Advanced Meniscus & Cartilage Repair for Better Knee Function and Joint Preservation
The meniscus and articular cartilage play an important role in maintaining healthy knee joint function. Sports injuries, sudden twisting movements, accidents and age-related degeneration can damage these structures, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement.
Meniscus and cartilage injuries may affect your ability to walk, run, climb stairs and participate in sports.
Dr. Harjoban Singh specialises in Knee Arthroscopy, Sports Injury Management, Meniscus Repair and Joint Preservation, providing personalised treatment approaches focused on preserving natural joint structures and restoring knee function.
What Are Meniscus & Cartilage Injuries?
The knee joint contains two important structures that help maintain smooth movement and distribute forces during daily activities.
What Is the Meniscus?
The meniscus consists of two C-shaped pieces of specialised fibrocartilage located between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia).
There are two menisci in each knee:
Medial Meniscus – Located on the inner side of the knee.
Lateral Meniscus – Located on the outer side of the knee.
The meniscus acts as a shock absorber, distributes body weight and helps stabilise the knee joint.
What Is Articular Cartilage?
Articular cartilage is a smooth protective tissue covering the ends of the bones inside the knee joint.
It allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other and reduces friction during movement.
Damage to this cartilage can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty with physical activities.
When Do You Need Meniscus & Cartilage Treatment?
You may need specialist evaluation if you experience:
Knee pain following a twisting injury.
Swelling around the knee joint.
Locking or catching sensations.
Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
Pain during walking, running or sports.
Repeated swelling after physical activity.
Clicking or discomfort during knee movement.
Reduced knee strength and stability.
Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy and medication.
Conditions Treated with Meniscus & Cartilage Repair
1. Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears commonly occur due to sudden twisting movements during sports or accidents. Degenerative changes can also cause tears over time.
Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, locking and difficulty performing routine activities.
2. Bucket Handle Meniscus Tears
A bucket handle tear is a type of displaced meniscus tear in which a fragment of the meniscus moves towards the centre of the knee joint.
It may cause significant pain, locking and difficulty fully straightening the knee.
3. Radial Meniscus Tears
Radial tears extend from the inner edge of the meniscus towards its outer attachment. Some larger radial tears can significantly affect the meniscus’s ability to distribute loads.
4. Meniscus Root Tears
Meniscus root tears involve damage near the attachment of the meniscus to the tibia. These injuries can compromise the normal function of the meniscus and may require specialised repair.
5. Articular Cartilage Injuries
Cartilage injuries may occur following sports trauma, joint injuries or repetitive stress. They can cause pain, swelling and reduced knee function.
6. Osteochondral Defects
These injuries involve damage to both the articular cartilage and the underlying bone. Treatment depends on the size, location and severity of the defect.
Types of Meniscus & Cartilage Repair Procedures
1. Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
Meniscus repair involves stitching suitable torn portions of the meniscus to support natural healing.
Preserving the meniscus is generally preferred whenever the tear pattern, tissue quality and blood supply allow successful repair.
2. Partial Meniscectomy
When a tear cannot be repaired, the unstable damaged portion of the meniscus may be removed using arthroscopic instruments.
The goal is to preserve as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible.
3. Meniscus Root Repair
This procedure involves restoring the attachment of the meniscus root to the tibia using specialised surgical techniques.
It may help restore meniscus function in appropriately selected patients.
4. Cartilage Repair Procedures
Selected cartilage injuries may be treated using specialised techniques designed to stimulate cartilage repair or restore damaged joint surfaces.
5. Microfracture Surgery
Microfracture is a cartilage treatment technique in which small holes are created in the underlying bone to stimulate the formation of repair tissue.
It is suitable only for selected cartilage defects.
6. Cartilage Restoration Procedures
Depending on the injury, specialised cartilage restoration procedures may be considered to address localised cartilage damage and improve joint function.
Benefits of Meniscus & Cartilage Repair
Appropriate meniscus and cartilage treatment may offer several benefits:
Preservation of natural knee structures.
Improved knee joint function.
Reduction in pain and mechanical symptoms.
Improved movement and mobility.
Better knee stability and function.
Support for returning to physical activities.
Potential protection against further joint damage in selected patients.
Treatment outcomes depend on the type of injury, tissue quality, healing potential and rehabilitation.
Our Approach to Meniscus & Cartilage Repair
Dr. Harjoban Singh follows an individualised approach to diagnosing and treating meniscus and cartilage injuries.
1. Comprehensive Consultation
Evaluation of knee pain, injury history, swelling, locking symptoms and physical activity requirements.
2. Diagnostic Assessment
Clinical examination and appropriate investigations, including X-rays and MRI scans when required, to identify the type and extent of damage.
3. Personalised Treatment Planning
Selection of the most appropriate non-surgical or surgical treatment based on the injury pattern, tissue condition and patient requirements.
4. Arthroscopic Treatment
When surgery is indicated, specialised arthroscopic techniques may be used for meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy or selected cartilage procedures.
5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
A structured rehabilitation programme helps restore knee movement, strength, balance and functional stability.
Recovery After Meniscus & Cartilage Repair
Recovery varies significantly depending on the procedure performed and the severity of the injury.
For example, recovery following partial meniscectomy is generally faster than recovery following meniscus repair.
The rehabilitation process may include:
Pain and swelling management.
Gradual restoration of knee movement.
Weight-bearing restrictions when required.
Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening.
Balance and coordination exercises.
Progressive functional training.
Gradual return to sports and physical activities.
Following the surgeon’s rehabilitation protocol is important, particularly after meniscus root repair and cartilage restoration procedures.
Why Choose Dr. Harjoban Singh?
Dr. Harjoban Singh is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Knee Arthroscopy, Joint Replacement, Sports Injury Management and Joint Preservation.
His professional background includes:
Senior Resident – Sports Injury Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi (2011–2012).
Arthroscopy Fellow – Delhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics, New Delhi (2012–2013).
NHS Fellow – Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty, Woodend Hospital, Scotland, UK (2014–2016).
NHS Fellow – Shoulder Arthroscopy & Arthroplasty, Wrightington Hospital, UK (2016).
His approach focuses on:
Specialised Knee Arthroscopy Experience.
Meniscus Preservation and Repair.
Cartilage Injury Management.
Sports Injury Treatment.
Individualised Surgical Planning.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Guidance.