【Meniscus tear】Understand the symptoms, location, causes and treatment options.

Are you experiencing persistent knee pain, or even unable to bend your knee or squat? You may have a meniscal tear. A meniscal tear is a common orthopaedic problem, particularly among athletes and older people. As the menisci provide support and cushioning in the knee joint, any damage can significantly affect daily activities. Would you like to learn about the causes and symptoms of a meniscal tear, as well as its diagnosis and treatment options? Read this article for a clear overview of the key points.

The meniscus is a piece of fibrocartilage located within the knee joint, shaped like a crescent. There are two menisci: the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. The meniscus lies between the femur and tibia. Its primary functions are to distribute the pressure placed on the knee joint, reduce cartilage wear and tear, stabilise joint movement, and prevent excessive rotation of the joint.

A meniscal tear refers to a crack or damage in the meniscus, causing pain, swelling and restricted knee joint movement. Tears can be classified as acute tears and degenerative tears.

• Acute tears: Mainly caused by acute injuries, and more common among young people or athletes.
• Degenerative tears: Mainly caused by degeneration of the meniscus, and more common among older people.

• Knee pain and swelling
• Inability to fully bend or straighten the knee
• Restricted range of motion in the knee joint
• Difficulty squatting or unsteady walking
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the knee
• The joint catching or feeling “locked”

High-energy injuries (more common among young people)

Intense exercise, sudden changes of direction or jumping movements may place stress on the knee, resulting in an acute meniscal tear. This type of injury is more common among young people or athletes and is often accompanied by a cruciate ligament tear. Surgical treatment usually involves meniscal repair together with cruciate ligament reconstruction. As younger people generally have better-quality menisci, the success rate of repair is usually higher, helping to prevent future joint degeneration.

Further reading: [Cruciate ligament tear] How long does it take to heal? Learn about the symptoms, location, causes and treatment of cruciate ligament tears

Degenerative tears

In older people, the meniscus may deteriorate due to prolonged strain, making degenerative tears more likely. Everyday activities such as walking, going up and down stairs and lifting heavy objects can also increase pressure on the joint. These tears may not necessarily cause obvious symptoms, and some medical consensus does not recommend surgical treatment unless severe swelling or a locked joint occurs.
 

The following are common diagnostic methods for meniscal tears:

• Physical examination: The doctor will assess the knee’s range of motion and apply pressure to different areas to see whether this causes pain.
• MRI scan: Clearly shows the soft tissues inside the knee joint and is the preferred method for confirming a tear.
• Arthroscopy: A camera is inserted using a minimally invasive procedure to directly examine the inside of the joint, and can also...
• X-ray examination: Cannot directly show the meniscus, but can rule out other problems such as fractures.

The treatment depends on the patient’s age, the location and severity of the tear, and is mainly divided into conservative treatment and surgery:

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment is generally suitable for patients with a minor tear or mild injury symptoms, or those with a degenerative tear. Common conservative treatment methods include:

• Rest: Get plenty of rest and reduce activities that place additional strain on the knee
• Ice application: This can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Apply ice for 15 minutes each time, several times a day.
• Medication: Take over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication as advised by your doctor to relieve discomfort.
• Physiotherapy: Perform targeted exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve knee stability

Surgery

If the meniscus injury is severe and cannot be repaired, your doctor may recommend surgery. Common procedures include:

• Meniscus repair: This minimally invasive procedure is performed through arthroscopy, with small incisions made in the knee to stitch and repair the torn part. It is suitable for younger patients.
• Artificial meniscus reconstruction: If the meniscus cannot be repaired, the doctor will implant an artificial meniscus into the knee using arthroscopy. The meniscus cells and tissues in the body will gradually grow within the artificial meniscus, eventually forming a new meniscus. The artificial meniscus will automatically break down after approximately one year and be naturally absorbed by the body.
• Meniscus repair combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: If the meniscus tear is accompanied by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, reconstructive surgery may also be required to restore the overall stability and function of the knee joint.

Hospitalisation is usually only required for a short period after surgery. To promote recovery, the following measures should be followed:

• Use crutches to assist with walking and reduce pressure on the joint
• Perform simple exercises such as leg lifts and stretches during the initial stage
• Wear a knee brace to stabilise the joint
• Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your doctor or physiotherapist
• Recovery progress varies from person to person and requires close monitoring

The waiting time for new cases at government orthopaedic outpatient clinics ranges from 1 to 94 weeks, while the cost of meniscus repair surgery at private hospitals is expensive. For example, inpatient treatment at CUHK Medical Centre costs between HK$85,990 and HK$172,000. With medical insurance, you do not need to worry about medical expenses and can receive appropriate treatment promptly. Some plans also cover post-operative physiotherapy, providing more comprehensive support for recovery.

Would you like to find out which medical insurance is most suitable for you? Please contact a 10Life licensed insurance consultant for impartial and professional advice.

Further reading
What is the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme? Learn about the differences between the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme and medical insurance
【Anterior cruciate ligament tear】How long does recovery take? Learn about the symptoms, location, causes and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tears
 

References:
1. Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong. Meniscus tears: different treatment options for the young and old
2. OT&P Healthcare. Meniscus tears
 

Last updated: 26 May 2025

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.