State-of-the-art knee treatment at St. Luke’s.
A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries, causing pain, swelling, and instability. Whether your injury happened on the athletic field or during a simple daily activity, it can significantly impact your mobility. At St. Luke's Orthopedic Care, our team of sports medicine and knee specialists provide expert diagnosis and the latest treatments to help you recover and return to an active lifestyle.
What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is forcefully twisted or rotated, often when the foot is planted and the knee is bent. Degenerative changes in older adults can also make the meniscus more prone to tearing. If you've torn your meniscus, you might experience the following symptoms in your knee:
- A "popping" sensation at the time of injury
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee
- Swelling and stiffness
- Difficulty straightening your knee fully
- A feeling of your knee "locking" or catching
- The sensation of your knee giving way
Diagnosing and treating meniscus tears
Our orthopedic specialists use a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging to accurately diagnose your injury and recommend the most effective treatment. During your physical exam, your doctor will check for tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits. They will also perform specific tests, like the McMurray test, to check for a meniscal tear. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order an MRI, which can provide detailed images of the soft tissues in your knee. Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the type, size, and location of the tear. Your personalized plan at St. Luke's may include:
- Conservative treatment: For small tears on the outer edge of the meniscus, non-surgical treatment is often effective. This includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication, managed by our Orthopedic Care team.
- Physical therapy: Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s will guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, which helps to stabilize the joint and support healing.
- Minimally invasive surgery: If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery. This allows our orthopedic surgeons to either repair the torn meniscus or trim away the damaged tissue.
Why choose St. Luke's for meniscus tear care?
St. Luke's Orthopedic Care is a regional leader in treating sports-related injuries. Our team includes fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons who are experts in the latest knee preservation and repair techniques.
We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes. From our advanced surgical techniques to our comprehensive rehabilitation programs, our focus is on helping you recover fully and safely return to the activities you love. If you have symptoms of a meniscus tear, schedule a consultation with one of our knee specialists.
Meniscus tear frequently asked questions
Small tears in the outer portion of the meniscus, which has a rich blood supply, may heal on their own with conservative treatment. Larger tears, or tears in the inner portion often require surgery.
An untreated tear can lead to instability, persistent pain, and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
Recovery time varies depending on whether the meniscus was repaired or trimmed. Rehabilitation after a repair is longer, but both typically involve a structured physical therapy program to restore strength and mobility.
