While Boston Celtics fans hope for a quick return to the court for recently signed forward Danilo Gallinari, we will all have to wait and see what surgical approach is taken before we learn how long he will be sidelined. In some cases part of the meniscus is removed, which tends to be bad long term, but allows a player to return much quicker to the court. That's what happened with Robert Williams and why he ended up being able to return in the playoffs.
Sometimes the decision on whether to repair the meniscus or take part of it out isn't determined until surgery is being performed.