Frequently Asked Questions – Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tears can result from sports injuries or age-related wear. These FAQs cover symptoms, non-surgical care, arthroscopic options and recovery expectations.

Answers below are for education and do not replace a personal orthopaedic consultation.

The menisci are two crescent-shaped structures between the thighbone and shinbone that help distribute load and absorb shock. A tear can occur from twisting, sports injuries or age-related degeneration.

Pain, swelling, clicking, catching, difficulty bending or straightening the knee and tenderness along the joint line are common symptoms.

Yes. Some meniscus tears can improve with activity modification, physiotherapy and appropriate non-operative treatment, particularly when there is no significant locking or persistent functional limitation.

No. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tear, symptoms, age, activity level and associated knee problems.

Clinical examination is important. MRI is commonly used when imaging is required because it provides detailed information about the meniscus and other knee structures.

A degenerative meniscus tear develops gradually as the meniscus changes with age and may occur together with knee osteoarthritis rather than from one specific injury.

An acute tear usually occurs following an identifiable injury such as twisting the knee during sports, a fall or sudden rotation.

Patients may describe pain on one side of the knee, swelling, clicking, catching or a sensation that something is moving inside the joint.

A true locked knee means the knee cannot fully bend or straighten because something is mechanically blocking movement. This requires prompt orthopaedic assessment.

Yes. Physiotherapy can improve muscle strength, knee movement, coordination and function and may be appropriate for many meniscus injuries.

Meniscus repair is a procedure in which the surgeon preserves the torn meniscus and uses sutures or other techniques to allow the tissue to heal.

When a tear is suitable for repair, preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible is generally preferred because the meniscus contributes to load distribution and knee function.

Meniscectomy is the surgical removal of the unstable or irreparable portion of a torn meniscus. Surgeons generally aim to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible.

Yes. Meniscus repair and partial meniscectomy are commonly performed using arthroscopic techniques.

The duration varies depending on the type and complexity of the tear and whether other procedures such as ACL reconstruction are performed at the same time.

Walking restrictions depend on whether the meniscus was repaired or partially removed and on the specific surgical findings. Your surgeon will provide an individual weight-bearing plan.

Meniscus repair generally requires a longer rehabilitation period than a simple partial meniscectomy because the repaired tissue needs time to heal.

Meniscal damage and loss of meniscal tissue can contribute to increased stress on the knee and may be associated with future degenerative changes. Preserving healthy meniscus is therefore an important treatment goal.

Some exercises may be safe, but activities involving deep twisting, pivoting or loaded squatting may aggravate symptoms. Exercise should be tailored to the injury and symptoms.

Persistent pain, recurrent swelling, mechanical symptoms, knee locking, inability to return to normal activities or symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment warrant an orthopaedic evaluation.

If knee pain, instability or swelling is affecting your daily life, book a consultation with Dr. Tushar Nayak for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.