Knee Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a cushion, absorbing shock and helping to stabilise the joint. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries that can occur suddenly due to trauma or develop gradually over time due to wear and tear. When the meniscus is torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee, affecting everyday activities such as walking, squatting, or climbing stairs. Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and can range from conservative methods to surgical intervention for more severe cases.

What Causes a Meniscus Tear?

Meniscus tears can occur due to sudden traumatic injury or gradual degeneration over time. The causes of meniscus tears include:

Trauma or injury – A sudden twisting or pivoting motion, often during sports or an accident, can tear the meniscus.
Degenerative changes – As people age, the meniscus naturally weakens, and small tears can develop over time due to repetitive stress or regular use.
Repetitive movements – Activities that involve heavy lifting, deep squatting, or sudden changes in direction (e.g. certain sports or physical labour) can increase the risk of a tear.
Previous knee injuries – Individuals who have previously injured their knee are at greater risk of further meniscus damage.
Osteoarthritis – A condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, leading to increased strain on the meniscus.

Meniscus Tear Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of a knee meniscus tear include:

Sharp pain in the knee, often occurring during twisting movements or physical activity
Swelling around the knee joint, especially within the first few hours after injury
Difficulty fully straightening the knee, ‘locking up’ or limited range of motion
Clicking or popping sounds when moving the knee
Instability or a feeling that the knee may give way during certain activities
Tenderness along the joint line of the knee

Meniscus Tear Diagnosis

To diagnose a meniscus tear, Mr Soong Chua and his team begin by gathering the patient’s medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. This will be undertaken with simple tests, such as observing the patient’s ability to walk, and monitoring the swelling in the area.

Imaging tests, particularly MRI scans, provide detailed images of the knee’s soft tissues and allow Mr Chua to assess the severity of the tear and any associated damage to other structures in the knee. Based on the findings, a tailored treatment plan will be developed to address the tear and associated symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many knee meniscus tears can be effectively treated without surgery, particularly in cases where the tear is small or located in the outer portion of the meniscus (where blood supply is better and healing is more likely). Non-surgical treatments may include:

Rest, ice, compress, and elevate the knee (R.I.C.E) straight after pain is felt to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Physiotherapy to improve knee strength and flexibility and support healing
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Activity modification to avoid high-impact activities that could exacerbate the tear.
Knee braces or supports to stabilise the joint during recovery

Surgery for Meniscus Tears

For more severe tears, or when conservative measures fail to provide relief, meniscus tear surgery may be necessary. The type of surgery recommended depends on factors such as the location and size of the tear, the patient’s age, and their overall knee health. The main surgical options are:

Partial Meniscectomy – This procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the meniscus. It is often recommended for tears that cannot be repaired, especially if the tear is in the inner part of the meniscus, where blood supply is limited.
Meniscus Repair – In this procedure, the torn meniscus is stitched back together to promote healing. This option is preferred for younger patients and those with tears in areas where the blood supply is good.
Meniscus Transplantation – For patients who have lost most of their meniscus, a meniscus transplant may be an option.

Knee Arthroscopy

FAQs

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
In some cases, minor tears, especially those located on the outer part of the meniscus, can heal with rest, physical therapy, and non-surgical treatments. However, more severe tears or those located in areas with poor blood supply may require surgical intervention.
How long does it take to recover from meniscus surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. A partial meniscectomy may have a quicker recovery time, with patients often returning to normal activities within 4-6 weeks. A meniscus repair typically requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation to allow for healing.
Can I return to sports after a meniscus tear?
With proper treatment, many patients are able to return to their normal activities, including sports. However, the timeline for returning to high-impact activities depends on the type of tear and the treatment used. Mr Chua will provide a personalised recovery plan to help you regain strength and mobility safely.