Torn lateral meniscus, should i have meniscectomy or meniscus repair?

Depends: If a repair is possible, that would typically be best. The meniscus is a shock absorber inside the knee, and with removal or meniscectomy, there is greater risk for arthritis. Every tear however cannot be repaired, and the tear pattern, location of tear, quality of tissue, and expectations of the patient need to be considered. There will be restrictions after surgery if the meniscus is repaired.

Depends: In young person (less than 40) meniscal repair preferred if possible. It has important function helping to distribute load in knee and protect cartilage over ends of bone. However depends entirely on character of tear as some tears simply not repairable. Blood supply of meniscus also somewhat precarious and therefore tearing in some areas has low probablity of healing.