What are the treatment options for meniscus tear?

The menisci are crescent-shaped pads that help distribute load and guide movement in the knee. A tear can follow a twist or develop in tissue that has become less flexible over time. Pain, swelling, clicking, or catching may occur; a clinical examination helps distinguish a meniscus problem from other knee conditions.

Physiotherapy can address swelling, knee movement, thigh strength, balance, and the activities that provoke symptoms. Some people use a period of modified loading and then build activity gradually. A clinician considers locking, instability, pain, tear location, age of the tissue, and goals when discussing next steps.

Knee arthroscopy uses small instruments to inspect and treat the joint. Meniscus repair aims to preserve and stitch suitable tissue, while partial meniscectomy trims unstable damaged tissue when repair is not appropriate. Each choice has different rehabilitation demands, so the surgeon should explain the expected restrictions and follow-up.

Seek assessment if knee pain and swelling continue after a twist, or if clicking is accompanied by catching or loss of movement. Urgent review is needed for a locked knee, inability to bear weight after injury, marked deformity, a hot red joint with fever, or a cold or numb foot.

Where is the tear and is it suitable for repair? Could rehabilitation address my current symptoms? What does the scan show that changes management? If surgery is proposed, how do repair and partial meniscectomy differ in recovery and activity restrictions?