A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries and may occur when the knee twists, pivots, or bends under load. Meniscus damage can cause pain, swelling, catching, locking, and difficulty returning to work, exercise, or sports. Tears may result from an acute injury or from gradual degeneration of the tissue over time.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He evaluates the location and pattern of the tear, the condition of the surrounding cartilage and ligaments, and each patient’s activity goals before recommending nonsurgical care, meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy, or another appropriate treatment.
Menisci and Meniscal Tears Overview
Each knee contains two menisci between the femur, or thighbone, and the tibia, or shinbone. The medial meniscus is located on the inner side of the knee, and the lateral meniscus is located on the outer side.
These crescent-shaped structures help:
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Distribute weight across the knee
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Absorb shock
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Improve joint stability
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Support smooth movement
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Protect the surrounding cartilage
Meniscus tears may occur in the front, middle, back, or root of the tissue. Common tear patterns include longitudinal, radial, horizontal, flap, bucket-handle, parrot-beak, and complex tears. The location, size, blood supply, and stability of the tear help determine whether it may heal, be repaired, or require removal of damaged tissue.
Common Causes of Meniscus Tears
A meniscus tear may occur suddenly during a twisting or pivoting movement, especially when the foot is planted and the knee is bearing weight. These injuries are common in sports that involve cutting, turning, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
Possible causes include:
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Pivoting during basketball, football, tennis, or soccer
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Sudden stopping or changing direction
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Deep squatting or kneeling
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A direct impact to the knee
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Falls or other traumatic injuries
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Degenerative changes that weaken the meniscus over time
Degenerative tears may occur during routine activities and are more common as the meniscus becomes less flexible with age. Excess body weight may increase stress across the knee and contribute to joint degeneration.
Meniscus Tear Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the size, location, and stability of the tear.
Possible causes include:
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Pain along the inner or outer joint line
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Swelling
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Knee stiffness
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A popping sensation at the time of injury
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Pain when twisting, pivoting, or squatting
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Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
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Catching or clicking
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A sensation that the knee may give way
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Locking or feeling that the knee is stuck
Some people can continue walking after the initial injury, but pain and swelling may increase over the following hours or days. A knee that is physically locked and cannot fully straighten should be evaluated promptly.
Meniscus Tear Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a review of how the injury occurred, the location of the pain, and whether the knee catches, locks, or gives way. During the physical examination, Dr. Cohen evaluates swelling, joint-line tenderness, range of motion, stability, and pain with specific movements.
X-rays do not show the meniscus, but they may help identify arthritis, fractures, or other causes of knee pain. An MRI may be recommended to evaluate the tear pattern, cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
The imaging findings are considered together with the patient’s symptoms and examination. Not every meniscus tear seen on an MRI requires surgery.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether the tear is traumatic or degenerative, where it is located, whether it causes mechanical symptoms, and how much it interferes with daily activities.
Small or stable tears may improve with nonsurgical care. Surgery may be considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment, the knee repeatedly locks or catches, or the tear is repairable and threatens long-term meniscus function.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
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Activity modification
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Rest and ice
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Compression and elevation
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Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication
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Physical therapy
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Progressive strengthening and mobility exercises
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An injection when appropriate for associated inflammation or arthritis
Physical therapy may help restore motion, improve strength, and reduce stress on the injured area. Nonsurgical care is often considered for stable tears, degenerative tears, and patients without persistent locking or significant instability.
Arthroscopic Surgery Procedures
Patients whose symptoms do not improve with rest, activity modification, medication, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical treatments may benefit from arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Cohen selects the most appropriate procedure based on the type and location of the tear, the quality of the meniscus tissue, the patient’s age and activity level, and the condition of the surrounding knee.
Partial Meniscectomy
A partial meniscectomy removes only the damaged or unstable portion of the meniscus while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This procedure may be recommended when the tear cannot be repaired.
Because removing meniscus tissue can increase stress on the knee joint over time, Dr. Cohen limits removal to the portion that is irreparably damaged.
Meniscus Repair
Meniscus repair may be recommended when the tear pattern, location, and tissue quality provide a reasonable opportunity for healing. During the procedure, Dr. Cohen uses sutures or specialized fixation devices to secure the torn tissue.
Recovery is generally longer than after a partial meniscectomy because the repaired tissue must be protected while it heals. However, repair preserves more of the natural meniscus whenever possible.
Meniscus Transplantation
In selected cases, meniscus transplantation may be considered for younger or active patients who previously had a significant portion of the meniscus removed and continue to experience pain.
The procedure uses donor tissue to replace the missing meniscus. It is not typically used for a new or routine meniscus tear, and candidacy depends on factors such as knee alignment, ligament stability, cartilage health, and the extent of arthritis.
Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. The specific repair technique or device used depends on the tear and the condition of the knee.
Medial meniscectomy
Adjustable Meniscal Root Marking Hook With Knee Scorpion™ Suture Passer and Knotless Suture Fixation
Medial meniscectomy
Meniscal Cinch™ II All-Inside Meniscal Repair
Medial meniscectomy
Meniscus Ramp Lesion Repair
Medial meniscectomy
Meniscal Repair
Medical meniscus repair with FiberStitch
FiberStitch™ All-Inside Meniscus Repair
Recovery After Meniscus Surgery
Recovery depends on whether the damaged tissue is trimmed, repaired, or replaced. Patients often progress more quickly after a partial meniscectomy because the remaining meniscus does not require biological healing.
After a meniscus repair, a brace, crutches, and temporary limits on weight-bearing or knee motion may be required to protect the repair. Physical therapy may focus on:
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Reducing pain and swelling
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Restoring range of motion
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Rebuilding leg strength
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Improving balance and movement control
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Gradually returning to work or exercise
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Preparing for running, pivoting, or sports
Dr. Cohen provides a rehabilitation plan based on the procedure performed, associated injuries, and the patient’s activity goals.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Meniscus Tear Care in Chillicothe, OH
Meniscus tears can range from small, stable injuries to displaced tears that cause persistent locking or loss of function. Dr. Cohen evaluates the tear pattern, cartilage health, knee stability, symptoms, and activity goals before recommending nonsurgical treatment or arthroscopic surgery. When surgery is needed, the goal is to preserve healthy meniscus tissue whenever possible. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.
