What is it?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that works as a shock absorber and stabiliser.

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. When surgery is needed, there are two main options:

Meniscectomy, which is the trimming and removal of the torn fragment.

Meniscus repair, which is stitching the tear back together so it can heal.

The choice depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age and activity level.

What happens when it occurs?

Meniscus tears can occur suddenly during sports or develop gradually over time due to wear and tear.

A torn meniscus may cause pain, swelling, locking, catching, or loss of motion.

If untreated, inevitable tears may worsen or raise the risk of early arthritis.

Common causes and risk factors

  • Twisting injuries with the foot planted
  • Sudden deep squatting or lifting
  • Age-related cartilage changes
  • Prior knee injuries or instability
  • Sports that involve pivoting, such as soccer or basketball

Who is most affected?

Active adolescents and adults, especially athletes in pivoting sports, and older adults with degenerative knee changes.

Typical symptoms

  • Sharp pain on the side or back of the knee
  • Swelling within 24 to 48 hours
  • Clicking, catching, or locking
  • Pain when squatting or twisting
  • Stiffness or reduced motion

When to consider surgery

  • Persistent pain or swelling despite conservative treatment
  • Mechanical locking or inability to fully straighten the knee
  • Larger, unstable tears seen on MRI
  • Younger, active patients with repairable tears

How surgery is performed

Both meniscectomy and meniscus repair are performed using arthroscopy, also known as keyhole surgery.

Small incisions allow the surgeon to trim the damaged tissue or stitch the tear with anchors.

Meniscectomy allows for a faster recovery, but it removes some of the cushioning cartilage.

Repair preserves the meniscus but requires a more extended healing period.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Rehabilitation depends on whether the meniscus was trimmed or repaired.

After meniscectomy: early weight bearing and movement, strength and balance retraining within one to two weeks, and return to sport often in six to eight weeks.

After meniscus repair: restricted weight bearing at first, often four to six weeks, bracing to protect the repair, progressive strengthening and mobility, running at four to six months, and full return to sport at six to nine months.

At Spinal and Sports Care, our programs protect healing tissue while restoring strength, balance, and sport readiness.

Prevention

  • Strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles
  • Neuromuscular training to reduce twisting injuries
  • Avoiding sudden increases in training loads

Latest insights

Preserving the meniscus improves long-term joint health when it is possible to repair.

Biologic adjuncts, such as platelet-rich plasma, are being studied, but structured rehabilitation remains the core of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Timeframes depend on the procedure and your starting capacity. We progress when pain is controlled, swelling is down, and movement and strength targets are met. Expect a structured plan and criteria to guide you more than the calendar.

Yes, inside your plan. Keep pain during activity at or below 3 out of 10 and ensure it is no worse than the next morning. Use supports and aids as directed.

Imaging is used in conjunction with surgical decisions or when progress stalls. Your clinician will advise on whether an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is most useful.

They protect healing tissue in early phases. We reduce support as control and strength improve, then remove them for strengthening and gait retraining. You will be guided by your surgeon and health care practitioner.

Ice helps early when swelling and pain dominate. Heat helps later when stiffness is the main issue.

If the pain is 2 out of 10 or less the next morning, swelling is stable, strength is within 90 per cent of the other side, and you pass your functional tests for the procedure.

Cut the next session’s volume by 20 to 30 per cent, keep your strength work, elevate and ice, then retest the following day.

Most people return in stages. Drive when you can load and move the knee safely and brake firmly without pain, and when medications do not impair you. Your clinician and surgeon will provide guidance.