Knee Arthroscopy for Meniscal Injuries

Knee pain is a common concern for patients of all ages and activity levels.

One of the most frequently encountered knee injuries is a tear of the meniscus – the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee joint. At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre, Dr Daniel Meyerkort specialises in minimally invasive knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat meniscal injuries. This article covers non-surgical management, meniscal repair, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) augmentation, and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, with a focus on benefits, risks, and outcomes.

Understanding Meniscal Tears

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that cushions the joint and distributes load. Tears can occur due to trauma, twisting injuries, or degeneration with age. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain on weight-bearing

  • Swelling or stiffness

  • Locking or catching of the knee

  • Limited range of motion

Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are essential for optimal recovery.

Non-Surgical Management of Meniscal Tears

Not all meniscal tears require surgery. At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, we emphasise evidence-based non-operative treatments, particularly for small, stable, or degenerative tears.

Conservative management may include:

  • Physiotherapy: Strengthening muscles around the knee improves joint stability and function.

  • Activity modification: Avoiding high-impact sports or movements that exacerbate symptoms.

  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce swelling and pain.

  • Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

For older patients or those with degenerative tears, non-surgical options are often effective, especially when combined with a structured rehab program.

Surgical Management: Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure using a camera and specialised instruments to visualise and treat damage inside the knee. This minimally invasive approach offers faster recovery, smaller incisions, and lower complication rates compared to open surgery.

There are three common arthroscopic treatments for meniscal injuries:

1. Meniscal Repair

Where possible, preserving the meniscus is ideal. Meniscal repair involves suturing the torn edges to allow healing. This procedure is most successful in younger patients or when the tear is located in the vascularised (outer) zone of the meniscus.

Benefits of meniscal repair:

  • Preserves long-term knee function

  • Reduces risk of early osteoarthritis

  • Maintains shock absorption and joint stability

Risks include:

  • Longer recovery compared to meniscectomy

  • Not all tears are repairable

  • Re-tear may occur, requiring revision surgery

Rehabilitation:

Following meniscal repair, rehabilitation involves a restricted weight-bearing phase and a gradual return to activity over 3–6 months.

2. PRP Augmentation for Meniscal Repair

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an advanced biological treatment used to enhance healing following meniscal repair. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and contains concentrated growth factors that promote tissue regeneration.

PRP is used to:

  • Improve healing rates of meniscal sutures

  • Reduce inflammation post-surgery

  • Accelerate recovery time

At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, Dr Meyerkort may recommend PRP augmentation in selected patients with complex tears or those undergoing revision meniscal surgery. PRP is injected either during the arthroscopy or as part of the post-operative care protocol.

Benefits of PRP:

  • Natural, autologous (from the patient’s body)

  • Minimises complications

  • May improve healing in borderline repairable tears

Risks of PRP:

  • Variable effectiveness depending on age and tear location

  • May require multiple treatments

  • Mild temporary inflammation at the injection site

3. Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

When a meniscal tear is irreparable—due to poor blood supply, complex tear patterns, or degeneration—arthroscopic partial meniscectomy may be performed. This involves trimming and smoothing the damaged portion of the meniscus while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Benefits of partial meniscectomy:

  • Quick pain relief and improved mobility

  • Shorter recovery period (2–6 weeks)

  • Suitable for patients of all ages

Risks of partial meniscectomy:

  • Potential for future cartilage wear and arthritis

  • Loss of some shock absorption in the knee

  • Rare complications such as infection, bleeding, or DVT

Post-operative care focuses on early mobilisation and physiotherapy. Most patients return to light activity within weeks, with full sport participation by 6–12 weeks depending on the individual.

Outcomes and Expectations

Patients undergoing knee arthroscopy by Dr Daniel Meyerkort benefit from a personalised approach that considers age, activity level, and goals. The decision between repair and meniscectomy is guided by MRI findings, intraoperative assessment, and patient preference.

Meniscal repair has excellent outcomes when the tear is suitable and the rehabilitation protocol is followed. Partial meniscectomy provides reliable relief for non-repairable tears. PRP augmentation continues to grow in popularity as evidence supports its role in meniscal healing and inflammation control.

Why Choose Dr Daniel Meyerkort at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine?

Dr Meyerkort is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in sports injuries, arthroscopic knee surgery, and biologic augmentation techniques like PRP. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients with meniscal injuries, including athletes and active individuals seeking rapid recovery and long-term joint health.

Located in West Perth, the Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre offers advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and coordinated care with physiotherapists and sports physicians.

Knee arthroscopy provides effective, minimally invasive treatment for a wide range of meniscal injuries. Whether through repair, PRP augmentation, or partial meniscectomy, patients at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine benefit from expert care tailored to their injury and lifestyle.

Personalised Orthopaedic Care in Perth

If you’re experiencing knee pain or have been diagnosed with a meniscal tear, book a consultation with Dr Daniel Meyerkort to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and a quicker return to activity.