ORTHOPAEDIC · CONDITION GUIDE

Meniscus Tear

Q: Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

Minor tears in the outer zone of the meniscus, which has good blood supply, may heal with rest and physiotherapy. Most significant tears, especially inner zone or root tears, require surgical treatment.

Q: What is the difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy?

Repair stitches the torn meniscus back together, preserving the cartilage. Meniscectomy removes the damaged portion. Repair is preferred when possible to protect the knee from future arthritis.

Q: How long after meniscus surgery can I return to sport?

After a partial meniscectomy, return to sport is usually possible in 4–6 weeks. Following a meniscus repair, which requires more time to heal, return to sport typically takes 3–6 months.

A tear in the C-shaped cartilage pad that cushions the knee joint — often caused by twisting movements or degeneration — leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and a locking sensation in the knee.

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Joint care by Dr. Sai kishan reducing pain and improving movement

All Ages AGE GROUP AFFECTED

Multiple Types TEAR CLASSIFICATION

4 Options SURGICAL TREATMENTS

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Meniscus Tear?

The menisci are two C-shaped cartilage pads that sit between the femur and tibia in the knee joint. They act as shock absorbers, distribute load evenly, and provide stability to the knee. A meniscus tear can occur at any age — in younger patients it is often caused by a sudden twisting injury during sport, while in older patients it may result from age-related degeneration with minimal trauma. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the tear. Some tears cause immediate pain and swelling, while others develop gradually. A torn meniscus can cause the knee to lock, catch, or give way, making everyday activities difficult. Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala offers expert arthroscopic meniscal surgery at Lux Hospitals, preserving as much of the natural cartilage as possible.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Pain along the inner or outer edge of the knee joint line Swelling and stiffness developing within 24–48 hours of injury A locking sensation where the knee gets stuck and cannot fully straighten Clicking or popping felt inside the knee during movement Difficulty squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs without pain Feeling of the knee giving way or being unstable during activity

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Sudden twisting or rotating of the knee while the foot is planted on the ground
Deep squatting or heavy lifting placing excessive pressure on the knee
Direct impact or collision to the knee during contact sports
Age-related degeneration weakening the cartilage in older adults
Combined injury with ACL or other ligament tears during sport
Repeated stress on the knee from physically demanding work or activity

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Tear Types

Radial, horizontal, vertical, bucket-handle, and root tears

Surgical Options

Partial meniscectomy, root repair, or meniscus transplantation

Technique

Arthroscopic keyhole surgery preserving as much cartilage as possible

Recovery

Return to light activity in 4–6 weeks; sport in 3–6 months

Return to Activity

Most patients resume normal activity within 4–8 weeks after meniscal surgery

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Dr. Sai Kishan prioritises meniscus preservation whenever possible. His arthroscopic techniques — including root repair and transplantation — aim to restore the meniscus's load-bearing function, protect the cartilage, and reduce the long-term risk of knee arthritis.

Dr. Sai Kishan prioritises meniscus preservation — using root repair and transplantation techniques to restore load-bearing function and reduce the long-term risk of knee arthritis.

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad

1

Consultation & Assessment

Clinical examination, MRI scan, and X-rays are used to identify the exact type, location, and severity of the meniscal tear and any associated knee injuries.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created based on the tear type, patient's age, and activity level — ranging from conservative management to arthroscopic surgery.
3

Surgical Procedure

Arthroscopic surgery is performed to either trim the damaged portion (meniscectomy) or repair the tear using sutures, depending on the tear's location and type.
4

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Physiotherapy begins shortly after surgery. Return to light activity is typically achieved in 4–6 weeks, with return to sport in 3–6 months depending on the procedure.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Meniscus Root Repair

The torn root of your meniscus is stitched back in place — restoring your knee's ability to absorb shock and distribute weight properly, protecting the joint long-term.

Meniscus Transplantation

When a large part of your meniscus is missing, a healthy donor meniscus is transplanted to replace it, protecting the joint surface and reducing arthritis risk.

Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Using a small camera inside your knee, the surgeon either trims the damaged meniscus portion or repairs it, depending on the type and location of the tear.

Knee Arthroscopy

A tiny camera inserted into your knee helps the surgeon identify and treat the exact source of your problem — including meniscal tears, cartilage damage, or loose fragments.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?+

What is the difference between meniscus repair and meniscectomy?+

How long after meniscus surgery can I return to sport?+

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