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Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury, often caused by forcefully twisting or bending the knee. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the thigh bone and shin bone, distributes weight across the joint, and adds stability. Many tears improve with conservative care, and arthroscopic surgery can repair or remove damaged tissue when needed.

What Is A Meniscus Tear?

Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. These rubbery, C-shaped cushions absorb shock and help keep the knee stable.
 
Tears can be traumatic, from a sudden twist during sports, or degenerative, from age-related weakening of the cartilage. Pain is usually felt on the inner or outer side of the knee, depending on which meniscus is torn. Meniscus tears often occur together with ligament injuries and can contribute to osteoarthritis over time.

Treatments For Meniscus Tears

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the tear, and on the patient's age, health, and activity level. Not all tears need surgery.

Non-surgical care

Surgical options

Rehabilitation through physical therapy is important after surgery to restore knee strength and mobility.

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How a Meniscus Tear is Diagnosed

Diagnosis combines a medical history, including how the injury happened and any previous knee problems, with a physical examination for swelling, tenderness, instability, range of motion, and special tests for the meniscus. X-rays show bone abnormalities, while MRI provides detailed images of the meniscus and other soft tissues. Occasionally, arthroscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tear.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Meniscus tear diagram showing the lateral and medial meniscus and a vertical tear

What Causes A Meniscus Tear?

Meniscus tears are typically caused by forceful twisting or bending of the knee, or by age-related degeneration. Common causes include:

Pivoting sports

Sudden twists and cuts in soccer, basketball, football, and tennis.

Deep squatting or kneeling

Loads the back of the meniscus.

Direct injury

A tackle or collision, often with ligament damage.

Age-related degeneration

Weakened cartilage can tear with ordinary movement.

Excess body weight

Increases load on the menisci.

Osteoarthritis

Arthritic knees are more prone to degenerative tears.

Repair Or Meniscectomy?

When surgery is needed, the surgeon either saves the meniscus or removes the torn portion, depending on the tear.

Meniscus repair

Saves the tissue

The torn edges are stitched together

  • Best for tears in the outer edge, which has blood supply.
  • Often preferred for younger, active patients.
  • Longer recovery while the tissue heals.

Meniscectomy

Trims the tear

The torn portion is removed

  • Used for tears that cannot heal, often degenerative ones.
  • Relieves catching and locking.
  • A shorter recovery; see meniscectomy.

Both are usually performed arthroscopically, through small incisions, as outpatient procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a tear in one of the two C-shaped cartilage cushions between the thigh bone and shin bone. It is one of the most common knee injuries.

How do meniscus tears happen?

In younger people they usually follow a forceful twist or pivot of a bent knee during sports. In older adults, the meniscus weakens with age and can tear with everyday movements such as squatting.

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

Some small tears, especially in the outer edge of the meniscus where there is blood supply, can heal or become symptom-free with conservative care. Tears in the inner portion have limited ability to heal.

Does a meniscus tear need surgery?

Not always. Small or stable tears are often managed with rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy. Larger tears, or tears that cause locking, may need arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim the damaged tissue.

What is the difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy?

A meniscus repair stitches the torn edges together so they can heal. A meniscectomy trims away the torn portion. The choice depends on the tear's location, pattern, and the patient's age and activity level.

Why does my knee lock or catch?

A loose flap of torn meniscus can get caught in the joint, causing the knee to lock, catch, or be unable to straighten fully. Persistent locking usually needs evaluation.

How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?

A physical examination with special tests, a history of the injury, and MRI usually confirm the diagnosis. X-rays show bone problems but not the meniscus itself.

How long is recovery after meniscus surgery?

Recovery after arthroscopic meniscectomy is often a few weeks. Recovery after a meniscus repair is longer, because the tissue needs time to heal. Physical therapy restores strength and mobility. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms Of A Meniscus Tear

Not all meniscus tears cause every symptom, and some cause very mild symptoms. Common signs include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, worse with twisting.
  • Swelling that develops soon after the injury.
  • Stiffness, especially in the first few days.
  • Locking or catching, or difficulty fully straightening the knee.
  • A pop or click at the time of injury, and difficulty bearing weight.
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Related Conditions

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

When A Meniscus Tear Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the knee compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Prompt treatment of a meniscus tear helps prevent further injury, and arthroscopic surgery means smaller incisions and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Prompt care to protect the knee

    Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent further injury and promote healing.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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