The chance of developing post traumatic arthritis is not because of the surgery, but because of the injuries. The chance of arthritis is 100% after about 7-10 years, if the medial meniscus tore. The chance of arthritis is 100% after about 4-5 years, if the lateral meniscus tore. How bad the arthritis will be depends upon the patient's body physiology, and the other damage done to the knee at the time of the injury when the meniscus tore. However, if the torn meniscus is allowed to remain in the knee, the amount of arthritis will usually be greater, more painful, and will develop much faster than if the torn part of the meniscus is removed. Repairing the meniscus carries a 65% total healing + 20% partial healing. The meniscus that heals partially may have to have a repeat surgery. The knee may become normal after the complete healing of the repair. The above time periods are approximations. They may occur sooner than the lesser and longer than the greater. Please talk to your doctor he may have a different concept and may have a better explanation than the one described above. Please feel free to show your doctor this email message and discuss the information above..

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