Number 5 Most Common Orthopedic Surgery: What You Need to Know
May, 29 2025
Knees take a beating. Whether it’s running, twisting, or just an awkward squat to grab something on the floor, your knee joints are always at work. No surprise—meniscectomy, a surgery where doctors remove all or part of a torn meniscus in the knee, is ranked the number five most common orthopedic surgery.
If you’ve never heard of “meniscus,” you’re not alone. It’s basically the cushion—like a shock absorber—between your thigh bone and shin bone. Tear it, and suddenly every step can feel like you’re carrying bricks. When ice, rest, or physical therapy don’t cut it, surgeons get called in.
The surprising fact? Most meniscectomies happen because of pretty ordinary situations. Think weekend basketball or slipping on wet tiles. It’s not just pro athletes. Anyone can end up on the operation table for this reason.
- Breaking Down the Number 5: Meniscectomy
- Why Meniscectomy Happens So Often
- Inside the Surgery: What Actually Happens
- What Recovery Really Looks Like
Breaking Down the Number 5: Meniscectomy
Here’s the deal: meniscectomy stands as the fifth most common orthopedic surgery for a reason. Every year, around 850,000 people in the U.S. have some sort of surgery for a torn meniscus. You don’t need to be an athlete to mess up your meniscus. Just a fast twist or deep squat can do the trick. Age doesn’t help either—cartilage gets weaker as we get older, making tears more likely, even from just getting up too quickly or kneeling down a lot at work.
The meniscus itself acts like a pad, giving your knee joint a smoother ride. When it rips, your knee might lock, swell, or make odd clicking sounds. The torn piece can make the joint grind or catch, which hurts like crazy and stops you from moving around like you’re used to. If you ignore a serious tear, you could be setting yourself up for early arthritis or even bigger knee problems down the line.
Doctors don’t jump straight to surgery. They check things like where the tear is, how bad it is, and how active you are. Small tears sometimes heal with rest, ice, and therapy. But if your knee keeps locking up, or pain won’t quit, meniscectomy steps in as the next move.
Here’s a quick view of why meniscectomy gets done so often:
- It deals with one of the top reasons people visit knee doctors: meniscus tears.
- It’s usually done with tiny cuts (arthroscopically) which means faster recovery.
- Kids, adults, gym rats, and couch potatoes—all can need it.
To give you the big picture, check out this table with meniscectomy facts:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Average yearly procedures (U.S.) | ~850,000 |
| Common causes | Sports, sudden twisting, aging, daily activities |
| Typical age | 15–60 years, but possible at any age |
| Main symptoms | Pain, locking, swelling, trouble moving knee |
So, while it might seem like just another routine knee fix, meniscectomy is a go-to solution when that little wedge of cartilage starts causing big problems.
Why Meniscectomy Happens So Often
The orthopedic surgery table is always busy with meniscectomies, but why are knees the main target? It comes down to the way the meniscus works. It’s got a tough job—absorbing shock with every step, run, and jump. Over time or after one sharp twist, it can tear. But here’s the kicker: our meniscus just doesn’t heal well on its own, especially as we get older. That’s one big reason doctors see so many torn knees walk through their doors.
Here’s a quick look at who’s most at risk and why it keeps happening:
- Middle-aged folks: As you age, the meniscus gets more brittle. One quick move can cause a tear—even from just standing up quickly.
- Athletes and the active crowd: Sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing send a ton of people in every year, thanks to quick pivots and hard landings.
- Work hazards: Jobs that involve a lot of squatting or heavy lifting raise your risk more than you’d think.
Let’s be real—rest and ice can only go so far. If the tear doesn’t respond to things like physical therapy, or if your knee keeps locking up or giving out, doctors recommend meniscectomy because it just works fast for pain and function. For context, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons said:
"Meniscectomy remains the most common surgical procedure for meniscal tears, especially when repair isn't possible or practical."
Still not convinced? Check out these fresh numbers:
| Age Group | % of Meniscectomy Patients |
|---|---|
| 20-39 | 26% |
| 40-59 | 38% |
| 60+ | 36% |
So, it’s not just a young person’s issue. Even regular folks—office workers, parents, retirees—end up needing this surgery all the time. That’s why it hangs on the top 5 list. Most simply, meniscectomy happens because so many people need their knees fixed quickly to get back to regular life. Waiting usually just means more pain and less mobility.
Inside the Surgery: What Actually Happens
So, what really goes on during a meniscectomy? The good news is the process is pretty routine for orthopedic surgeons. Most of the time it’s done using tiny tools and a small camera through a few little cuts (arthroscopy). This means less pain, fewer scars, and faster healing compared to the old-school way of big incisions.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it usually goes:
- You get anesthesia—sometimes just on your leg, sometimes all the way out, depending on your case and what you prefer.
- The surgeon makes 2 or 3 small cuts around your knee and pumps a bit of fluid inside to help them see better.
- They slide in a camera to check out the meniscus and spot exactly where it’s torn.
- Special tools snip out the damaged part of the meniscus. If there’s any loose cartilage or debris, that gets cleaned up too.
- They rinse the area, take out the tools, and close up with a few stitches or sticky strips. Most folks go home the same day.
Wondering how long you’ll be on the table? Most meniscectomies take about 30-60 minutes. You’ll spend more time in the prep and recovery rooms than in surgery itself.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers for meniscectomies in the U.S.:
| Year | Estimated Surgeries | Outpatient Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Over 700,000 | 90% |
| 2022 | About 720,000 | 92% |
Most people are back on their feet within a day or two, using crutches for support if needed. Your doctor will probably tell you to start moving that knee pretty quickly with gentle exercises, which helps speed things up and stops it from getting stiff.
One tip—always follow your physical therapist’s directions post-surgery. It seriously makes a difference. Skip the "tough guy" approach and don’t rush into intense workouts or sports right away, unless you want to end up where you started.
What Recovery Really Looks Like
You might expect recovery to be the hard part, but most people bounce back from a meniscectomy quicker than they think. A typical hospital stay isn’t needed. Most folks head home the same day. In fact, studies show over 90% of meniscectomy surgeries are done as outpatient procedures.
The biggest thing? Mobility comes back fast if you stick to your doctor’s game plan. Here’s what to expect right after orthopedic surgery:
- Crutches are a short-term friend. You’ll likely need them for a few days, mainly to keep weight off your knee while the swelling goes down.
- Physical therapy starts early. Don’t expect long couch sessions—doctors typically want you moving and doing gentle exercises right away, sometimes even the next day.
- Return to work varies. Desk workers often get back in about a week. If your job is physical, you might need 3-6 weeks.
- Full recovery for sports or intense activity: This can take 4-6 weeks. Knees need time to rebuild strength and stability.
If you’re wondering how your rehab might stack up against others, check out these real-world stats from orthopedic clinics:
| Milestone | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Walking unsupported | 3-7 days |
| Return to driving | ~1 week |
| Normal daily activities | 2-4 weeks |
| Sports participation | 4-6 weeks |
Some swelling and soreness are totally normal early on. Ice packs and keeping your leg elevated help a ton. But don’t ignore your body—sharp pain, fever, or trouble moving your knee should be reported to your doctor right away.
Handy tip: setting up your house before surgery with things like a shower chair, handrails, and meal prep makes things smoother. Also, loose shorts or pants keep you from fighting with your clothes over a swollen knee.