The menisci (singular: meniscus) are semicircular shock-absorbing pads of fibrocartilage within the knee that protect the smooth articular cartilage surfaces, provide structural support, and disperse the weight of the body over a larger area. A meniscus is most often torn in one of two ways, either traumatically or due to degeneration. Traumatic tears typically occur following a single twisting episode…

Not all painful meniscal tears need surgery. The symptoms of pain generally will improve slowly over time, but may recur or worsen with activity. Some tears will go on to cause chronic pain, while others resolve almost completely. Non-operative treatment options include activity modification, elimination of painful activities, ice, compression, anti-inflammatory medications, rehab, and injections. Small meniscal tears without mechanical…

The patient with a meniscal tear that is likely to benefit from surgery more than conservative care is one who developed the onset of symptoms acutely, does not have any arthritis, and who has painful mechanical symptoms of catching or locking. Surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed arthroscopically, typically through two small “poke-hole” incisions. During the arthroscopy, all…