Long-Term Side Effects of Meniscus Surgery

1. Knee Pain and Movement Problems

Many patients continue to have knee pain after meniscus surgery. Studies show that about 20-30% of people may still feel discomfort, no matter what type of surgery they had. This pain can be caused by:

• The meniscus is not fully healing.
• Scar tissue forming and limiting movement.
• Changes in how the knee moves due to surgery.

2. Re-Tearing or New Tears

People who have meniscus surgery are more likely to tear the meniscus again or develop new cartilage damage. Those who have had part of their meniscus removed are especially at risk, as removing more than 20% can make the knee unstable. The risk increases due to:

• Returning to sports or intense activities too soon.
• Not doing enough rehab and physical therapy after surgery.

3. Higher Risk of Arthritis

Meniscus surgery can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis over time. Studies show that people who have a partial meniscectomy are more likely to experience knee joint wear and tear. Losing meniscus tissue affects how the joint works, putting more stress on the cartilage and leading to gradual damage.

4. Scar Tissue Buildup (Arthrofibrosis)

Some patients may develop too much scar tissue in the knee after surgery, causing stiffness, limited movement, and long-term pain. This is more likely to happen if:

• The patient has another procedure at the same time, such as ACL surgery.
• Post-surgery rehab is not done properly.

5. Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury

Though rare, nerve or blood vessel damage can happen during surgery. Possible complications include:

• Numbness or tingling in the inner leg due to nerve irritation.
• Serious circulation problems if a blood vessel is injured.

6. Risk of Infection

Infections after meniscus surgery are uncommon (about 0.1% to 0.42%), but they can happen. Signs of infection include:

• Increased pain and swelling.
• Fever.
• Redness around the surgical area.

If these symptoms appear, seek medical help immediately.

7. Joint Space Narrowing

Over time, patients who have had part of their meniscus removed may experience narrowing of the knee joint space. This can be a sign of joint degeneration, even if the surgery was initially successful.

Life After Meniscus Surgery

Life after meniscus surgery involves a recovery process that depends on the type of procedure, either a meniscectomy or a meniscus repair. At first, patients may have pain and swelling and need to rest while avoiding too much weight on the knee. Physical therapy usually starts within a week to help restore strength and movement.

Most people can return to light activities in a few weeks, but full recovery can take months, especially after a meniscus repair, which takes longer to heal. Adjusting daily activities and slowly returning to sports is important to avoid re-injury. With proper care and rehab, many patients regain normal function, though some may still face long-term risks like arthritis or another meniscus tear.

Wrapping Up

Meniscus surgeries have a high success rate. Therefore, long-term side effects of meniscus surgery are a rare occurrence. However, if you are still concerned, consider talking to your physician.

Visit our sports medicine & shoulder specialist at Barrett S. Brown, MD. Our doctor specializes in both arthroscopic and open reconstructive surgery for the shoulder and knee, including shoulder replacements. Call us at (346) 247-2531 to book an appointment.