Meniscus Tear Treatment

Illustration of meniscus tear

Meniscus tear treatment focuses on addressing injuries to the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Meniscus tears are common, especially among athletes and individuals who engage in activities involving twisting motions or heavy lifting. Effective treatment is essential to alleviate pain, restore knee function, and prevent long-term complications.

 

A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage is damaged due to sudden twists, impacts, or degeneration over time. Symptoms of a meniscus tear can include:

  • Pain along the joint line
  • Swelling and stiffness in the knee
  • A sensation of the knee catching or locking
  • Difficulty fully extending or bending the knee

Who Needs Meniscus Tear Treatment?

Candidates for meniscus tear treatment typically include individuals who:

  • Experience persistent pain and swelling in the knee.
  • Have difficulty with daily activities due to knee instability or discomfort.
  • Wish to return to sports or high-impact activities.
  • Have not found relief from conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy.
A doctor showing specimen of meniscus tear

Procedure

  • Meniscectomy: Partial removal of the torn meniscus. This is typically performed arthroscopically and aims to relieve pain and restore knee function.
  • Meniscus Repair: In cases where the tear is located in a region with adequate blood supply, the surgeon may repair the meniscus rather than remove it, preserving the cartilage and promoting healing.
  • Meniscus Transplant: For patients with extensive meniscal damage, a transplant from a donor may be considered.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

  • Initial Rest: Using crutches or a brace to protect the knee for the first few weeks.
  • Physical Therapy: A personalized rehab program starts soon after surgery to improve range of motion, strength, and stability.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Depending on the type of procedure, patients may return to normal activities in 3 to 6 months.

About Dr. Saif Nabi Shah

I currently practice at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, where I’m the Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics.

My expertise covers Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Hip Replacement Surgery, Revision Surgeries, as well as Spinal Decompression & Fixation. To date, I’ve performed over 1500 joint replacement surgeries and more than 5000 orthopaedic surgeries.

 

Google Reviews

Pramod YadavPramod Yadav
10:27 12 Sep 24
Dr. Saif is very kindness and having good knowledge.Thanks to Dr Saif and entire team for operating surgery my Right hand shoulder
Neeraj SinghNeeraj Singh
05:44 12 Sep 24
Experience is very much excellentDr Saif sir and his all team person work is very excellent
farhan azmifarhan azmi
10:09 06 Aug 24
ashrita lalashrita lal
11:09 01 Aug 24
Thank you so much Sir.
Shilpi guptaShilpi gupta
05:12 17 Jul 24
Dear Dr. SaifThanks for the great care after my Mother TKR surgery! Your expertise and support have made a huge difference in my Mother recovery. pain-free and regaining strength. Appreciate your guidance and would highly recommend you to others.
Faizan RizviFaizan Rizvi
05:48 01 Jun 24
Dr. Saif N Shah and his team was kind. He listened to my concerns, and I greatly appreciated him walking me through every step of my forearm surgery I received. I felt confident with his treatment plan and would highly recommend him to other patients.
Rameshwar SinghRameshwar Singh
10:28 31 May 24
Dr Saif N Shah with his team is best doctor for orthopedic surgery. I was very much worried about my daughter's surgery but Dr Saif explained in detail the surgery procedure in very polite manner . After surgery I am very satisfied. Thanks to Dr Saif and team to perform pre and Post surgery care. I also appreciate the works and care of nursing and patients support staff at medanta specially supporting staff Mrs Geeta. She is very caring. Thanks to Dr Saif and his team .
Ashish ShuklaAshish Shukla
10:39 18 May 24
Dr. Saif isn't just a great doctor, He's a great human being, consciously doesn't write unnecessary tests, even tells u not to visit unnecessarily. In this day and age coming across an individual like him is a blessing in itself, Add his medical expertise on top of it and u get a justification for why doctors are often compared with God.He handled my implant removal with utmost care and responsibility. I wish there were more doctors and in general more humans like Dr. Saif. Thank you sir !
Aradhna PrakashAradhna Prakash
06:17 02 Apr 24
Dr Saif is an excellent surgeon! The way he handles his cases is really impressive. He has a very clear line of thought. He very adeptly tackles the treatment process and understands not just the pain caused by injury but also by the surgery. Thank you Dr Saif and the whole team at Medanta Lucknow for taking such good care of me.
js_loader

Don’t let pain hold you back. 

Specialitiy

Tags

OPD Hours

Monday - Friday 9.00 - 17.00
Saturday 9.00 - 17.00

Experience

Years of Working 22+
Joint Replacement Surgeries 2000+
Othopedic Sugeries 6000+

FAQ

The best treatment for meniscus tears depends on the severity and location of the tear, as well as the patient's activity level and overall health. Non-surgical options, such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and bracing, are effective for mild to moderate tears. For more severe cases, surgical options like meniscectomy or meniscus repair may be recommended. Consulting with an orthopedic specialist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Walking can be beneficial for meniscus tears, but it depends on the severity of the injury. For mild tears, gentle walking can help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness. However, if you experience significant pain or instability while walking, it may be advisable to limit activity and consult a healthcare professional. Using supportive footwear or a knee brace can also help provide stability during recovery.

Yes, many individuals can fully recover from a meniscus tear, especially with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Recovery outcomes depend on factors such as the type of tear, treatment method, and adherence to a rehabilitation program. While some people may experience lingering discomfort or limitations, most can return to their normal activities, including sports, after proper care and rehabilitation.

Blog

Testimonials