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Meniscus Tears understanding: When Is Surgery Necessary?

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Advanced Knee Replacement Surgery
January 14, 2026
  • Dr Subodh Mehta
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Understanding Meniscus Tears: When Is Surgery Necessary?

Knee pain can significantly impact daily life, especially when it limits walking, bending, or sports activities. One of the most common causes of knee pain is a meniscus tear, an injury affecting the cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint. Understanding when a meniscus tear requires surgery and when it can be treated conservatively is crucial for long-term knee health.

This blog explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for meniscus injuries, helping patients make informed decisions about their care under expert guidance from Dr Subodh Mehta, a trusted orthopaedic specialist.

Meniscus Tears in Thane

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The knee joint contains two C-shaped cartilage structures called the menisci (medial and lateral). These act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged due to sudden twisting movements, trauma, or gradual wear and tear.

Meniscus injuries are commonly seen in athletes but are also frequent in older adults due to degenerative changes in the knee.

Common Causes of Meniscus Tears

Sports-Related Injuries

Sudden twisting, pivoting, or forceful knee movements during sports like football, cricket, or basketball can cause an acute meniscus tear.

Age-Related Degeneration

As people age, the meniscus weakens and becomes more prone to tearing, even with minimal stress or simple movements like squatting.

Trauma or Accidents

Falls, road traffic accidents, or direct impact to the knee can result in severe meniscus damage.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Early Symptoms
  1. Knee pain along the joint line
  2. Swelling and stiffness
  3. Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Advanced Symptoms
  1. Locking or catching sensation in the knee
  2. Feeling of instability or knee giving way
  3. Persistent pain despite rest and medication

If these symptoms persist, timely evaluation by a knee specialist is essential.

How Is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

Clinical Examination

An orthopaedic doctor assesses knee movement, swelling, and pain patterns through physical tests.

Imaging Tests
  • X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis
  • MRI scan to confirm the type, size, and location of the meniscus tear

Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether surgery is required or conservative treatment will suffice.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Meniscus Tears

Not all meniscus tears require surgery. Many cases respond well to conservative management, especially small or degenerative tears.

Conservative Treatment Options
  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Knee braces for support

Non-surgical treatment is often recommended when pain is mild and knee function is stable.

When Is Meniscus Surgery Necessary?

Indications for Surgery

Meniscus surgery is usually advised when:

  • Pain persists despite conservative treatment
  • The knee repeatedly locks or catches
  • There is significant instability
  • The tear is large or displaced
Types of Meniscus Surgery
  • Meniscus repair (preserving cartilage whenever possible)
  • Partial meniscectomy (removal of damaged portion)

The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent future joint degeneration.

Benefits of Timely Meniscus Surgery

  1. Faster pain relief
  2. Improved knee stability and mobility
  3. Reduced risk of long-term cartilage damage
  4. Early return to daily activities and sports

Under the care of an experienced specialist like Dr Subodh Mehta, patients receive personalised treatment plans focused on long-term joint health.

Recovery After Meniscus Surgery

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
  1. Physiotherapy begins early to restore motion
  2. Gradual strengthening exercises
  3. Return to normal activities within weeks, depending on the procedure

Proper rehabilitation plays a vital role in successful recovery and preventing re-injury.

Why Choose Dr Subodh Mehta for Meniscus Treatment?

Dr Subodh Mehta is known for his expertise in knee injuries and advanced orthopaedic care. His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques, and patient-centric rehabilitation to ensure the best outcomes for meniscus tear treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Yes, small or degenerative meniscus tears can heal with rest, medication, and physiotherapy if knee stability is maintained.

Recovery usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on whether the meniscus was repaired or partially removed.

The surgery is minimally invasive, and post-operative pain is manageable with medications and physiotherapy.

Untreated tears can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, knee instability, and early arthritis.

If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, don’t ignore the symptoms.
Consult Dr Subodh Mehta today for expert evaluation and advanced treatment of meniscus tears. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can help you return to an active, pain-free life.

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