Has a sudden twist or a deep squat left you with a painful, swollen knee? You might be dealing with a meniscal tear, one of the most common knee injuries we see at California Pacific Orthopaedics. Whether you’re an athlete in San Francisco who’s been sidelined or you’ve noticed increasing knee pain with age, understanding this injury is the first step toward getting back to the activities you love.
This page will walk you through everything you need to know about meniscal tears, from what they are to how they’re treated. We’ll use simple, everyday language alongside the proper medical terms, so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.
Overview: What is a Meniscal Tear?
Imagine two C-shaped pieces of tough, rubbery cartilage in your knee joint, sitting between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). These are your menisci (the plural of meniscus). They act as shock absorbers, cushioning the joint and keeping it stable. When we talk about a “torn cartilage” in the knee, we’re usually referring to a torn meniscus.
A meniscal tear can happen to anyone. A sudden, forceful twist of the knee is a common cause, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, and football. But you don’t have to be a professional athlete to tear your meniscus. Sometimes, just getting up from a squat or lifting something heavy can do it. In older adults, the meniscus can weaken over time, becoming more prone to what we call a degenerative tear, which can happen with little to no trauma.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of expert orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco specializes in diagnosing and treating meniscal tears. We’re committed to helping you understand your injury and finding the best path to recovery.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of a meniscal tear can vary. You might feel a “pop” when the injury occurs, but not always. Some people can even continue to walk or play on their injured knee. Over the next two to three days, however, the knee will likely become more stiff and swollen.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
- Stiffness and swelling.
- A “catching” or “locking” sensation in your knee.
- The feeling that your knee is “giving way”.
- Limited range of motion; you might not be able to fully straighten your knee.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see an orthopedic specialist.
Causes of a meniscal tear generally fall into two categories:
- Acute Tears: These are often the result of a traumatic injury. Think of a football player who gets tackled, a basketball player who pivots suddenly, or a skier who twists a knee. Any activity that involves forceful twisting or sudden stops can lead to an acute meniscal tear.
- Degenerative Tears: As we age, the meniscus can become worn and more susceptible to tearing. In these cases, a tear can occur from a simple, everyday activity like getting out of a chair awkwardly.
Common Risk Factors
While a meniscal tear can happen to anyone, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Age: The meniscus weakens with age, making it more prone to tearing.
- Athletics: Sports that involve sudden twisting and pivoting, like soccer, basketball, tennis, and football, put you at a higher risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts more stress on your knee joints.
- Occupations: Jobs that require frequent squatting, like a plumber or a carpenter, can increase your risk.
- Previous Knee Injuries: If you’ve had a previous knee injury, such as an ACL tear, you may be more susceptible to a meniscal tear.
Why a Procedure Is Done
For some meniscal tears, conservative treatment like rest, ice, and physical therapy is enough. However, if the tear is large, causing your knee to lock, or if conservative treatments haven’t helped, your doctor might recommend a procedure.
The goal of any procedure for a meniscal tear is to relieve pain, improve the function of your knee, and prevent further damage to the joint. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our surgeons will discuss the best option for you based on the type of tear, your age, your activity level, and your overall health.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After a Procedure
If you and your doctor decide that a procedure is the best course of action, it’s natural to have questions. Here’s a general idea of what to expect.
Before the Procedure
First, your orthopedic surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical exam and imaging tests like an MRI to get a clear picture of the tear. Once the procedure is scheduled, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare, which may include fasting for a certain period before the surgery. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.
During the Procedure
Most meniscal tear procedures are performed arthroscopically, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions around your knee and insert a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, to see inside the joint. Then, they’ll use small surgical instruments to either repair the tear or trim away the damaged part of the meniscus.
- Meniscus Repair: If the tear is in an area with good blood supply, your surgeon may be able to stitch the torn pieces of the meniscus back together.
- Partial Meniscectomy: If the tear is in an area with poor blood supply, a repair is less likely to be successful. In this case, your surgeon will trim away the torn portion of the meniscus.
The procedure itself usually takes about an hour.
After the Procedure
Recovery will depend on the type of procedure you have.
- After a Partial Meniscectomy: You’ll likely be able to put some weight on your knee right away, possibly with the help of crutches for a short time. You can expect to return to most of your regular activities within a few weeks.
- After a Meniscus Repair: Recovery is a bit longer, as the meniscus needs time to heal. You may need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for several weeks to protect the repair.
In either case, physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your knee.
Your Next Steps
Living with knee pain can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is here to help. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in treating meniscal tears and a wide range of other knee conditions.
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and are struggling with knee pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with you to get an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet and back to the life you enjoy.
