What is meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery treats a torn or damaged meniscus, the crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. Tears are commonly caused by sports injuries, twisting or trauma, or by age-related wear, and can lead to knee pain, swelling, locking, catching or giving way.
There are two main approaches: meniscus repair, where the torn edges are stitched together to promote healing, and meniscectomy, where the damaged part of the meniscus is removed when repair isn’t possible. Surgery is often arthroscopic (keyhole), using small incisions for less discomfort and a quicker recovery. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this surgery to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is meniscus surgery suitable for?
- A meniscus tear causing knee pain, swelling, locking, catching or giving way
- Symptoms that haven’t improved with rest, physiotherapy or injections
- Sports or twisting injuries that have damaged the knee cartilage
- Patients who want to return to an active lifestyle after a torn meniscus
Your consultant will assess your individual case, including your examination and MRI scan, before recommending whether repair or removal is the most suitable approach for you.
Meniscal Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer comprehensive care for meniscal injuries. Our expert surgeons work closely with each patient to determine the best approach for their specific condition, ensuring effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Why choose us for meniscal surgery?
- Specialist Knee Surgeons: Our consultants are highly experienced in arthroscopic procedures and complex knee surgeries.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use advanced arthroscopic methods to reduce recovery time and scarring.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with advanced imaging and surgical technology, enabling our specialists to perform precise diagnoses and deliver effective, tailored treatments for each patient.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you regain knee function and reduce pain through personalised and expert care
Surgeons who perform Meniscus Surgery in London
How Much Does Private Meniscus Surgery Cost?
from £3,300*
The cost of private Meniscal Surgery starts from £3,300* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meniscal Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private meniscus surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £3,300*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs and the procedure performed, whether repair or removal.
Meniscus surgery is usually a short keyhole procedure, and most patients go home on the same day. The exact time depends on whether your meniscus is repaired or the damaged part is removed.
Recovery depends on the type of surgery, with repair generally needing longer protection than removal. Most patients walk the same day with a knee brace or crutches, then follow a physiotherapy programme. You will have a follow-up appointment at around two weeks, where any stitches are removed, and may be seen again at six and 12 weeks. Flights are usually restricted for six weeks (short-haul) or 12 weeks (long-haul).
You will be monitored in recovery and, once comfortable, can usually walk the same day with the help of a brace or crutches before going home. Keep the wound clean and dry and take pain relief as advised.
The surgery is carried out under anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling afterwards is normal and can be managed with pain relief, elevation and rest.
Surgery is usually considered when a torn meniscus causes persistent pain, locking or giving way that hasn’t improved with rest and physiotherapy. Your consultant will examine your knee and review your scan to advise you.
Your consultant will take your medical history, examine your knee and may arrange an X-ray or MRI. Once swelling has settled you may be given a physiotherapy exercise programme (prehab) to follow before surgery, and a standard pre-assessment checks you are fit for surgery.
Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and injections can help some patients, particularly with smaller or degenerative tears. Your consultant will explain which option is best for you.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH) on 6/11/2026