Meniscal Tear
What is a meniscal tear?
A meniscal tear is a tear of the meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, and tears can occur suddenly through injury or gradually as part of age-related degeneration.
Dr Varun Arora sees and treats patients with meniscal tears at all levels of severity, across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a meniscal tear include:
Pain along the joint line of the knee
Swelling
A catching or locking sensation in the knee
Reduced range of motion
A feeling of the knee giving way
Causes and risk factors
A meniscal tear can develop for a number of reasons, including:
Sudden twisting injuries, often during sport
Degenerative changes associated with age
Direct trauma to the knee
Squatting or deep bending movements under load
Treatment options for a meniscal tear
Treatment for a meniscal tear depends on the size, location, and pattern of the tear, as well as your age, activity level, and symptoms.
Non-surgical treatment
Many meniscal tears, particularly smaller or degenerative tears, can be managed without surgery through:
Physiotherapy and strengthening exercises
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Rest and gradual return to activity
Surgical treatment
When symptoms persist or the tear pattern is not suited to non-surgical management, surgical treatment may be considered:
Knee Arthroscopy — used to repair or trim the torn portion of the meniscus, depending on the location and pattern of the tear.
Meniscal Tear Frequently Asked Questions
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No, many meniscal tears can be managed successfully without surgery, particularly smaller or degenerative tears.
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Some tears, particularly those in areas with a good blood supply, may heal or settle with non-surgical treatment. Others may require surgical repair.
Knee Surgery in Melbourne
If you would like to discuss your symptoms or treatment options, contact Dr Varun Arora to schedule a consultation.