one clear problem: a torn fragment that catches or locks the knee. Removing it usually ends the locking quickly. For degenerative tears with ordinary pain and no locking the evidence is different. Several randomised trials and reviews, which are summarised by the NHS and professional bodies, found that supervised physiotherapy gave similar pain relief and function to meniscectomy after one to two years. For that reason many guidelines now suggest trying exercise therapy first in degenerative tears and keeping surgery for people with mechanical symptoms or those whose symptoms do not respond. Removing meniscus tissue also raises the chance of knee arthritis in later years, which is why surgeons try to remove as little as possible.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy cost in Turkey and what sets the price

The figures below are approximate ranges for one knee, not hospital quotes. The hospital confirms its own price in writing after reading your MRI report.

The price depends on whether other work is done in the same session (smoothing worn cartilage, removing loose bodies), the anaesthesia, day case or overnight stay and the room category. A package typically covers the pre-operative tests, surgery, the anaesthetist, one night if needed, crutches or a brace and airport transfers. Physiotherapy back home is usually extra, so confirm what is included in writing.

Get my free written quote

Meniscectomy or meniscus repair: which one should you ask about?

Where a tear is in the well-supplied outer third of the meniscus, or is a clean fresh tear in a younger person, the surgeon may stitch it rather than trim it: see our guide to arthroscopic meniscus repair. Repair preserves more tissue and protects the joint better over time, but recovery is slower and the repair can fail. Trimming is faster to recover from and suits tears that cannot be repaired.

Who is a good candidate, and who should try other options first?

Good candidates have an MRI-confirmed tear that matches their symptoms, mechanical problems such as locking or catching, and pain that has not improved with physiotherapy. You may be advised against surgery, or to wait, if the pain mainly comes from widespread knee arthritis (a meniscectomy will not cure it), if the tear is degenerative and you have not yet tried a structured exercise programme, if you have a skin infection near the knee, or if you are unfit for anaesthesia.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy recovery: how long and when to walk

You walk the same day, often with crutches for a few days and full weight as comfort allows. Typical milestones are listed below; your surgeon sets the plan.

• Days 1 to 3: ice, elevation and gentle bending; walking with crutches if needed.
• Week 1 to 2: stitches or tape out; walking without crutches; many people return to desk work after about one week.
• Weeks 2 to 6: physiotherapy to rebuild thigh and hip strength; cycling and swimming usually allowed first.
• 6 to 8 weeks: jogging and light sport if the knee is not swollen; contact or twisting sport may be later.

After a trimming most patients need only 3 to 5 days in Turkey, with the first check before flying. Keep the leg moving and ask about clot prevention on the flight. A video follow-up lets the team see your swelling and range of movement.

Plan my trip and recovery

What results can you realistically expect?

Locking and catching normally stop quickly, and pain from the tear usually eases over a few weeks. Swelling can take two to three months to settle, and the knee often feels better each week. What the operation cannot do is reverse arthritis or return the removed meniscus. Photographs show only tiny scars, so the honest measures are walking comfort, stairs, squatting and sport. If your pain was mostly arthritic, improvement may be smaller than expected, which is why a surgeon should discuss your X-ray and MRI honestly before agreeing to operate.

Risks and complications of arthroscopic meniscectomy

Keyhole knee surgery is low risk, but not risk-free. Possible problems are stiffness and swelling, infection, bleeding into the joint, nerve or vein injury, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and ongoing pain. In the longer term, removing meniscus tissue increases the load on cartilage and can speed up arthritis. The NHS and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describe these risks and recommend discussing non-surgical options first for degenerative tears. Ask the hospital what happens if you have a wound or swelling problem after you fly home.

How to choose a surgeon and hospital, and questions to ask

Choose an orthopaedic surgeon who performs knee arthroscopy regularly, in an accredited hospital with an anaesthetist, and expect an opinion that is based on your MRI, not on a photo or a phone call. Red flags include being told surgery is needed without reviewing your scans, no mention of physiotherapy or repair as alternatives and no aftercare plan. See how our process works and send your MRI through our free quote page. Questions to ask:

• Can my tear be repaired, or does it need trimming?
• How much meniscus will remain?
• Would physiotherapy be a reasonable first step for me?
• How many days should I stay in Turkey?
• Is the physiotherapy plan, brace or crutches included in the price?

Get my free plan

Hospitals with Orthopedics in Turkey

Academic Hospital

Üsküdar, Istanbul

MoHHealth Tourism Licence+2

Get Free Quote

Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital

Pendik, Istanbul

JCIMoH+2

Get Free Quote

View all

Frequently asked questions