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Meniscus

 

What is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts like a shock absorber between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). Each knee has two menisci – one on the inner side (medial) and one on the outer side (lateral). A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged, often due to twisting injuries during sports or even simple activities like squatting or getting up from a chair.

Meniscus tears vary in size and location. Some heal on their own, while others require surgical treatment to restore knee function and prevent long-term joint damage.

Treatment Options

When surgery is needed, Dr. Jazayeri will choose between meniscus repair and partial meniscectomy, depending on the tear pattern, location, and tissue quality. The goal is always to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible.

1. Meniscus Repair

Meniscus repair involves stitching the torn edges back together to allow natural healing. This option is generally used when the tear is located in the outer third of the meniscus, where there is good blood supply.

Benefits of Meniscus Repair:

  • Preserves native meniscus tissue, which helps protect the joint long-term

  • Better outcomes for joint health and prevention of arthritis

  • Preferred option for younger, active individuals

Recovery Time:

  • Longer recovery: typically 4-6 months

  • No weight-bearing for several weeks post-op to allow the repair to heal

  • A brace may be required for the first few weeks

Important Considerations:

  • Not all tears are repairable — factors include tear location, shape, and tissue quality

  • Patients must follow postoperative instructions closely to protect the repair

  • Long-term benefits outweigh the longer initial recovery period

meniscus knee anatomy graphic

meniscus anatomy

knee meniscus

2. Partial Meniscectomy

When repair isn’t possible, a partial meniscectomy is performed. This involves trimming and removing the damaged portion of the meniscus while leaving as much healthy cartilage as possible.

Benefits of Partial Meniscectomy:

  • Shorter recovery: most patients return to regular activity within 4-6 weeks

  • Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime

  • Pain relief and improved knee mechanics in the short term

Important Considerations:

  • Does not restore the full meniscus function

  • Increased risk of long-term cartilage wear and arthritis compared to repair

  • Best suited for older patients or tears in the inner (non-vascular) zone of the meniscus

What Happens Next?

Dr. Jazayeri will evaluate your MRI, knee exam, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment. During surgery, the decision to repair or remove part of the meniscus is made based on the appearance and health of the tissue.

Key Takeaway:

  • Meniscus Repair is preferred whenever possible and offers long-term protection of the joint, but it requires a longer recovery.

  • Partial Meniscectomy provides faster recovery for non-repairable tears but may carry long-term joint health trade-offs.

 

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY POST OPERATIVE PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS CLICK HERE

 

Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore knee function, and help you return to the activities you love, safely and successfully.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Jazayeri or the care team:  (855) 892-0919