Meniscus Tear
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci — one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral). They help absorb shock, support stability, and distribute weight during movement.
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury where the meniscus becomes torn, either from trauma or wear and tear. Tears can vary in size and shape, and the location of the tear often affects both symptoms and treatment decisions.
Meniscus tears can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and clicking or locking in the knee. Some people feel a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by discomfort with twisting or squatting. Symptoms may worsen over time if the tear interferes with joint movement.
Meniscus tears often occur during activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops, especially in sports. In older adults, the meniscus can weaken with age, making it more prone to tearing from minor movements or everyday wear.
A meniscus root tear is a specific type of meniscus injury where the attachment point (or “root”) of the meniscus is torn away from the bone. The meniscus root is critical for maintaining the structure and function of the meniscus. When the meniscus root is torn, the meniscus can no longer effectively absorb shock or stabilize the knee. This type of tear can lead to rapid cartilage wear and early arthritis if left untreated. Root tears often occur during trauma, heavy squatting, or twisting injuries, especially in middle-aged adults.
Treatment depends on the tear’s size, location, and your activity level. Small, stable tears may heal with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Larger or unstable tears, especially in active patients, may require surgery to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. Meniscus tears in the setting of arthritis are typically treated as a part of the arthritis process.
Surgical treatment usually involves either a partial meniscectomy or a meniscus repair. In a meniscectomy, the damaged part is trimmed away. In a repair, the torn edges are stitched back together. Repair is typically preferred when possible, as it helps preserve knee health long-term.
Recovery without surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the tear’s size and your activity level. Physical therapy focuses on reducing swelling, restoring strength, and improving range of motion to support a return to normal activity.
Most patients recover from a partial meniscectomy within 4 to 6 weeks. Many return to light activities within a few weeks, but full return to sports or high-impact exercise often takes at least 6 weeks with proper rehab.
Recovery from a meniscus repair is longer, usually 3 to 6 months. The healing timeline allows the meniscus to reattach securely. Weight-bearing and range of motion is often limited early on with a brace, and physical therapy helps restore motion, strength, and joint stability.
At a Glance
Sachin Allahabadi, MD
- Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
- Expertise in Minimally Invasive Knee & Shoulder Surgeries
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital & Weill Cornell Medical College
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