Meniscal Tears

What is a Meniscal Tear?

The menisci are two C-shaped discs of cartilage that sit between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in each knee. They act as shock absorbers, distribute load across the joint, and contribute to stability and smooth movement. A meniscal tear is a disruption of this cartilage, and is one of the most common knee injuries.

Tears vary in pattern, location, and cause. Their position matters: the outer portion of the meniscus has a blood supply and some capacity to heal, while the inner portion has little blood supply and limited healing potential. This influences whether a tear may be repaired or is better treated another way.

Causes

Meniscal tears generally fall into two groups:

• Traumatic tears — caused by a specific injury, often a twisting movement on a planted foot, common in sport. These can occur at any age and sometimes accompany other injuries such as an ACL tear.
• Degenerative tears — occurring in cartilage that has weakened with age, sometimes with little or no clear injury. These are more common in older adults and often coexist with early arthritis.

Symptoms

• Pain along the joint line, often on one side of the knee
• Swelling, which may develop over hours to a day after injury
• Mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or the knee locking
• A feeling that the knee may give way
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the history of injury and a clinical examination, including specific tests that load the meniscus. MRI is the most useful investigation for confirming a tear and characterising its size, pattern, and location, as well as identifying any associated injuries. X-rays may be used to assess for arthritis or other bony causes of symptoms.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of tear, its location and stability, your symptoms, age, activity level, and the condition of the rest of the knee.

Non-surgical treatment

Many tears, particularly degenerative ones, settle with non-surgical management:

• Activity modification and a period of relative rest
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication
• Physiotherapy to restore strength and movement
• Injections in selected cases

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be considered for tears causing persistent mechanical symptoms (such as locking) or that have not responded to non-surgical care. This is typically performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) and, depending on the tear, may involve either repairing the meniscus or trimming the torn portion. The most appropriate option will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Recovery

Recovery depends heavily on the type of surgery. Trimming a tear generally allows a relatively quick return to activity, while a meniscal repair requires a more protected and gradual rehabilitation to allow the cartilage to heal, often with restrictions on weight-bearing and movement in the early weeks. Your specific recovery plan will be guided by the procedure performed and your individual progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a meniscal tear heal on its own?

Some tears, particularly small ones in the outer region with a blood supply, can settle or heal with non-surgical treatment. Tears in the inner portion have limited healing capacity. Whether a tear is likely to heal depends on its location, pattern, and your individual circumstances.

Do all meniscal tears need surgery?

No. Many tears, especially degenerative ones, improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, and medication. Surgery is generally reserved for tears causing persistent mechanical symptoms or that have not responded to non-surgical care.

What is the difference between a meniscal repair and a trim?

A repair stitches the torn cartilage back together so it can heal, preserving meniscal tissue but requiring a longer, more protected recovery. A trim (partial meniscectomy) removes the damaged portion, allowing a quicker recovery but removing some cartilage. Which is appropriate depends on the tear and the condition of the knee.

Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general patient education and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your individual circumstances, health history, and imaging. Outcomes from treatment vary between patients and cannot be guaranteed. If you have concerns about your knee health, please contact Dr Slattery’s rooms to arrange a consultation.