A torn meniscus is a common knee injury, especially in active people and athletes. While many know surgery may be needed, fewer understand how important timing can be. New research shows that getting the meniscus repaired early—rather than waiting—can greatly improve your chances of a successful recovery. This is big news for anyone trying to get back on their feet quickly and avoid long-term knee problems.
Early Meniscal Repair Leads to Higher Success Rates Than Delayed Meniscal Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Here’s what the study done by Dr. Okoroha’s colleagues found:
Study Highlights
Patient Demographics: The study included over 3,500 patients with an average age of 27.5 years, and about two-thirds were male.
Follow-ups: Patients were followed for an average of 4.5 years after surgery to measure long-term outcomes.
Positive Outcomes: Meniscus repairs done within 3 to 8 weeks of injury had significantly lower failure rates compared to those done later. The best success was seen when surgery was done within the first 3 weeks.
Conclusion
If you’ve torn your meniscus, don’t put off treatment. Early surgery—especially within the first 3 to 8 weeks—can double your chances of a successful repair. Waiting too long may increase the risk of the repair failing, which could lead to more pain and more problems down the line. Always talk with your orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible to make the best plan for your recovery.
We are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help patients reach their full potential. To learn more about meniscus repair surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha today. Seeing patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Edina, Minnetonka, Rochester, and Minnesota ensures that patients receive specialized care aimed at maximizing their athletic performance and long-term knee health.
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