Quick answer
A meniscal tear is a tear in one of the two C-shaped cartilage cushions inside the knee. Many tears, especially wear-related tears in people over 40, get better with physiotherapy, activity changes and pain relief. Keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery to repair or trim the tear is considered when the knee locks or catches, or when pain continues despite good non-surgical treatment.
Dr. Praful Kilaru
Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Knee examination and, if needed, an MRI
Meniscal Tear at a Glance
Question
Typical answer
What is torn?
The meniscus, a cartilage cushion between the thigh and shin bones
Common causes
Twisting the knee in sport, or wear with age
Main symptoms
Pain on one side, swelling, catching or locking
Best test
Examination by a doctor; MRI if needed
First treatment
Physiotherapy and activity changes for most tears
Surgery
Keyhole repair or trimming for selected tears
Recovery after trimming
Walking in days; sport in about 4–8 weeks
Recovery after repair
Brace or crutches for about 4–6 weeks; sport in 3–6 months
What Is a Meniscal Tear?
Each knee has two menisci: one on the inner side (medial) and one on the outer side (lateral). They work as shock absorbers and help keep the knee stable.
A meniscal tear happens when this cartilage is torn. In young people it usually follows a twisting injury. In people over about 40, the cartilage becomes weaker with age and can tear during simple activities like squatting or getting up from the floor.
What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear?
The most common signs are knee pain, swelling and a catching feeling:
Seek prompt care
If your knee is locked and you cannot straighten it, see an orthopaedic doctor soon. A torn piece of meniscus may be stuck in the joint and may need early surgery.
Types of Meniscal Tears
The type and location of the tear help decide the treatment.
Type of tear
What it means
Usual approach
Small or stable tear
A short tear that does not move
Physiotherapy
Degenerative tear
Wear-related tear in an older knee
Physiotherapy first
Longitudinal / bucket-handle tear
A long tear; a piece can flip and lock the knee
Often surgery, usually repair
Radial or flap tear
Tear across the meniscus or a loose flap
Trimming if it causes catching
Root tear
Tear where the meniscus attaches to the bone
Repair in selected patients
The outer part of the meniscus has a good blood supply and can heal after repair. The inner part has poor blood supply, so tears there usually do not heal and may be trimmed if they cause problems.
How Is a Meniscal Tear Diagnosed?
History
How the injury happened, whether the knee swelled, and whether it locks or catches.
Examination
The doctor checks tenderness along the joint line, movement and special meniscus tests, and looks for ligament damage.
X-ray
Shows the bones and any arthritis, which can change the treatment plan.
MRI scan
Shows the size, type and position of the tear, and other injuries such as an ACL tear.
Can a Meniscal Tear Heal Without Surgery?
Often, yes. Small, stable and wear-related tears usually settle with non-surgical care:
For wear-related tears in people over 40, physiotherapy works as well as surgery for most patients. Read more in meniscus tear surgery vs physiotherapy, or learn about our physiotherapy and rehabilitation support.
When Is Surgery Needed for a Meniscal Tear?
Surgery is needed only for some tears. It is usually considered when:
Meniscus Repair vs Meniscus Trimming
Both are keyhole (arthroscopic) operations done through small cuts in the knee.
Feature
Meniscus repair
Partial meniscectomy (trimming)
What is done
The tear is stitched so it can heal
The torn part is removed
Best for
Tears in the outer, well-supplied part
Tears that cannot heal
Recovery
Brace or crutches for 4–6 weeks
Walking within days
Return to sport
Usually 3–6 months
Usually 4–8 weeks
Long-term
Saves the meniscus and protects the joint
Slightly higher long-term arthritis risk
Whenever possible, the meniscus is repaired rather than removed, because it protects the knee from wear.
Recovery After Meniscus Treatment
Recovery depends on whether the tear was treated with physiotherapy, trimmed or repaired. After trimming, most people walk without support within a week and return to sport in about 4–8 weeks. After repair, the knee is protected for about 4–6 weeks and return to sport takes 3–6 months.
Physiotherapy is the key to a good result. See the detailed recovery time for a meniscus tear.
What Happens If a Meniscal Tear Is Not Treated?
Small, stable tears may cause few problems. Larger tears can keep the knee painful, swollen or locking, and can damage the joint surface over time. A torn or removed meniscus also increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis in later years.
Meniscal Tear Consultation with Dr. Praful Kilaru in Hyderabad
Dr. Praful Kilaru is a Senior Consultant Joint Replacement and Complex Trauma Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, with 18 years of orthopaedic experience. He assesses meniscus and ligament injuries, explains whether physiotherapy or keyhole surgery suits you, and plans your recovery.
Bring any MRI or X-ray reports to your visit. If your knee pain started without an injury, see our knee pain treatment page, or for injuries during sport, see sports injuries treatment. Learn more about Dr. Praful Kilaru's orthopaedic practice in Hyderabad. For trusted patient information, see AAOS OrthoInfo: Meniscus Tears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meniscal Tears
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Tears in the outer part of the meniscus can heal, and many small or wear-related tears stop causing symptoms with physiotherapy. Tears in the inner part usually do not heal on their own.
Can I walk with a torn meniscus?
Yes, most people can walk, though there may be pain, swelling or catching. If the knee locks and will not straighten, see a doctor soon.
How do I know if my meniscus tear is serious?
Locking, repeated catching, the knee giving way, or swelling that keeps coming back suggest a larger tear that needs assessment.
Is an MRI necessary for a meniscus tear?
Not always. An MRI is useful when surgery is being considered, when symptoms do not improve, or when another injury such as an ACL tear is suspected.
Is meniscus surgery painful?
It is keyhole surgery, usually done under spinal anaesthesia. Pain afterwards is mild to moderate and is controlled with medicines and ice.
How long does meniscus surgery take?
Usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether the tear is trimmed or repaired.
How long does it take to recover from a meniscus tear?
Without surgery, many people improve in 6–12 weeks. After trimming, sport is possible in about 4–8 weeks; after repair, in about 3–6 months.
Can I play sports with a torn meniscus?
It is better not to. Playing on a torn meniscus can make the tear larger and damage the joint cartilage.
Does a meniscus tear cause arthritis?
A large tear, or losing part of the meniscus, increases the risk of knee arthritis over the years. Repairing the meniscus when possible helps protect the knee.
Is meniscus surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies cover knee arthroscopy for a meniscal tear when it is medically necessary. Check your policy with your insurer and the hospital.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment choices and recovery times vary from person to person and should be discussed with your doctor.
