Question 1

What is the meniscus?

Accepted Answer

The meniscus is C-shaped cartilage in your knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. You have two in each knee - medial (inside) and lateral (outside). It's made of tough fibrocartilage that cushions and distributes load across the knee joint. When torn, it can cause pain, catching, and knee problems.

Question 2

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

Depends on location. Tears in the outer third (red zone with blood supply) may heal with rest and physiotherapy, especially if small. Tears in the inner two-thirds (white zone without blood supply) cannot heal on their own - they have no blood supply. However, many people's symptoms improve with physiotherapy even though the tear doesn't heal, as surrounding muscles compensate.

Question 3

Do I need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone needs surgery. Try physiotherapy first for 6-12 weeks unless you have a locked knee (cannot straighten). Surgery more likely needed if: young with acute traumatic tear, persistent mechanical symptoms (locking/catching), failed physiotherapy trial. Less likely needed if: over 40 with degenerative tear, minimal symptoms, arthritis already present. Research shows physiotherapy works as well as surgery for degenerative tears in middle-aged people.

Question 4

What's the difference between meniscus repair and trimming (meniscectomy)?

Accepted Answer

Repair stitches the tear back together, preserving the meniscus (reduces future arthritis but 3-6 month recovery). Meniscectomy trims away the torn part (faster 4-6 week recovery but loses meniscus tissue permanently, higher arthritis risk long-term). Repair preferred when possible in young, active people with suitable tears. Meniscectomy used for most tears as only 10-20% are repairable.

Question 5

Will I get arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Risk increases after meniscus tear. Having meniscus removed (meniscectomy) significantly increases arthritis risk over 10-20 years - about 50-70% develop some arthritis. This is why repair is preferred when possible. Even with intact meniscus, the initial tear and any associated cartilage damage increases arthritis risk. Early surgery to preserve meniscus gives best chance of minimizing arthritis.

Medical Disclaimer

Meniscus Tears (Torn Cartilage in Knee)

📖What is Meniscus Tears (Torn Cartilage in Knee)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention