How effective is knee arthroscopy for meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear can be traumatic or related to gradual changes in the knee. During arthroscopy, a surgeon uses small instruments to inspect the joint and may repair the tear or trim unstable tissue, depending on its location and blood supply. Surgery may be less useful when pain mainly reflects widespread joint wear rather than a repairable, unstable tear. Examination and imaging help connect the scan finding with your actual symptoms.

Discuss the tear pattern, locking or catching, swelling, knee alignment and the condition of the joint with an orthopaedic surgeon. Many people first use a tailored programme of activity changes, strength work and movement retraining when there is no urgent mechanical problem. If surgery is chosen, ask whether repair or partial removal is planned, how weight-bearing will be managed, and what rehabilitation milestones guide a return to work or sport.

Seek urgent assessment if the knee is locked and cannot fully straighten, looks deformed, becomes rapidly swollen after injury, or you cannot bear weight. After arthroscopy, contact the surgical team for increasing redness, wound discharge, fever, worsening calf swelling, chest symptoms or pain that is difficult to control. A brace or pain relief should not mask a new change in function.

Ask whether the tear is repairable, what improvement is realistic, and what non-surgical option remains reasonable. Clarify the planned procedure, anaesthesia, restrictions, physiotherapy schedule, warning signs and the expected route back to your usual activities.