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Specialist Knee Surgeon · Sydney

Meniscus Surgery & Meniscal Repair Sydney

"Precision in surgery. Partnership in recovery. Movement for life."

Dr Quang Dao — Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

BMedSci, MBBS, FRACS, FAOrthA

20+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

3

INT'L FELLOWSHIPS

4

SYDNEY HOSPITALS

1000s

PATIENTS TREATED

Sydney

Liverpool

Penrith

Understanding

Understanding the Meniscus and Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a C shaped, fibrocartilaginous structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabiliser. Each knee has two menisci: 1) medial (inner) and 2) lateral (outer) which help distribute weight and protect the joint from wear.

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries seen by orthopaedic surgeons in Sydney, particularly among active and sports patients. These tears can occur suddenly during twisting or pivoting or develop gradually through degeneration from repetitive stress.

Visit the Meniscus Tear page to learn more about symptoms, grading and non surgical treatment options

Indications

When Should a Meniscus Tear Be Repaired?

Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Small, stable tears can often be managed conservatively. Dr Quang Dao recommends surgery when symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, such as:

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Locking, catching or clicking sensation in the knee

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Limited ability to fully bend or straighten

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Recurrent pain or swelling after activity

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Instability or giving way of the knee

For athletes and active individuals, surgical treatment can prevent further joint damage and improve long term knee function.

Surgical Approach

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery in Sydney

Dr Quang Dao is a knee arthroscopic specialist using minimally invasive techniques to repair or trim damaged cartilage with high precision. Arthroscopy involves small incisions and a camera guided view inside the knee, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment with less trauma and faster recovery.

Benefits of arthroscopic surgery include:

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Reduced pain and scarring

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Quicker rehabilitation

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Low complication rates

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Early return to daily activities and sport

Procedures

Types of Meniscus Surgery

1. Meniscal Repair

Ideal for tears located in the outer (vascular) zone, this technique preserves and stitches the torn meniscus, promoting natural healing. It is preferred for younger or athletic patients, where preserving joint health is crucial.

Dr Quang Dao employs advanced all-inside, inside-out and outside-in repair techniques tailored to the tear's location and complexity.

Advantages include:

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Long term protection of knee cartilage

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Maintains optimal joint biomechanics

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Reduced risk of early osteoarthritis

Typical recovery: 3 to 6 months with guided physiotherapy and staged activity progression.

2. Partial Meniscectomy

If the meniscus cannot be repaired due to degenerative or complex tearing, Dr Quang Dao performs a partial meniscectomy, carefully removing only the damaged tissue while preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.

This approach often leads to:

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Immediate relief of catching and locking

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Reduced pain and swelling

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Return to low impact activity within weeks

Most patients walk unaided within days and resume regular activity within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on rehabilitation progress.

Advanced Treatment

Meniscus Transplant Surgery

For some patients, the meniscus is too damaged to repair or has been removed in a previous operation, leading to discomfort and loss of joint cushioning. In these situations, meniscus transplant surgery can restore the smooth, stable movement of the knee. The procedure replaces the damaged or missing cartilage with a carefully matched donor graft helping to relieve pain, protect the joint surfaces and support long term knee health.

Performed arthroscopically by Dr Quang Dao in Sydney, a meniscus transplant is an advanced option for suitable sport or active patients who wish to preserve their knee function and continue an active lifestyle. Recovery is guided through a personalised physiotherapy plan designed to promote natural movement and strength.

Your Surgeon

About Dr Quang Dao

Dr Quang Dao — Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

BMedSci, MBBS, FRACS, FAOrthA

A Harvard fellowship trained orthopaedic knee surgeon, Dr Quang Dao has built a reputation across Sydney for his expert care of meniscus tears, ACL injuries and sports related knee conditions. His philosophy focuses on precision in surgery and partnership in recovery, ensuring every patient understands their treatment pathway and feels supported through rehabilitation.

Patients often choose Dr Quang Dao because of his:

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Experienced meniscus tear knee surgeon trusted by Sydney athletes

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Transparent, patient centred consultations

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Thorough post surgical follow up and rehabilitation planning

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Advanced arthroscopic and meniscal preservation techniques

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Focus on maintaining long term joint health, not just symptom relief

Recovery

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Recovery from meniscus surgery depends on the type of tear, surgical approach and patient activity level. Dr Quang Dao's protocols always align with the latest evidence based rehabilitation guidelines.

His team works closely with physiotherapists to promote safe strengthening, flexibility and return to sport progression without overloading the healing tissue.

Gradual milestones focus on:

Restoring range of movement
Regaining quadriceps and hamstring strength
Controlled balance and proprioception work
Sport specific retraining for competitive and recreational athletes

Sports Medicine

Sports Related Meniscus Injuries

Meniscal injuries are particularly common in football, soccer, rugby, golf, skiing and netball. These are sports that require pivoting, twisting and fast directional change. Dr Quang Dao's experience managing sports related injuries in Sydney as well as a soccer athlete himself, gives him deep insight into optimal timing for return to play and injury prevention.

Why Patients Choose Dr Quang Dao for Meniscus Repair in Sydney

Whether you're returning to competition, training or simply an active lifestyle, Dr Quang Dao's goal is to help you move freely with confidence and control.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does meniscus surgery take?

Recovery time varies depending on treatment approach and individual factors. Rehabilitation plans are discussed during consultation.

Can I walk after meniscus surgery?

After a partial meniscectomy, most patients can walk unaided within days. After a meniscal repair, crutches may be needed for several weeks to protect the healing tissue.

What is the difference between meniscal repair and meniscectomy?

A meniscal repair stitches the torn tissue to promote natural healing, preserving joint health long term. A partial meniscectomy removes only the damaged section when repair is not possible, offering faster initial recovery.

When can I return to sport after meniscus surgery?

After a partial meniscectomy, return to sport may be within 4 to 6 weeks. After a meniscal repair, full sport specific activity typically resumes at 3 to 6 months with guided rehabilitation.

Related Knee Conditions

  • $
    Meniscus Injuries Overview
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    ACL Injuries & Treatment
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    Knee Replacement
  • $
    Meniscus Tear Injury
  • $
    ACL Reconstruction Surgery
  • $
    ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Book a Consultation

If you're experiencing pain, swelling or instability from a meniscus tear, early expert assessment can protect your knee from further damage. Book a consultation with Dr Quang Dao, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon in Sydney to discuss your options for meniscus repair or arthroscopic surgery tailored to your goals.