How long can i wait to have my meniscal cartilage surgery after i've been diagnosed?

It depends...: Whether you need surgery or not depends on what are your symptoms, the type and location of the meniscal tear. Typically, surgery is indicated sooner than later if you have significant mechanical symptoms (like catching, locking, giving way, and swelling), if you are a young patient, and most importantly, if your pain and disability precludes you from walking or other activities.

It depends...: If its a peripheral tear, one that occurs in the outer third of the mensicus, it can be repaired and should be as soon as possible so it doesn't enlarge. If its small, invlves the inner two thirds, and is minimally symptomatic, you can wait and see if its going to be an ongoing problem. If it isn't then the tear doesn't require surgery.

Forever: The decision to proceed with elective surgery is yours to make after evaluating recommendations from your orthopaedic surgeon.