Meniscus surgery is a procedure that is performed to repair or remove damaged portions of the meniscus, a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that serves as a shock absorber between the bones. This type of surgery may be necessary if you have sustained an injury resulting in a torn meniscus, or if degenerative changes have occurred causing the meniscus to tear with age. There are two main types of meniscus surgery: meniscus repair and partial meniscus removal (meniscectomy). Torn meniscus surgery is performed using arthroscopic techniques, which involve inserting a small camera into the knee joint through a small incision to visualize the area to be repaired or removed. The decision of whether to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus will be based on the patient’s age, pre-existing arthritis and the location and type of the meniscal tear.  The options and expectations for both will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Heckman.