Hi hypen,
Meniscal tear treatment has improved dramatically over the past decades
history lesson
a successful meniscus repair should allow a patient to return to competitive sport, but the rehab process is more complicated than the meniscectomy (cut off the torn bit). Meniscectomy (pretty much the standard treatment up until the 1980's) increases the risk of premature arthritis and total knee replacement compared to conservative management or meniscal repair.
decision making process here
Essentially it is to the long term benefit to repair the meniscus rather then resect it.
Repair is becoming more common as the importance of the meniscus is recognised, the surgical instruments improved, the training of surgeons improved and the importance of both allowing healing to occur as well as having a structured rehab program following surgery.
I am only speaking generally, I have no inside information on the actual injury sustained or the surgery conducted.