What is the meniscus?
Each knee has two C-shaped cartilage cushions, the medial and lateral meniscus, which absorb shock and help the joint glide smoothly. A meniscus can tear during a twisting injury, or gradually with age-related wear.
Common symptoms
- Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
- Swelling after activity
- Catching, clicking or locking of the knee
- Difficulty squatting, sitting cross-legged or using the toilet in a squatting position
Treatment options
Small or degenerative tears often improve with rest, medication and physiotherapy. Tears that cause mechanical locking, or that happen in younger patients, may need arthroscopic surgery. Wherever possible the surgeon repairs the meniscus with stitches to preserve it; if a torn flap cannot heal, only the damaged part is trimmed.
Recovery
After trimming (partial meniscectomy), most people walk the same day and resume routine activity within a few weeks. After a repair, a brace and a slower rehabilitation plan protect the stitches while they heal.
This page explains the treatment in general terms. Whether it is right for you is decided only after an examination and review of your X-ray or MRI.