Knee operation $3000 vs 9-12 month wait?

The MRI of my left knee shows a torn meniscus - it could have been torn for years. Since most of the meniscus doesn't have a blood supply it will never heal. The can do keyhole surgery and trim the torn part off which will stop it sticking into the joint causing pain. It won't change my chronic sore knees (chondromalacia) - but should stop the acute pain episodes. Since I only have public hospital cover I can wait 9-12 months and get it free or pay ~$3000 and have it done almost immediately. It's day surgery and I should be able to walk immediately.