Meniscus Repair in Seomyeon, Busan

What is meniscus repair?

Each knee has two menisci (반월상 연골판) that spread load and protect the joint surface. Tears happen with twisting injuries in younger people and with gradual wear in older adults. Repair means stitching the torn edges together arthroscopically. Preserving the meniscus is preferred where possible, because removing tissue increases load on the cartilage and can raise long-term arthritis risk.

Who is it for?

Whether a tear can be repaired depends on its pattern and location. Tears in the outer "red zone" have a good blood supply and heal best. Repair is most often considered for:

Younger, active patients with a traumatic tear
Longitudinal or bucket-handle tears in a healthy meniscus
Root tears, which can severely affect knee function if untreated
Tears found during ACL reconstruction

Degenerative tears in older knees are often managed first with physiotherapy rather than surgery.

What happens at the clinic

History and exam: questions about locking, catching and joint-line pain.
MRI: shows tear type and location.
Discussion: the surgeon explains whether repair or trimming is likely, and that the final decision is often made during arthroscopy.
Surgery: sutures or small anchoring devices hold the tear together.
Discharge plan: brace settings, crutch use and the physiotherapy schedule.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery is slower than after a simple trim because the tissue must heal. Expect a period of protected weight-bearing and limited deep bending, then progressive strengthening. Deep squatting and twisting are usually avoided for several months. Sticking to restrictions matters: early overload can re-tear the repair.

Risks and side effects

Possible complications include failure of the repair needing further surgery, stiffness, infection, blood clots and, rarely, injury to nerves near the back of the knee. Your surgeon should explain the realistic chance of healing for your specific tear.

Choosing a clinic for meniscus repair in Seomyeon

Choose a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with regular arthroscopic knee experience.
Ask: "Is my tear likely repairable, and what if it is not?"
Ask how the clinic handles root tears or bucket-handle tears if those apply to you.
Request the brace and weight-bearing protocol in writing.
Check that physiotherapy follow-up is arranged and that instructions are available in English.

Local tips

Crutches and a brace make crowded streets harder, so choose accommodation near a metro line. Seomyeon is the Line 1 and Line 2 interchange, which keeps travel to appointments simple.

Repair or remove: which is better for a torn meniscus?

When a tear is repairable, saving the meniscus is generally preferred because it protects the cartilage long term. Trimming offers faster early recovery but removes tissue. Tear type and location decide what is possible.

How long after meniscus repair can I walk normally?

Many patients use crutches and a brace for around 4–6 weeks, then gradually return to normal walking. Exact timing depends on the tear and the surgeon's protocol.

Does a meniscus tear always need surgery?

No. Many degenerative tears improve with physiotherapy, activity changes and time. Surgery is more often advised for locking knees, large traumatic tears or root tears.

Is meniscus repair covered by health insurance in Korea?

As a medically necessary procedure it is generally covered by National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Some devices or extras may be charged separately, so ask for an itemised estimate.

Can a repaired meniscus tear again?

Yes. Some repairs do not fully heal or re-tear, particularly with early deep squatting or twisting. Following the rehab protocol reduces this risk.

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