When is knee arthroscopy recommended for a meniscus tear?

The choice depends on the tear's location and pattern, your symptoms, examination findings, activity needs, and whether the knee is stable. Some tears settle with activity modification, pain relief, and physiotherapy. Arthroscopy uses small instruments to inspect the joint and may repair the meniscus or trim damaged tissue when that is appropriate. An operation is not selected from an imaging report alone.

Record when pain, swelling, catching, or giving way occurs, including whether it follows a twist or sport. Bring scan reports if available and describe what rehabilitation has tried. Until assessed, reduce movements that trigger sharp pain, use the agreed exercises, and avoid forcing a locked knee. If surgery is proposed, ask whether repair or preservation of meniscus tissue is possible and what recovery would involve.

Get prompt medical assessment if the knee is locked and cannot fully straighten, becomes very swollen after an injury, or you cannot bear weight. Seek review for fever with a hot, swollen knee or worsening pain. These features need assessment rather than waiting for a routine surgical discussion.

Ask what type of tear is present, whether physiotherapy remains reasonable, what procedure is being considered, and how return to work, walking, and sport would be staged.