Meniscus Tear Treatment Options: Dr. Ashish Singhal Orthopedics Udaipur
- Dr Ashish Singhal
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
Introduction: Why Not Every Knee Click Means Surgery
The meniscus is a common term, but the reality of a torn meniscus is often misunderstood. It's one of the most frequent knee injuries I treat. The good news? Not every meniscus tear requires surgery.
Meniscus tear treatment by Dr Ashish Singhal at Udaipur goal is always to restore function, eliminate pain, and preserve your long-term knee health. The right treatment plan depends entirely on the tear's location, size, and pattern, as well as your age and activity level.
Let’s break down the causes, symptoms, and the full spectrum of treatment options available today.
The Meniscus: Your Knee's Critical Shock Absorber
What is it? The meniscus is a C-shaped wedge of tough, rubbery cartilage that sits between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two: a medial (inner) and a lateral (outer).
What is its job? It acts as a primary shock absorber, distributes weight evenly across the joint, and helps keep the knee stable. Losing the meniscus dramatically increases the risk of developing future arthritis.
🛑 Signs You Might Have a Meniscus Tear
While X-rays can rule out bone injuries, the definitive diagnosis often requires an MRI. However, symptoms can offer strong clues:
Pain: Often localized along the joint line (the inner or outer side of the knee).
Swelling: May be immediate or develop over 24-48 hours.
Mechanical Symptoms: The classic sign is a "locking" or "catching" sensation when you try to bend or straighten your knee.
Instability: A feeling that your knee is giving way or buckling under you.
Phase 1: The Initial Approach (Non-Surgical Treatment)
For stable tears, especially those caused by degeneration (wear-and-tear) or those in the highly-vascularized "red zone," we nearly always start with conservative management.
1. The R.I.C.E. Protocol (Immediate Care)
Element | Action | Purpose |
Rest | Avoid activities that twist or pivot the knee; use crutches if weight-bearing is painful. | Prevents further damage to the tear. |
Ice | Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 4-6 hours for the first 48 hours. | Reduces swelling and inflammation. |
Compression | Use a compression bandage or sleeve. | Provides support and controls swelling. |
Elevation | Keep the knee raised above heart level when resting. | Reduces fluid buildup in the joint. |
2. Physical Therapy (The Cornerstone of Recovery)
Physical therapy is crucial whether you have surgery or not. A customized program focuses on:
Strengthening: Quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to stabilize the joint and offload the meniscus.
Range of Motion: Restoring the full ability to bend and straighten the knee.
Proprioception: Improving balance and coordination to prevent re-injury.
3. Injections
NSAIDs: Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) can manage pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid Injections: Can provide powerful, temporary relief from severe pain and inflammation, allowing patients to participate more effectively in physical therapy.
Phase 2: Surgical Treatment (When Conservative Care Fails)
Surgery is typically recommended if the knee is locked, if non-surgical treatment fails, or if the tear pattern makes natural healing impossible (e.g., a "bucket-handle" tear).
The procedure is almost always performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery), which involves small incisions, less trauma, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
1. Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy (Trimming)
The Procedure: The surgeon carefully removes only the unstable, torn portion of the meniscus that is causing pain, locking, or catching. The goal is to preserve as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible.
Recovery: Generally the quickest recovery, often allowing a return to light activities in a few weeks.
Key Consideration: While effective for immediate symptom relief, removing meniscal tissue increases the long-term risk of arthritis.
2. Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
The Procedure: The surgeon sutures the torn fragment back onto the main body of the meniscus, attempting to restore its original function. This is preferred, especially for younger, active patients.
When is it possible? Only tears located in the outer third of the meniscus ("red zone") have enough blood supply to heal after repair.
Recovery: Significantly longer than a meniscectomy (typically 4-6 months until full return to sport) because the repair needs time to heal. Weight-bearing is often restricted initially.
Meniscus tear treatment by Dr Ashish Singhal at Udaipur: The Importance of Timeliness
If you suspect a meniscus tear, don't wait for it to get worse. While small, stable tears may improve on their own, a piece of a torn meniscus can displace, causing mechanical locking and potentially damaging the surrounding articular cartilage (which can't regenerate).
A prompt, accurate diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist ensures you get the right treatment—whether it’s a focused rehab program or a minimally invasive repair—to protect your knee for years to come.
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Dr. Ashish Singhal
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