Meniscus Tear Treatment

At New York Spine and Sports Surgery, we provide advanced care for meniscus tears, helping patients recover from knee pain, instability, and restricted movement. Whether the injury results from sports, physical activity, or degenerative changes, we tailor treatments to meet individual needs, ensuring a successful recovery and a return to an active lifestyle.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. A tear in the meniscus occurs when this cartilage is damaged due to twisting, sudden impact, or natural wear and tear. This is one of the most common knee injuries, affecting people of all ages.

Types of Meniscus Tears

• Radial Tear: Occurs in the middle of the meniscus.
• Horizontal Tear: Splits the meniscus along its curve.
• Flap Tear: A piece of the meniscus becomes loose, creating a flap.
• Bucket Handle Tear: A large portion of the meniscus tears and flips into the joint.
• Degenerative Tear: Common in older adults, caused by cartilage breakdown over time.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

• Knee Pain: Especially when twisting or rotating the joint.
• Swelling and Stiffness: Often within hours of the injury.
• Catching or Locking: The knee may feel stuck during movement.
• Limited Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
• Instability: Feeling like the knee might give out.

Diagnosing a Meniscus Tear

Our specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose meniscus tears:

1. Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
2. McMurray Test: Rotational stress is applied to the knee to detect tears.
3. Imaging Tests: MRI scans provide detailed views of the meniscus and confirm the diagnosis.

Meniscus Tear Treatment Options

Our goal is to relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent further complications. Depending on the severity and location of the tear, we offer non-surgical and surgical options.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce swelling and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening surrounding muscles to stabilize the knee.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Alleviating pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Providing temporary relief for inflammation and discomfort.

Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

  • Minimally invasive procedure to stitch and repair the torn cartilage.
  • Suitable for younger patients and tears in the outer edge of the meniscus (vascular area).

• Meniscectomy

  • Partial or complete removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  • Ideal for tears in the avascular (non-blood-supplied) region of the meniscus.

• Meniscus Transplant

  • Replacing the damaged meniscus with donor tissue in severe cases.
  • Recommended for patients with significant cartilage loss and no arthritis.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery process depends on the treatment option chosen:

1. Non-Surgical Recovery

   • Gradual improvement with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
   • Typical recovery time: 4-6 weeks.

2. Surgical Recovery

   • Meniscus Repair: Recovery takes 3-6 months with weight-bearing restrictions initially.
   • Meniscectomy: Recovery is quicker, typically 4-6 weeks.
   • Physical Therapy: Essential to regain strength, mobility, and stability.

Preventing Meniscus Tears