Discuss meniscus treatment with Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an orthopaedics and traumatology specialist in Antalya. Explore non-surgical care, repair options and recovery.
Each knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These firm, flexible cartilage structures distribute pressure between the thigh bone and shin bone and help stabilise the joint.
A tear may follow a sudden twist or develop gradually as the tissue changes over time. Meniscus treatment aims to improve symptoms and function while preserving useful tissue wherever possible.
A tear does not automatically require an operation.
Symptoms That Need Assessment
A meniscus injury can cause pain along the knee joint, swelling, stiffness or discomfort when turning, squatting or climbing stairs. Some people experience catching, giving way or difficulty fully straightening the leg.
These symptoms can overlap with ligament injuries and arthritis, so pain alone cannot identify the cause.
A knee that becomes stuck and cannot straighten needs prompt assessment. Seek urgent care for inability to bear weight, severe pain after injury, or a hot, swollen knee with fever rather than waiting for an online enquiry.
Diagnosing a Meniscus Injury
Assessment starts with how symptoms began, any previous knee problems and which activities are affected. Examination checks joint tenderness, movement and stability.
MRI can show the tear and associated soft-tissue injuries. X-rays do not show the meniscus itself but may identify arthritis or other bone-related problems.
Imaging findings must be considered alongside symptoms and examination. The treatment decision depends on the tear’s pattern, location and stability, as well as the condition of the rest of the knee.
Meniscus Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many tears can be managed initially with activity adjustments, appropriate pain relief and physiotherapy. Rehabilitation works on knee movement, muscle strength and control during everyday activities.
For degenerative tears without a locked knee, exercise-based rehabilitation is generally preferred before considering surgery. Improvement in pain and function can occur without the tear itself healing completely.
Meniscus Repair
Repair joins suitable torn tissue with stitches so it can heal together. The likelihood of healing depends on blood supply, tissue quality and the shape and location of the tear.
Preserving the meniscus helps retain its cushioning role. Some acute, repairable tears benefit from early surgical assessment rather than an extended trial of non-surgical treatment.
Partial Meniscectomy
When an unstable, symptomatic fragment cannot be repaired, partial meniscectomy may be considered. This removes the damaged portion while retaining as much functioning meniscus as possible.
It differs from repair because tissue is trimmed rather than stitched. Surgery is not a routine solution for degenerative knee pain, and removing meniscal tissue can increase stress on the joint surfaces.
How Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery Works
Meniscus surgery is usually performed through arthroscopy, also called keyhole surgery. A small camera and instruments pass through incisions around the knee, allowing the surgeon to examine and treat the damage.
The findings help establish whether the tissue can be repaired or requires limited trimming. Discuss these possibilities before surgery, including how each would change rehabilitation.
Small incisions do not mean that the tissue inside the knee has recovered. The procedure performed determines the restrictions afterwards.
Recovery After Meniscus Treatment
After Partial Meniscectomy
Walking and movement may progress earlier after trimming than after repair. Crutches can help initially, while exercises address swelling, movement and strength.
Rehabilitation after uncomplicated partial meniscectomy often takes around three to six weeks. Existing arthritis, additional procedures and physical job demands can extend recovery.
After Meniscus Repair
Repair requires time for the stitched tissue to heal. A brace, crutches and temporary limits on weight-bearing or knee bending may be necessary, depending on the tear and repair.
Rehabilitation commonly takes three to six months, with some sports requiring longer. Returning to running or pivoting activities requires adequate strength and control as well as healing.
For either procedure, work and driving should resume according to clinical advice and the demands of the activity.
Risks and Treatment Limitations
Surgical risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain and injury to surrounding nerves or blood vessels. A repair may fail to heal or tear again, sometimes requiring further surgery.
Treating a meniscus tear does not reverse existing arthritis. The expected benefit should therefore reflect the whole knee, not only the appearance of the tear on a scan.
Meniscus Treatment Cost in Turkey
The proposed treatment determines the relevant costs. Assessment and physiotherapy involve different services from arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy.
For surgery, request a written breakdown of hospital care, anaesthesia, repair materials, medication and rehabilitation. Clarify whether imaging, braces and follow-up appointments are included.
Accommodation, transport and any additional treatment should be identified separately rather than assumed to form part of a package.
Bring existing imaging, reports and a record of previous treatment to your assessment. Before travelling, clarify the expected local stay and any support needed while using crutches.
Arrange how rehabilitation and follow-up will continue after you return home. Ask when flying is appropriate for your procedure and circumstances rather than booking around a generic recovery estimate.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
Some tears in areas with a better blood supply can heal without an operation. Other tears may remain structurally present while symptoms improve with rehabilitation.
Does Clicking Mean I Need Surgery?
Clicking alone does not establish the need for an operation. A knee that is physically locked and cannot straighten is a different problem requiring prompt assessment.
Is Meniscus Repair Better Than Trimming?
Repair is preferred when the tissue has a reasonable chance of healing and preservation is appropriate. However, not every tear can be repaired successfully.
Can I Walk After Meniscus Surgery?
Walking instructions depend on whether the meniscus was repaired or trimmed and whether other procedures were performed. Follow the weight-bearing plan provided rather than copying another patient’s recovery.
Can I Return to Sport?
Many patients return to sport after rehabilitation, but timing differs substantially between procedures. Clearance should consider pain, swelling, strength and movement control, not elapsed time alone.
The information on this page has been reviewed by Dr. Sançmış. It does not replace an individual medical consultation.
Enquiry
Ask About Meniscus Treatment
Contact Dr. Sançmış’s team about meniscus treatment in Turkey. Describe your symptoms, when they started and any previous assessment, imaging or physiotherapy.
1
Send your enquiry
Tell the team what you would like to discuss.
2
The team gets in touch
They explain the next steps and whether any reports or images are needed.
3
Orthopaedic assessment
Options are discussed with Dr. Sançmış once the relevant information is available.
