Sports Medicine Surgery · Kennewick, WA
Meniscus Repair — Protect the Knee. Return to Sport.
Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon specializing in meniscus preservation and repair for athletes in the Tri-Cities, WA.
What is it?
The meniscus is the knee's shock absorber.
You have two menisci in each knee — C-shaped wedges of cartilage between the femur and tibia that absorb load, distribute pressure, and stabilize the joint. A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries in athletes and active adults.
Tears happen with a sudden twist or squat, or gradually with wear over time. The treatment — repair vs. partial removal — depends on the tear pattern, location, and your activity level.
Dr. Kelly's philosophy is meniscus preservation: when a tear can be repaired, he repairs it. Keeping healthy meniscus tissue protects against early arthritis and maintains long-term knee function.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear
- Pain along the inner or outer knee line
- Swelling within 24–48 hours of injury
- Locking, clicking, or catching in the knee
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening
- Pain with squatting, pivoting, or stairs
MRI confirms the tear type and location, which guides the treatment decision.
Treatment options
Repair or partial removal — what's right for you?
The right approach depends on the tear location, pattern, and your activity goals. Dr. Kelly will explain exactly what he finds and what makes sense for your situation.
01
Meniscus Repair
Tears in the outer, vascular zone can be sutured back together. Repair preserves the meniscus and protects long-term knee health. Recovery is longer (4–6 months) but the benefit is worth it.
02
Partial Meniscectomy
Tears in the inner zone (poor blood supply) can't heal even with sutures. The torn portion is trimmed arthroscopically. Recovery is faster — 4–6 weeks back to sport for many athletes.
03
Combined Repair
Meniscus tears often accompany ACL injuries. When possible, both are addressed in the same procedure — the repair is protected during ACL rehab and both heal together.
The procedure
Arthroscopic meniscus surgery — what to expect.
Meniscus surgery is performed arthroscopically through two small incisions. A camera guides the repair or trimming. Most procedures take 30–60 minutes as outpatient surgery — you go home the same day.
For repair procedures, sutures anchor the torn tissue back to its blood supply. For partial meniscectomy, only the unstable torn tissue is removed, preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible.
Evaluation & MRI review
Dr. Kelly reviews your imaging and examines tear pattern, location, and stability to determine whether repair or partial meniscectomy is appropriate.
Outpatient arthroscopy (~30–60 min)
Small incisions, camera, and instruments to repair or trim. Same-day discharge. Walking the same day with crutches if needed for repairs.
Early motion & strengthening
Physical therapy begins within days. Range of motion and quad strengthening are prioritized early to reduce swelling and restore function.
Return to sport
Partial meniscectomy: 4–8 weeks to sport. Repair: 4–6 months. Dr. Kelly tracks your progress and clears you based on strength and movement testing.
Why Dr. Kelly
"I've been the patient I now treat — I know what it takes to compete, and I know what it takes to get back."
Fellowship-trained at the University of Missouri, Dr. Kelly served as team physician for Division I programs including football, basketball, and baseball — treating the same injuries at the highest level of college athletics. He came home to the Tri-Cities to bring that same standard of care to every patient he sees.
Mizzou
D1 team physician — football, basketball, baseball. Highest-level sports medicine training.
Fellowship
Orthopedic sports medicine fellowship, University of Missouri. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
All-State
Three-sport All-State athlete at Pasco High — he understands what it means to compete and what it takes to return.
FAQ
Common questions about meniscus surgery.
Can a torn meniscus heal without surgery?
Small tears in the outer vascular zone of the meniscus can sometimes heal with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification. However, tears that cause locking, persistent catching, or pain with activity typically require arthroscopic treatment to resolve symptoms and prevent further damage.
How long is recovery from meniscus surgery?
Recovery depends on whether repair or partial meniscectomy is performed. Partial meniscectomy patients often return to sport in 4–8 weeks. Meniscus repair requires protection during healing — typically 4–6 months to full sport. Dr. Kelly will give you a specific timeline at your consultation.
What happens if a meniscus tear isn't treated?
Untreated meniscus tears can worsen over time with continued activity, and the ongoing instability accelerates cartilage wear, increasing the risk of early knee arthritis. Addressing the tear — whether surgically or with rehabilitation — is important for long-term joint health.
Does Dr. Kelly do meniscus surgery in Kennewick?
Yes. Dr. Kelly performs arthroscopic meniscus repair and partial meniscectomy at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick, WA, serving patients from Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the broader Tri-Cities area.
Knee pain keeping you sidelined?
Request a consultation with Dr. Kelly at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick, WA — serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding region.