Meniscus Root Repair
A specialised arthroscopic procedure to reattach the meniscus at its tibial root — restoring normal load distribution and protecting the knee from progressive arthritis.
What is Meniscus Root Repair?
Meniscus Root Repair addresses a tear at the root attachment of the meniscus — where the cartilage anchors to the tibia (shin bone). When this attachment is torn, the meniscus loses its ability to distribute load across the knee joint, concentrating harmful pressure on the cartilage surface. Root tears occur due to sports injuries, sudden twisting, or degenerative changes. If untreated, they behave similarly to total meniscus loss — rapidly accelerating cartilage wear and early-onset arthritis. Surgical reattachment restores normal knee mechanics and protects the joint long term.
SUITABLE FOR Patients with a meniscus root tear causing knee pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight — particularly those at risk of early arthritis progression if the root attachment is not surgically restored.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative MRI Assessment
MRI confirms the root tear location, assesses cartilage status, and guides the repair strategy; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Arthroscopic Access
Small keyhole incisions allow insertion of the arthroscope, giving the surgeon a clear view of the meniscus root and surrounding joint structures.
Root Tear Identification
The exact site of the root detachment and any associated cartilage or ligament damage are carefully identified and assessed.
Bone Tunnel Preparation
A small bone tunnel is created in the tibia at the original root attachment site to receive the repair sutures securely.
Suture Fixation
Specialised sutures are passed through the torn root and anchored through the tibial tunnel, pulling the meniscus back to its anatomical attachment.
Inspection & Wound Closure
Correct root position and stability are confirmed; incisions are closed and the knee is protected with a brace during the initial healing phase.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Restores the meniscus to its normal load-distributing function
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Reduces excessive pressure on the knee cartilage surface
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Prevents accelerated cartilage wear and early-onset arthritis
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Improves knee stability and reduces pain during weight-bearing
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Minimally invasive arthroscopic technique — smaller incisions
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Structured physiotherapy guides a safe, progressive recovery
“A meniscus root tear is often underdiagnosed, yet it can cause the same degree of damage as total meniscus loss if not repaired. Early surgical reattachment can significantly slow arthritis progression and protect the knee joint for the long term.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Meniscus Root Repair Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Meniscus Root Repair in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,20,000, with an indicative average cost of around ₹1,70,000. Meniscus root repair may be considered for selected patients with a meniscus root tear or avulsion when the tear pattern, tissue quality and overall knee condition are suitable for repair. The final cost depends on the surgical technique, fixation implants, associated knee injuries and rehabilitation requirements.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Meniscus Root Repair | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
The above range is indicative; the final package and inclusions should be confirmed with the hospital before publication. Meniscus root repair is considered for selected tear patterns and may help preserve meniscal function and joint biomechanics. Suitability depends on clinical examination, imaging findings, cartilage condition, alignment and overall knee health.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Meniscus Root Repair
The overall cost of meniscus root repair can vary depending on the type and location of the root tear, condition of the meniscus and cartilage, fixation technique, implants used and whether additional procedures are required.
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Tear pattern and tissue quality: The location, extent and pattern of the meniscus root tear, along with the quality of the remaining meniscal tissue, can influence whether repair is technically suitable and how complex the procedure may be.
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Fixation technique: Meniscus root repair may involve specialised sutures, tunnels, buttons or other fixation devices. The technique and materials selected can affect the overall surgical cost.
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Associated knee conditions: Meniscus root tears may occur alongside cartilage damage, ligament injuries or early degenerative changes. Additional procedures performed during the same surgery can increase the overall package.
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Imaging and diagnostic evaluation: MRI is commonly used to assess the meniscus root and associated structures. X-rays or other investigations may also be recommended to evaluate alignment and joint condition, with these costs potentially separate from the surgical package.
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Anaesthesia and hospital charges: Operating-room charges, anaesthesia, arthroscopic equipment, medicines, surgical consumables and day-care or hospital observation may be included according to the hospital's package structure.
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Rehabilitation requirements: Recovery after meniscus root repair generally involves a structured rehabilitation programme with restrictions on weight-bearing and knee movement during the early healing period. Physiotherapy costs may be separate from the surgical package.
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Cartilage and joint condition: The presence of advanced cartilage damage, significant arthritis or abnormal alignment may influence treatment planning and whether root repair is appropriate.
Insurance Coverage for Meniscus Root Repair
Meniscus Root Repair may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the patient's policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods, insurer approval and hospital coverage arrangements. Patients should confirm pre-authorisation requirements and applicable coverage with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with meniscus root injuries and assess whether repair is appropriate based on symptoms, clinical examination, MRI findings and the overall condition of the knee. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee symptoms: The doctor may review pain, swelling, clicking, catching, stiffness and difficulty with walking, squatting, climbing stairs or other daily activities. Injury history: The circumstances surrounding the injury, onset of symptoms and any previous knee problems or treatments may be discussed. Physical examination: Knee range of motion, tenderness, swelling, alignment, stability and other clinical findings may be evaluated to understand the extent of the problem. MRI findings: MRI images may be reviewed to assess the meniscus root tear, meniscal extrusion, cartilage condition, ligament status and other associated knee abnormalities. Joint and cartilage condition: The doctor may assess the extent of cartilage damage or arthritis because these factors can influence whether meniscus root repair is appropriate. Surgical suitability: Based on the clinical and imaging findings, the doctor may determine whether root repair is suitable and discuss the expected procedure, fixation method, recovery restrictions and rehabilitation plan.
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