Sven Putnis, Consultant Knee Surgeon in Bristol, offers advanced arthroscopic meniscal repair. Learn about the procedure, recovery timeline, and how to book.
The menisci are two important C-shaped discs of cartilage that sit inside the knee joint, acting to distribute load between the two sides of the knee joint. When a meniscus tears, preserving the tissue through expert meniscal repair is the primary goal. Tears can occur from a sudden sports injury or gradual degeneration and wear over time. Sven Putnis offers highly specialised arthroscopic (keyhole) surgical management using the innovative suture devices and techniques. These are designed to repair and preserve the meniscus, protecting the underlying cartilage and ensuring long-term knee health.
Who Is This For?
Some minor meniscal tears, particularly those located in the outer ‘vascular’ zone where blood supply is rich, may heal over time. The environment for healing needs to be right. Larger, displaced or complex tears typically require surgical intervention to heal properly. However, there are many tears that don’t need surgery as the torn tissue may wear down naturally.
The procedure is usually performed as a day case under general anaesthetic and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tear and the specific repair techniques required.
With the majority of tears Sven Putnis allows full weightbearing without a brace. Wearing a brace can lead to muscle wasting and deconditioning. This delays physiotherapy and recovery. However, care needs to be made to avoid loading the knee when it is bent beyond 90 degrees (right angles), this restriction is usually for three months.
Yes, preserving the meniscus is almost always preferred. Removing the meniscus (meniscectomy) significantly increases the stress on the articular cartilage, which can lead to the early onset of osteoarthritis. A successful repair protects the long-term health of the joint. There are meniscal tears that cannot be repaired and in these situations, Sven Putnis is skilled at ensuring that any remaining functional meniscus remains.
Yes, a structured physiotherapy programme is essential following a meniscal repair. It ensures that the knee regains its full range of motion, restores muscle strength, and helps guide a safe return to everyday activities and sports.
Recovery Time
4–6 months (for full return to sport)
Success Rate
High (Dependent on tear type and rehabilitation adherence)
Book a consultation to discuss if this treatment is right for you.
Book your consultation today and begin your journey to recovery with expert knee care in Bristol.
