On this page
Consultation · Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru
Discuss your treatment options with Dr Vijay Chandar
Assessment and follow-up at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic, Vajarahalli. Indicated surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road; rehabilitation coordinated with the physiotherapy team.
Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:00 PM–8:30 PM. Sunday closed.
Doctor consultations: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage inside each knee, one on the inner (medial) side and one on the outer (lateral) side. They distribute load across the joint, help the knee move smoothly and protect the underlying cartilage. Preserving meniscus tissue, where possible, is important for long-term knee health.
Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Many tears, particularly degenerative tears in middle-aged and older patients, improve meaningfully with structured non-operative management. Surgery is considered when the tear pattern, symptoms and clinical findings make it the appropriate option. For background on when meniscus tears heal without surgery, see our patient education article.
Repair versus partial meniscectomy
Meniscus repair
Suture repair of the torn edges, used when the tear pattern, location and tissue quality allow healing. More common in younger patients with vascular-zone tears, and in combination with ACL reconstruction.
Partial meniscectomy
Trimming of the torn, unstable fragment while preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible. Used when the tear pattern cannot be reliably repaired. The goal is to preserve, not simply remove.
Non-operative management
Structured physiotherapy, activity modification and symptomatic treatment, often appropriate for degenerative tears without mechanical symptoms.
Combined ACL + meniscus work
Many ACL tears are associated with meniscus injuries that are assessed and treated during the same arthroscopic procedure.
Patient selection matters
Whether a meniscus tear is best managed with repair, partial meniscectomy or non-operative care depends on the tear pattern, its location in the meniscus, tissue quality, the patient’s age and activity profile, the condition of the rest of the knee and the presence of associated injuries. Each of these is assessed at consultation and reviewed on MRI where available.
Realistic expectations. Meniscus repair protects the long-term biomechanics of the knee when the repair heals, but not every repair heals, and the rehabilitation programme is typically more protected than after a partial meniscectomy. Recognised risks include infection, stiffness, incomplete healing, re-tear and the usual anaesthetic risks, which are discussed in detail at consultation.
Understanding your symptoms and scan
A meniscus tear on an MRI is only one part of the assessment. The consultation considers an injury history, swelling, joint-line symptoms, movement and the condition of the rest of the knee. A genuinely locked knee that cannot straighten needs prompt assessment.
Repair, trimming or rehabilitation?
Where surgery is appropriate, preserving useful meniscus tissue is a priority. Whether a tear can be repaired depends on its pattern, location and tissue quality. Some unstable fragments require limited trimming; many degenerative tears are managed without an operation. The plan is discussed using your examination and imaging.
Why the recovery plan differs
Rehabilitation after a repair may protect healing tissue with temporary loading or movement restrictions. Recovery after trimming follows a different pathway. Associated ACL reconstruction or cartilage treatment may change the instructions. Follow the protocol for your operation rather than a generic online exercise plan.
Can a meniscus tear improve without surgery? · Postoperative rehabilitation · Meniscus injury guide
Planning your consultation
Bring your MRI images and report, details of previous treatment and a description of locking or giving-way episodes. Ask what the proposed procedure aims to improve, what tissue can be preserved and how the result will be assessed.
Further patient information: AAOS OrthoInfo. General education supports an individual consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my meniscus tear heal without surgery?
It can, depending on the tear pattern, its location (vascular supply), tissue quality, and the patient’s symptoms and activity profile. Many degenerative tears, in particular, improve with structured non-operative management.
Why is preserving the meniscus important?
The meniscus distributes load across the knee and protects the underlying cartilage. Preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible is associated with better long-term joint health compared with removing large portions.
Repair or trim — which is better?
Neither is universally better. Repair is preferred where the tear pattern allows and healing is likely; trimming the torn fragment is appropriate when repair is not reliable. The decision is individualised to the specific tear and patient.
What is the recovery after meniscus repair?
Recovery after repair is usually more protected than after partial meniscectomy, with graduated weight-bearing and a structured physiotherapy programme. Timelines are patient-specific and progress under supervision.
Dr. Vijay Chandar R.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and founder of VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru. More than 15 years of clinical practice and over 2,000 orthopaedic procedures performed. Consultations are at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic; indicated surgical procedures are performed at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road.
No. 65/3, 100 Feet Road, Kanakapura Main Road, Vajarahalli, Balaji Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109 · +91 89711 02779
Need an orthopaedic assessment?
Bring recent X-rays, MRI reports or medical records to your consultation. We'll examine you, review your imaging and recommend an appropriate treatment path.