The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone) within the knee. When they are torn they will usually cause sharp pain in the side or back of the knee. This is usually associated with swelling of the knee. It will often be difficult to fully bend the knee and squatting, twisting or turning may result in those sharp pains. In young patients meniscal tears will usually require surgery to settle the pain. In older individuals with arthritic knees degenerative tears may not need surgery and this is best discussed with your surgeon.
Meniscal tears are usually excised via a knee arthroscopy. This is a day case procedure, whereby you are able to walk out of hospital the same day. Your knee will be uncomfortable and swollen for about one week. Return to work depends on your occupation and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Repair of Meniscal tears
In young patients with large peripheral meniscal tears repair is sometimes possible. When successful this decreases the chance of later degeneration in the knee. Rehabilitation following arthroscopic meniscal repair is slower than after simple arthroscopic removal of a tear. The exact rehab will depend on the anatomy of the tear and will be discussed with you by your surgeon.
