Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Cost in India | Meniscus Tear

Q: Q. How long are you on crutches after a partial meniscectomy?

With a partial meniscectomy, crutches may be needed until you can walk without limping. With a proper rehabilitation program, you can usually expect to resume sports within four to six weeks after the surgery.

Q: Q. How long does a partial meniscectomy take?

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy normally takes about between 20 and 40 minutes to perform, and usually you will be able to leave the hospital the same day. General anesthesia is typically used for this type of surgery, though in some cases a spinal or epidural anesthetic is used.

Q: Q. When can I run after partial meniscectomy?

Most clients will begin a return to running program around the 8-12 week mark after their meniscus surgery. This provides a fair amount of time for swelling reduction, quadriceps and hip strength, and progression and training for normal walking mechanics.

Q: Q. How do you strengthen your meniscus?

Quad sets. Straight-leg raise to the front. Straight-leg raise to the back. Hamstring curls. Heel raises. Heel digs bridging. Shallow standing knee bends.

Q: Q. How do I know if I hurt my meniscus?

A popping sensation. Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.

Q: Q. Can you bend your knee with a torn meniscus?

A moderate tear can cause pain at the side or center of your knee. Swelling slowly gets worse over 2 or 3 days. This may make your knee feel stiff and limit how you can bend your knee, but walking is usually possible.

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Package

Medical Visa
Assistance

Tele-Video
Consultation

Language Interpretation
Services

Second Medical
Opinion

Post-Treatment
Care Coordination

Coordinating care at accredited hospitals, including

Apollo HospitalsFortis HealthcareManipal HospitalsSarvodaya Hospital

Not sure where to start? Get a free medical opinion

Not sure what your treatment will cost? Free, instant, itemised estimate -- treatment, visa, flights, hotel & food

What will your treatment cost?

Chat Assistance

Surgery Name	Cost	Room	Hospitalization
Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Package	$2855	Single	Patient - 2 days stay in a single room.

✓ Inclusion

✔Consultation with a senior arthroscopy / sports-medicine surgeon
✔Pre-operative tests: CBC, blood sugar, kidney function, clotting profile, viral markers, ECG and chest X-ray
✔Anaesthesia check-up and spinal or general anaesthesia
✔Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of one knee
✔Operation theatre charges and standard arthroscopy consumables (shaver blade, radiofrequency probe)
✔2 days' stay in a single room
✔Nursing care, routine medicines and dressings during the stay
✔In-hospital physiotherapy and walking training
✔Patient's meals in hospital
✔One follow-up consultation with wound check
✔Free: airport pick-up & drop, visa invitation letter, interpreter & coordinator (Satyug Healthcare)

✗ Exclusion

✖Knee MRI if not brought from home
✖Meniscus repair implants, all-inside devices or anchors
✖Additional procedures such as ACL reconstruction or cartilage repair
✖Knee brace, crutches or walker
✖Extra hospital days beyond the package
✖Outpatient physiotherapy after discharge
✖Treatment of complications or other medical conditions
✖Medicines after discharge
✖Hotel, food, local travel and flights
✖Visa fees and personal expenses

Know More About Procedure & Surgery

🇮🇳 ORTHOPAEDIC PACKAGE — INDIA

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Surgery in India

Keyhole removal of the torn part of the knee meniscus for locking, catching and pain, by experienced sports-medicine and arthroscopy surgeons at NABH & JCI hospitals – at a fraction of Western and Gulf costs.

✅ Free Medical Opinion in 48–72 h🦵 Walking with support the same day💰 Starting USD 2,855✈️ Visa & Airport Support🗣️ Interpreter Available

⏱️

30–60 min

Surgery time

🏥

2 days

Hospital stay

📈

80–90%

Good results*

📅

7–10 days

Total stay in India

📖 What is Arthroscopic Meniscectomy?

The meniscus is a C-shaped pad of rubbery cartilage between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Each knee has two – the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) meniscus. They act as shock absorbers and help keep the knee stable. A meniscus can tear with a sudden twist during sport, or slowly wear and tear with age (degenerative tear). A torn flap can catch in the joint and cause pain, swelling, clicking or locking (the knee gets stuck).

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is keyhole surgery to trim and remove the torn, unstable part of the meniscus. The surgeon makes two or three small cuts (about 1 cm) and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) and fine instruments. In a partial meniscectomy, only the damaged piece is removed and as much healthy meniscus as possible is kept. If the tear is in an area with good blood supply, the surgeon may instead repair (stitch) the meniscus, which protects the knee better in the long term.

🖼️ Understand It in Pictures

💡 In simple words

The meniscus is a rubbery cushion between the thigh and shin bones. A torn piece can catch, lock or cause pain. In arthroscopic meniscectomy, the surgeon trims away only the torn part through tiny keyhole cuts.

Normal vs damaged knee cushion

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy: normal vs abnormal explained in pictures

👀 Symptoms in Pictures

Symptoms that may need Arthroscopic Meniscectomy - in pictures

🩻 Scans & Tests — What Doctors See

**MRI scanner**
You lie on a bed that slides into the tunnel; it uses magnets, not radiation, and takes 20–45 minutes.
Image: Jan Ainali, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

🎬 The Treatment Journey in Pictures

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy step by step in pictures

**Camera view inside the knee**
During keyhole surgery the camera shows the smooth white cushion (meniscus) between the bones.
Image: Arthroscopist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

**Keyhole surgery cuts**
Only two or three small cuts of about 1 cm are needed for knee arthroscopy.
Image: Tim1965, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

📅 Recovery at a Glance

Recovery timeline after Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

Drawings: Satyug Healthcare (simplified, not to scale). Photos: Wikimedia Commons; author and licence under each photo.

🩺 Conditions Treated

⚽

Sports meniscus tear

Twisting injury causing a tear, often in young active people.

🪣

Bucket-handle tear

A large flap flips into the joint and locks the knee; needs prompt surgery.

🔁

Flap / radial tears

Unstable torn edges that catch and cause sharp pain.

👴

Degenerative tear with mechanical symptoms

Age-related tear that causes true locking or catching not helped by physiotherapy.

🦵

Discoid meniscus

An abnormally thick, disc-shaped meniscus (often in children) that tears or snaps.

🩹

Tear with ACL injury

Meniscus trimmed or repaired at the same time as ligament reconstruction.

⚠️ Symptoms That May Need Surgery

➤Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee
➤Knee locking or getting stuck
➤Clicking or catching feeling
➤Swelling after activity

➤Knee giving way
➤Difficulty squatting or sitting cross-legged
➤Pain when twisting or turning
➤Unable to fully straighten the knee

💡 Many degenerative (age-related) tears do not need surgery. Trials in middle-aged and older patients show that physiotherapy gives similar results to meniscectomy when there is no true locking. Rest, ice, painkillers and 6–12 weeks of exercise therapy are tried first. Surgery is advised for locked knees, large unstable tears and when symptoms do not improve.

🔬 Tests Before Treatment

Test	Why it is done
MRI of the knee	Shows the type, size and location of the meniscus tear and other damage
Standing knee X-ray	Checks for arthritis, which affects the expected result
Clinical examination (McMurray, joint-line tests)	Confirms that the pain comes from the meniscus
Blood tests (CBC, sugar, clotting, viral markers)	Standard fitness checks before anaesthesia
ECG and chest X-ray	Fitness for anaesthesia, especially over 40 years
Anaesthesia check-up	Plans spinal or general anaesthesia safely

🏥 The Procedure — Step by Step

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy procedure steps

Admission

You are admitted on the day of surgery or the evening before, after fasting for 6 hours.

Anaesthesia

Spinal (lower body numb) or general anaesthesia is given.

Knee preparation

The leg is cleaned and a tourniquet may be used to reduce bleeding.

Portal incisions

Two or three tiny cuts of about 1 cm are made around the kneecap.

Arthroscopic inspection

The camera checks the whole joint – menisci, cartilage and ligaments.

Trimming the tear

Small biters and a shaver remove only the torn, unstable part of the meniscus.

Balancing the rim

The remaining meniscus edge is smoothed so it does not catch again.

Closure

The knee is washed out and the cuts are closed with stitches or strips.

Recovery and physiotherapy

You walk with support the same day and start knee exercises.

Discharge

You go home after 2 days with exercises, painkillers and a follow-up plan.

⚖️ Types & Techniques

Technique	What is done	Best for
Partial meniscectomy	Only the torn piece is removed	Most flap, radial and complex tears
Subtotal / total meniscectomy	Most or all of the meniscus removed	Very large irreparable tears (now rarely done)
Meniscus repair	Tear stitched with sutures or anchors	Young patients, tears near the outer edge with good blood supply
Saucerization	Thick discoid meniscus reshaped	Discoid meniscus, usually in children
Meniscus transplant	Donor meniscus inserted	Young patients with pain after previous total meniscectomy (specialised)

📊 The FIDELITY trial (NEJM 2013) and later studies showed that for degenerative tears without locking, partial meniscectomy is not better than sham surgery or physiotherapy, so surgery is reserved for mechanical symptoms or traumatic tears.

📅 Your Day-by-Day Plan in India

Day	What happens
Day 1	Arrival in India, airport pick-up, hotel check-in ✈️
Day 2	Orthopaedic consultation, MRI review and pre-operative tests
Day 3	Admission and arthroscopic meniscectomy
Day 4	Walking with support, physiotherapy starts; discharge
Day 5–8	Rest at hotel, daily exercises, outpatient physiotherapy
Day 9–10	Wound check and stitch review with surgeon; fly home ✈️

🌱 Recovery After Treatment

🧊

Days 1–3

Ice, elevate the leg, painkillers; walk with crutches or a walker as comfortable.

🚶

Week 1

Walking more freely; gentle bending and straightening exercises.

🩹

Day 10–14

Stitches removed; most people walk without support.

💼

1–2 weeks

Return to desk work; driving when you can brake safely.

🚴

3–4 weeks

Cycling, swimming and gym strengthening.

⚽

6–8 weeks

Return to running and sport after physiotherapy clearance (longer after repair).

🏆 Success Rate

Outcome	Result
Relief of locking and catching	About 85–95% of patients
Good or excellent result (traumatic tears)	About 80–90%
Return to sport after partial meniscectomy	About 80–90% at 6–8 weeks
Serious complications	Less than 1–2%
Arthritis in later years	Higher risk the more meniscus is removed

Results are best in younger patients with a traumatic tear and no arthritis. If the knee already has arthritis, pain relief is less predictable and other treatment may be better.

🩹 Risks & Possible Complications

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is a low-risk operation. Possible problems include:

•Knee swelling and stiffness for a few weeks (common)
•Persistent pain, especially if arthritis is present
•Infection (less than 1%)
•Blood clot in the leg (DVT) – about 1 in 200
•Bleeding into the joint (haemarthrosis)
•Numbness near the small scars
•Faster wear of cartilage (osteoarthritis) over years

💰 Cost of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy in India

The cost of arthroscopic meniscectomy in India starts from about USD 2,855. This includes the surgeon and anaesthesia fees, operation theatre, arthroscopy consumables and a 2-day stay in a single room.

Option / Hospital tier	Approx. cost (USD)	Hospital stay	Notes
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy – this package	from 2,855	2 days, single room	One knee, standard consumables
Arthroscopic meniscus repair	3,500 – 4,500	2 days	Extra cost of suture/anchor devices
Meniscectomy + ACL reconstruction	4,500 – 6,000	2–3 days	Combined sports injury surgery
Premium hospital (Delhi/Mumbai)	3,500 – 4,200	2 days	Top-tier hospital and room

⚠️ Final cost depends on the hospital, the type of tear, whether repair devices are needed and any extra procedures. Quotes are confirmed after the specialist examines the patient in India.

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy cost comparison India USA UK Turkey

📋 What the Package Includes

✅ Included

✔Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
✔Operation theatre and arthroscopy consumables
✔2 days in a single room
✔Nursing care and routine medicines
✔Pre-operative routine tests
✔In-hospital physiotherapy
✔Follow-up consultation

❌ Not Included

✖MRI if not already done
✖Meniscus repair devices / anchors
✖Additional procedures (ACL, cartilage)
✖Knee brace and crutches
✖Outpatient physiotherapy after discharge
✖Hotel, food and local travel
✖Flights and visa fees

✈️ Your Medical Travel Process with Satyug Healthcare

Medical travel journey to India for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

Step	Details
1. Send reports	Recent MRI of the knee (images and report), standing knee X-rays, a short note on how the injury happened and current symptoms (locking, swelling), and any previous knee surgery records.
2. Free opinion & quotes	Within 48-72 hours you receive opinions and cost estimates from 3-5 leading hospitals to compare.
3. Choose hospital & doctor	We help you compare doctors, success rates, room options and total budget.
4. Medical visa	The hospital issues a Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) to the Indian Embassy. The patient and up to 2 attendants apply for an e-Medical / Medical Attendant visa.
5. Travel planning	Flight guidance, wheelchair assistance, airport pick-up, hotel or guest house near the hospital.
6. Treatment in India	Your coordinator and interpreter stay with you for admission, treatment, discharge and billing.
7. Return & follow-up	Fit-to-fly letter, medicines, and online follow-up with your doctor after you return home.

🎒 Travel Checklist

📌Valid passport (6+ months) for the patient and attendants, plus 10 passport-size photos each
📌Medical visa / e-visa and the hospital’s Visa Invitation Letter
📌All knee MRI and X-ray reports, scans on CD / link and prescriptions
📌Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers from African countries)
📌Polio vaccination certificate where applicable
📌Declare cash above USD 5,000 at the airport; hospitals accept wire transfer and cards
📌Foreigners staying longer than permitted must register with the FRRO — our team assists

⭐ Why Choose Satyug Healthcare?

🏥

Top Accredited Hospitals

Max Super Speciality Saket, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, Medanta, Artemis, Apollo Hospitals, Kokilaben (Mumbai), Manipal Hospitals and Sir Ganga Ram have dedicated sports-medicine and arthroscopy units.

👨‍⚕️

Senior Specialists

Surgery is done by fellowship-trained arthroscopy and sports-injury surgeons who perform hundreds of keyhole knee operations each year.

💵

Transparent Pricing

Multiple written quotes to compare — no hidden charges, no extra fee for our service.

🤝

End-to-End Support

Visa, airport pick-up, accommodation, interpreter and 24/7 coordinator.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

➤ What is the cost of arthroscopic meniscectomy in India?

It starts from about USD 2,855, including surgery, anaesthesia and a 2-day single-room stay. Meniscus repair or combined ligament surgery costs more.

➤ How long is the hospital stay?

The package includes 2 days in hospital. Many patients walk with support on the same day.

➤ How long must I stay in India?

Plan for about 7–10 days so the surgeon can check the wound and start your physiotherapy before you fly.

➤ Is the surgery painful?

You feel nothing during surgery. Afterwards, the knee is sore and swollen for a few days. Painkillers, ice and elevation keep you comfortable.

➤ When can I walk?

Usually the same day or the next morning, with crutches or a walker for a few days. Most people walk normally in 1–2 weeks.

➤ When can I return to work?

Desk work after about 1–2 weeks. Physical jobs and sport after 4–8 weeks, depending on your physiotherapy progress.

➤ Is meniscus repair better than removal?

When possible, yes. Repair keeps the meniscus and protects the knee from arthritis. But only some tears can be repaired. The surgeon decides during arthroscopy.

➤ I am over 50 with a torn meniscus. Do I need surgery?

Often not. Age-related tears usually improve with physiotherapy. Surgery helps if the knee locks or if the tear is a fresh injury.

➤ What are the risks?

Risks are low: swelling, stiffness, infection (under 1%) and blood clots (about 1 in 200). Removing a lot of meniscus can increase the chance of arthritis later.

➤ Will the tear come back?

The removed part does not grow back. A new tear can happen in the remaining meniscus in a small number of patients, especially with sport.

➤ When can I fly home?

Usually 5–7 days after surgery. You should walk around the plane often and may be given blood-thinning advice for the flight.

➤ Can a family member come with me?

Yes. One or two attendants can travel on a medical attendant visa. We send the invitation letter.

➤ Is an interpreter available?

Yes. We provide interpreters for Arabic, French, Russian and other languages free of charge.

➤ What follow-up do I need at home?

Continue the physiotherapy exercises for 4–6 weeks. You can send photos and progress updates to your surgeon through our team.

💬 Get a Free Opinion & Cost Estimate

Send your medical reports today and receive opinions from India’s top specialists within 48-72 hours.

📞 +91-8860606766 | +91-9910655125 | ✉️ query@satyughealthcare.com

Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified specialist. Treatment plans and costs are confirmed only after the patient is examined. Sources: NCBI StatPearls: Meniscus Tear and Meniscectomy; AAOS OrthoInfo: Meniscus Tears; NHS: Knee arthroscopy; Sihvonen et al. FIDELITY trial (NEJM 2013); ESSKA Meniscus Consensus 2016. Infographics: Satyug Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does pain last after partial meniscectomy?

Recovery will take about four to six weeks, depending on the surgical approach used. The recovery period following arthroscopic surgery is usually shorter than that for open surgery. Other factors that affect recovery time include: type of meniscectomy (total or partial).