Meniscus tear
Find an ortho specialistA meniscus tear is a common knee injury that affects the meniscus cartilage, a small pad that acts as a shock absorber. Athletes are at an especially high risk for a torn meniscus. A meniscus tear may also occur in older adults because your cartilage thins over time.
Our team of knee experts will first treat a meniscus tear using noninvasive treatments, like rest, medication and physical therapy. If those treatments do not work or work only temporarily, we’ll discuss meniscus surgery options with you so you can reduce knee pain and return to an active life.
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What is a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that affects the cartilage in your knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee.
Each knee has two menisci, one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus). A tear in this cartilage can cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving your knee.
Meniscus tears are quite common in conjunction with ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries. The ACL and meniscus are both key components of the knee joint, and due to their proximity and the mechanics of knee injuries, they are often damaged together.
A torn meniscus usually involves a twisting motion or a sudden stop, which can put stress on both the ACL and the meniscus. This is especially common in sports that involve pivoting, jumping or sudden changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball and skiing.
Types of meniscus tears
There are several types of meniscus tears that vary in type and severity:
- Radial tear: Occurs in the center of the meniscus and is common in athletes.
- Horizontal tear: The tear extends parallel to the top of the meniscus and is often seen in older adults.
- Flap tear: Creates a flap in the cartilage that can catch in the knee joint.
- Complex tear: This type combines several tear patterns and is typically seen in older individuals with degenerative knee conditions.
- Bucket-handle tear: Causes the meniscus to displace into the knee joint, often leading to the locking of the knee.
Causes of a meniscus tear
Meniscus tears can result from various activities and factors:
- Sports injuries: Sudden twists, pivots or impacts during sports can tear the meniscus.
- Aging: As you age, your meniscus becomes less flexible and more prone to tears.
- Degenerative conditions: Conditions like osteoarthritis can weaken the meniscus, making it more susceptible to tears.
- Trauma: Direct blows to the knee can also cause meniscus tears.
Can meniscus tears heal on their own?
Meniscus tears have limited ability to heal on their own due to the lack of blood supply to certain parts of the cartilage. Small tears on the outer edge of the meniscus may heal naturally because this area has a better blood supply. However, larger tears, especially those in the inner part, often require medical intervention for proper healing.
Meniscus tear symptoms
Knowing what to look for with a meniscus tear is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Knee pain: You may feel pain along the joint line of your knee.
- Swelling: Swelling often occurs within a few hours of the injury.
- Stiffness: Your knee may feel stiff and limit your range of motion.
- Locking: Your knee may lock or catch, making it difficult to straighten.
- Instability: You might feel like your knee is giving way or unable to support your weight.
Diagnosing a meniscus tear
To diagnose a meniscus tear, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may recommend imaging tests. Common imaging tests for a meniscus tear in the knee include an MRI or X-rays. While X-rays can't detect meniscus tears, they can rule out other issues like fractures.
Meniscus tear treatments
Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the type, location and severity of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. Common meniscus tear treatments include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): This initial treatment helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve stability.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical treatments for a meniscus tear
In some cases, especially for large or complex tears, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged part of the meniscus. There are a few options available depending on several factors, including:
- Knee arthroscopy: For this minimally invasive procedure, tiny incisions are made in the knee. Your surgeon will then use specialized instruments to trim and repair the meniscus. These procedures result in a more targeted surgery, so there is less damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Meniscus transplant surgery: Sometimes, when the meniscus is badly damaged, you may need to have it completely removed.
- Knee replacement surgery: If you’re an older adult who needs to have the meniscus completely removed, knee replacement surgery may be a good option for you.
Recovery from a meniscus tear
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the tear and the treatment you receive. With conservative treatment, you might recover in a few weeks. If you undergo surgery, recovery can take several months.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in your recovery, helping you regain strength and mobility. Following your doctor’s recommendations and attending all physical therapy sessions are critical for a full recovery.
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