I am having a torn meniscus surgery next month. Just had my appointment with my doctor going over all of the rehab, etc. last Friday.
If he is getting the tear repaired, the healing process will take longer as to not rush back and re-tear open the repaired meniscus. This is generally done when the tear is on the outer edge of the meniscus. If the tear is in the center or middle of the meniscus, they usually just have to cut the tear clean off, so the torn cartilage isn't snagging and ripping against the knee (which is what causes meniscus tear pain, not the tear itself)
If they cut it clean, the regular recovery is between 1-2 weeks, but probably won't be fully ready for a week following the "recovery period". So my guess would be 2 weeks at the least, if they cut the tear off, and more like 4-5 weeks if they repair it completely.
Dr. srjclone, out.