Meniscus Repair and/or Debridement
Meniscus Repair and/or Debridement (otherwise known as Partial Meniscectomy) surgery may be recommended to treat tears in either the medial (inner) and/or lateral (outer) C-shaped cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers between your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
Surgery is typically indicated in young active patients. There is increasing evidence that meniscal surgery in middle-aged and older patients who have underlying arthritis is not beneficial (and may cause harm), unless they have significant ‘locking’ symptoms.
Benefits of Surgery
Alleviate Pain & Swelling
Surgery either fixes’ or removes the damaged torn portion of the meniscus, directly addressing the source of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the knee joint.
Eliminate Mechanical Symptoms
By repairing or removing torn fragments locking, clicking, or catching sensations can be eleviated, allowing the knee to move smoothly.
Preserve Knee Joint Health
Meniscal repair, if feasible, is particularly beneficial as it preserves the meniscus's vital shock-absorbing function, helping to protect the articular cartilage and reduce the long-term risk of developing arthritis of the knee.
Procedure Information
Dr Richmond has sub-specialist expertise in Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery.
Following a thorough assessment, including physical examination, MRI, and consideration of your age and activity level – surgery may be recommended.
Meniscal surgery is typically performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive keyhole surgery) and may involve one or both of:
Meniscus Repair
If the tear is in a well-vascularised area and of a size that is likely to heal, the torn edges are stitched back together. This preserves the meniscus, which is beneficial for long-term knee health and preventing knee arthritis.
Meniscus Debridement
If the tear is in a poorly vascularised area, is complex and/or not otherwise amenable to repair, the damaged, unstable portion of the meniscus is carefully trimmed away. This alleviates symptoms but removes some of the shock-absorbing capacity.
Damage to the C-shaped cartilage pads in the knee, leading to pain, swelling, clicking, or locking.
Conditions Treated
During your consultation, Dr Richmond will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss all management options with you, including non-surgical treatments, so you can confidently decide on the right path forward.
Dr Bradley Richmond
Orthopaedic Surgeon - BHB, MBChB, FRACS (Orth)
Dr Bradley Richmond graduated as a Doctor from the University of Auckland in 2004 and trained as a general Orthopaedic Surgeon in New Zealand, obtaining fellowship of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2014. He then spent a further 18 months undertaking subspecialty fellowship training in Sydney, working with some of the most respected Knee and Shoulder surgeons in Australia.
For 10 years, until early 2026, Dr Richmond worked as a Staff Specialist at Rockhampton Hospital – providing public Orthopaedic care to Central Queenslanders, and providing training and supervision to Orthopaedic Trainees, Junior Doctors, and International Medical Graduate Specialists.
In April 2024, he commenced part-time private practice, and now does this full-time; focusing exclusively on his areas of specialist expertise – knee and shoulder surgery.
Operating Locations
Consulting Locations
