Knee Meniscus Surgeon

Do you participate in sports or activities that running, jumping or a quick change of direction? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your meniscus. A meniscus tear can occur due to a traumatic event or from degeneration. Meniscus surgeon, Doctor Riley J. Williams provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and surrounding areas who need meniscus repair surgery. Contact Dr. Williams’ team today!

What is meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery is a procedure performed to repair a torn, damaged, meniscus. The meniscus is a fibrocartilage disc that sits between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee. Each knee has two menisci: one is located on the inside of the knee (medial) and one is on the outside of the knee (lateral). The meniscus can be damaged during forceful rotation, pivoting, squatting and twisting. Meniscus injuries are common in adults over 30 years old, however, these injuries can occur in anyone and at any age. Many meniscus tears can be treated without surgery. Meniscus surgery may be a necessary to reduce pain, weakness, and instability in the knee when a tear is symptomatic.

Tears in the meniscus do not typically heal on their own, and may require surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery. Meniscus surgery is an outpatient procedure with a relatively fast recovery time. Not every meniscus injury can be repaired as the meniscus has a poor blood supply.  In cases where a repair cannot be performed, the damaged meniscus tissue is removed. Meniscal reconstructions and transplants can also be recommended in some special cases. Dr. Riley J. Williams, orthopedic knee surgeon has extensive training and experience with patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas. He offers the best and most up-to-date surgical options in meniscus surgery, repair, and replacement.

What are the different methods of treating a meniscus tear?

Dr. Riley J. Williams has several treatment methods for approaching a torn or damaged meniscus. The type of tear, location, and amount of damage to the meniscus, all factor in to how he will approach the surgical treatment. He may use one, or more of the following surgical techniques for meniscus surgery:

  • Partial Meniscectomy
  • Meniscus Repair: outside-in
  • Meniscus Repair: inside-out
  • Meniscus Repair: all-inside
  • Meniscus Transplantation

What is a partial meniscectomy?

A partial meniscectomy is the most common way to repair a torn or damaged meniscus. This procedure is an outpatient surgery and is performed arthroscopically. Small incisions are made around the knee through which surgical instruments are inserted along with a special surgical camera. During a partial meniscectomy, Dr. Williams removes as little of the meniscus tissue as possible. The unstable damaged sections of the meniscus are removed.  Patients can expect to retain the majority of their meniscus tissue following this effective procedure. This procedure is the most common method of treating a symptomatic meniscus tear.

What is a meniscus repair: outside-in?

Outside-in meniscus repair is an effective, frequently used way to repair damage to the meniscus. During this arthroscopically assisted procedure, Dr. Williams passes sutures from the outside of the knee through to the inside of the knee. He uses special needles to pass the suture material through the torn area of the meniscus. Using the camera and instruments, he retrieves and ties these suture to stabilize and repair the torn meniscus with precision. The loose ends of the suture material are tied on the outside of the meniscus, stabilizing the tear and preventing further damage from occurring. This type of procedure is ideal for tears to the anterior (front) horn of the meniscus, due to the location and stability of the suture.

What is a meniscus repair: inside-out?

An inside-out meniscus repair is another type of procedure used to repair the meniscus. Much like the outside-in technique, a pre-threaded needle is inserted into the knee. In this procedure, however, the needle is passed from the inside of the knee, through the meniscus to the outside of the knee. Passed sutures are retrieved out of small incision made on the outer or inner knee area. The suture is then tied on the outside of the meniscus, securing the suture, and stabilizing the tear. This effective procedure can be used for most types of meniscus tears and has a long history of clinical success.

What is a meniscus repair: all-inside?

Another way to repair the meniscus is a procedure called the all-inside meniscus repair. In this procedure, specialized instruments allow for the placement of sutures through a meniscus tear without making an external incision. Sutures are placed with specialized needles that facilitate the deployment of self-tying suture loops. Once the suture ends are placed, Dr. Williams can tension these sutures to achieve a meniscus repair. This procedure is often faster, less difficult, and may have a reduced risk of damaging nearby neurovascular structures.

For more information about meniscus surgery or regarding the different surgical approaches that can be used to repair a torn meniscus, please contact the office of Riley J. Williams, MD, orthopedic knee surgeon serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.