Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Treatment

Treatment

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the joint between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci — the medial meniscus (inner side) and the lateral meniscus (outer side).
A meniscus tear can occur suddenly, often due to twisting the knee during sports, exercise, or sudden movements. It can also develop gradually over time from age-related degeneration or repetitive strain.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Meniscus Tear Symptoms

The signs of a meniscus tear may appear immediately after injury or develop gradually. Common symptoms include:

  • Knee pain, especially during twisting, squatting, or kneeling
  • Swelling within hours or 1–2 days after the injury
  • A popping sensation at the time of injury
  • Locking or catching, where the knee feels stuck or cannot fully straighten
  • Instability, where the knee feels like it may give way
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or repeated locking, you should seek medical attention.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Meniscus Tear Treatments in Singapore

Treatment depends on the type of tear, your age, activity level, and how much the injury affects daily life.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For minor or stable tears, conservative treatment may be effective:

  • Rest and activity modification to avoid stressing the knee
  • Ice and elevation to reduce pain and swelling
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to ease discomfort
  • Physiotherapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve mobility
  • Knee braces for temporary support and stability

Many small tears can improve with a few weeks of proper care.

Surgery

If symptoms persist despite conservative management, or if the tear is large, unstable, or causing mechanical symptoms, meniscus surgery may be recommended.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

What Is Meniscus Tear Surgery?

Meniscus surgery (arthroscopic meniscus repair or meniscectomy) is a minimally invasive procedure performed using keyhole (arthroscopic) techniques.

Through small incisions, a tiny camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools are inserted into the knee to:

  • Repair the torn cartilage (using sutures) – preferred in younger, active patients with tears in areas that can heal
  • Trim and remove the damaged portion of meniscus (partial meniscectomy) – if the tear cannot be repaired

The main goals of surgery are to:

  • Relieve pain and swelling
  • Restore normal knee function
  • Prevent further joint degeneration that may lead to arthritis
Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

When Is Meniscus Surgery Recommended?

Meniscus surgery may be considered if:

  • The tear causes locking, catching, or joint instability
  • Knee pain persists despite rest, physiotherapy, or injections
  • You wish to return to sports or physically demanding work
  • MRI shows a tear in the “healing zone” with good blood supply
  • The damaged meniscus is causing ongoing swelling or mechanical symptoms

Your orthopaedic specialist will assess your MRI scan, physical examination, and lifestyle goals before recommending surgery.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

How Is Meniscus Tear Surgery Done?

Most meniscus surgeries in Singapore are performed as day surgeries — meaning you can return home the same day.

Typical steps include:

General or spinal anaesthesia for comfort

Two or three tiny cuts around the knee

A small camera is inserted to view the joint

The meniscus is either repaired with stitches or trimmed (partial meniscectomy) if repair is not possible

Incisions are closed with sutures, and the knee is bandaged

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Meniscus Tear Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery (repair vs removal) and the patient’s rehabilitation progress.

Immediately After Surgery

  • Most patients go home the same day
  • The knee may be supported with a brace
  • Crutches may be needed temporarily

Walking and Mobility

  • Partial weight-bearing typically allowed right after surgery
  • Crutches used until safe and comfortable walking is possible

Return to Daily Activities

  • Desk-based jobs: 1–2 weeks
  • Physically demanding jobs: 4–8 weeks, depending on knee strength and stability

Return to Exercise

  • Light activity: 2–4 weeks
  • Physiotherapy-guided strength and balance training starts early
  • Running and sports: 3–4 months (after repair), depending on healing

Full Recovery

  • Meniscus trim: Recovery may be quicker (6–8 weeks)
  • Meniscus repair: Healing requires more protection, with full recovery taking 3–6 months
Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Cost of Meniscus Tear Surgery in Singapore

Based on Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmarks, the cost of meniscus tear surgery in a private hospital is approximately SGD $37,873.

The actual cost may vary depending on:

  • The complexity and size of the meniscus tear
  • Whether repair or removal is performed
  • Choice of hospital and ward class
  • Duration of hospital stay

With Integrated Shield Plans or MediSave, a large portion of the cost can often be covered.