Katja Burkard after meniscus surgery: Pain-free and ready for new paths!
Katja Burkard, RTL presenter, was operated on on June 24th, 2025 in Cologne for meniscus problems and reports a positive healing process.

Katja Burkard after meniscus surgery: Pain-free and ready for new paths!
A look at recent events shows that Katja Burkard, the popular RTL presenter, had to undergo surgery for meniscus problems. The interventions took place in a Cologne hospital. Burkard shared on her Instagram profile that, fortunately, she did not experience any pain, swelling or need for crutches after the operation. She emphasized how important your own health is and that you should listen to your body.
The problems with her knee began in February when she was sitting cross-legged for an hour signing books. This activity caused her pain right from the start. What's more, she went skiing afterwards, which led to further knee problems. Ultimately, Burkard had no choice but to undergo months of conservative therapy before surgery became necessary. The meniscus, an important shock absorber in the knee joint, is particularly susceptible to injuries caused by unfortunate movements such as bending or twisting, which can often occur during sports, especially skiing, as explained
Meniscus tear is a common knee injury
A torn meniscus is an injury to the cartilaginous structures in the knee that are responsible for cushioning between the shinbone and femur. The medial meniscus in particular is often damaged, which can be caused by a variety of causes, including violent twisting or sudden movements. Typical symptoms include stabbing knee pain, swelling and limited mobility. As diverse as the causes are, the treatment is also extensive, ranging from conservative therapies to surgical interventions.
Various techniques are used during meniscus surgery. The most common are meniscus sutures for fresh tears and partial meniscus removal, which is necessary if tears cannot be repaired. Healing after meniscus surgery can take varying amounts of time. As can be read on knie-marathon.de, the type of tear and the respective surgical method play a decisive role in the duration of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation and return to activity
Rehabilitation after meniscus surgery is crucial for a return to normality and can vary greatly depending on the situation. While it is often possible to return to gentle sports after a partial meniscus removal after just a few days, a meniscus suture requires more time. It is advisable to protect the knee for at least 3 to 6 weeks before becoming active again. The use of crutches and, if necessary, a knee orthosis may be necessary to support healing and relieve pressure on the knee.
Factors such as the patient's fitness level, diet and possible smoking can influence the healing process. It is therefore advisable to obtain comprehensive information about the rehabilitation process and to actively participate in your own recovery. A positive attitude and mental preparation are also crucial to making rehabilitation successful.
In conclusion, Katja Burkard is a role model for how important it is to listen to your body and act in a timely manner. Her open way of sharing the challenges and progress in her health situation could encourage many people to also pay attention to their health.