Understanding Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Advanced Treatment Options

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries affecting adults under 65, whether you’re an active athlete or someone who simply enjoys staying fit. Understanding your diagnosis early is crucial, not only to relieve pain but also to preserve long-term knee health.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the symptoms, how doctors diagnose meniscus tears, and the latest treatment options, including advanced surgical techniques designed to restore function and mobility.

What is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci—medial (inside) and lateral (outside)—which help absorb shock, stabilize the joint, and protect cartilage from wear.

A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged or torn, often due to twisting, sudden movements, or gradual degeneration over time. Left untreated, a tear can lead to persistent pain, swelling, and eventually early osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Patients with meniscus tears typically report the following signs:

• Knee pain, often along the joint line.
  
• Swelling or stiffness, which can worsen over a few hours or days.
  
• Catching or locking, where the knee feels stuck or snaps during movement.
  
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
  
• A feeling of instability, as if the knee might “give way.”

While some tears cause immediate pain after an injury, others develop gradually, particularly in older adults or those with degenerative changes.

How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Orthopedic specialists typically use a combination of:

Medical history and physical examination

Doctors assess pain location, range of motion, and perform specific maneuvers (like the McMurray or Apley tests) to detect meniscus damage.

Imaging studies

• MRI scans are the gold standard for visualizing meniscus tears, showing the type, size, and location of the injury.
  
• X-rays may be used to rule out bone injuries or arthritis but do not show cartilage damage.

Arthroscopy (Rare cases)

A minimally invasive procedure used for both diagnosis and treatment, particularly if imaging results are unclear.

Treatment Options for Meniscus Tears

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and overall knee health.

Non-Surgical Approaches

For partial tears or patients with lower physical demands, non-surgical management may be considered. This typically includes:

• Rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the knee.
  
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications to control pain and swelling.
  
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilize the joint.

While non-surgical options can provide symptom relief, they do not repair the meniscus, leaving the joint at risk for further injury and long-term degeneration.

Surgical Options: How the Circumferential Stitch Restores Knee Function vs. Meniscectomy

When a meniscus tear is significant or symptoms persist, surgery may be recommended. The two main approaches are:

Meniscectomy

A meniscectomy involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus.

• Pros:
  • Provides quick pain relief.
    
  • Effective for tears that cannot be repaired..
• Cons:
  • Removes part of the meniscus, reducing cushioning in the knee.
    
  • Increases the risk of developing early arthritis.
    
  • Long-term knee function may be limited, especially for active adults.

Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair with Circumferential Stitch

The Circumferential Stitch, developed by Dr. Justin Saliman, focuses on repairing and preserving the meniscus rather than removing it.

How it works:

• The technique encircles the tear with strong sutures, providing uniform compression along the edges.
  
• This encourages healing even in areas with poor blood supply, which traditionally have a low chance of recovery.
  
• Maintains the anatomical shape and stability of the meniscus, keeping the knee naturally cushioned and functional.

Benefits of the Circumferential Stitch:

• Preserves more meniscus tissue, which protects the joint and reduces the risk of future degeneration.
  
• Supports natural healing, allowing the meniscus to repair itself rather than simply removing damaged tissue.
  
• Maintains knee stability and cushioning, which is essential for daily activities, sports, and long-term joint health.
  
• Reduces the risk of early arthritis, making it a better option for younger, active adults who want to maintain knee function for years to come.
  
• High success rates, even for complex tears that are difficult to repair using traditional techniques.

Why it’s generally better than meniscectomy:

While meniscectomy can provide faster short-term relief, it sacrifices meniscus tissue, which is crucial for long-term joint health. In contrast, Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair with the Circumferential Stitch not only addresses the immediate problem but also protects your knee for the future, preserving function, stability, and comfort.

In summary, whenever the meniscus can be repaired, this advanced repair technique is the preferred choice, offering patients the best combination of healing, joint preservation, and long-term knee health.

Why Choose Repair Over Removal?

Preserving your meniscus whenever possible is the best strategy for long-term knee health. While meniscectomy may offer faster initial relief, it sacrifices cartilage, which increases the likelihood of future arthritis. Arthroscopic repair with the Circumferential Stitch maximizes healing potential, stabilizes the knee, and protects your joint for years to come.

Take Action for Your Knee Health

If you have been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, consulting an experienced orthopedic specialist is crucial. They can evaluate your tear, explain the best surgical or non-surgical options, and help you choose a treatment plan that balances pain relief, joint preservation, and long-term function.

Modern techniques like the Circumferential Stitch in Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair offer patients the opportunity to heal naturally, maintain knee stability, and return confidently to the activities they love. Don’t wait—early intervention can make all the difference in protecting your knees for years to come.

By choosing a surgeon with expertise in this procedure, you can benefit from: