【Meniscus Tear】Learn about the symptoms, location, causes, and treatment methods for meniscus tear.

Are you experiencing persistent knee pain, or finding it difficult to bend or squat? It could be a meniscus tear. A meniscus tear is a common orthopaedic issue, particularly among athletes and older individuals. As the meniscus plays a crucial role in supporting and cushioning the knee joint, any damage can significantly impact daily activities. Want to learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment options for a meniscus tear? Read this article for a comprehensive overview.

The meniscus is a piece of fibrocartilage located within the knee joint, shaped like a crescent, and consists of the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. The meniscus is situated between the femur and the tibia. Its primary functions are to distribute the pressure borne by the knee joint, reduce cartilage wear, and stabilise joint movement, preventing excessive rotation of the joint.

A meniscus tear refers to a crack or damage in the meniscus, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the knee joint. Tears can be categorised into acute tears and degenerative tears.

• Acute tear: Primarily caused by sudden injury, commonly seen in young individuals or athletes.
• Degenerative tear: Mainly resulting from meniscus degeneration, often observed in older individuals.

• Knee pain and swelling
• Inability to fully bend or straighten the knee
• Limited range of motion in the knee joint
• Difficulty squatting or unsteady walking
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the knee
• Joint locking or feeling "stuck"

High-Energy Trauma (Common in Young People)

Intense sports, sudden changes in direction, or jumping movements can place pressure on the knee, resulting in an acute meniscus tear. This type of injury is more common among young individuals or athletes and is often accompanied by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Surgical options typically involve meniscus repair combined with ACL reconstruction. As the meniscus quality in young people is generally better, the success rate of repair is usually higher, helping to prevent future joint degeneration.

Further Reading: [Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear] How Long Does It Take to Heal? Understanding Symptoms, Location, Causes, and Treatment Methods for ACL Tears

Degenerative Tear

In older individuals, long-term stress on the knee can lead to meniscus degeneration, making it prone to degenerative tears. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects can exacerbate joint stress. These tears may not present obvious symptoms, and some medical consensus does not recommend surgical treatment unless severe swelling or joint locking occurs.
 

Below are common diagnostic methods for meniscus tears:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the knee's range of motion and apply pressure to different areas to check for pain.
• MRI Scan: This provides a clear view of the soft tissues inside the knee joint and is the preferred method for confirming a tear.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a camera is inserted to directly observe the inside of the joint, and immediate action can be taken if necessary.
• X-ray: While it cannot directly show the meniscus, it can rule out other issues such as fractures.

The treatment approach depends on the patient’s age, the location of the tear, and its severity. It is mainly divided into conservative treatment and surgical intervention:

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment is often suitable for patients with minor tears or injury symptoms, or those with degenerative tears. Common conservative treatment methods include:

• Rest: Take ample rest and reduce activities that place stress on the knee.
• Ice Application: This can alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken as advised by a doctor to ease discomfort.
• Physiotherapy: Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, engage in targeted exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve knee joint stability.

Surgical Intervention

If the meniscus damage is severe and irreparable, a doctor may recommend surgery. Common surgical procedures include:

• Meniscus Repair Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure is performed using arthroscopy, involving small incisions in the knee to stitch and repair the torn section. It is suitable for younger patients.
• Artificial Meniscus Reconstruction: If the meniscus cannot be repaired, the doctor may implant an artificial meniscus into the knee using arthroscopy. The body’s meniscus cell tissue will gradually grow within the artificial meniscus, eventually forming a new meniscus. The artificial meniscus will naturally decompose and be absorbed by the body after approximately one year.
• Meniscus Repair with ACL Reconstruction: If the meniscus tear is accompanied by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a combined reconstruction surgery may be necessary to restore overall knee joint stability and function.

After surgery, a short hospital stay is usually required. To aid recovery, the following measures should be followed:

• Use crutches to assist with walking and reduce joint stress
• In the early stages, perform simple movements such as leg raises and stretching
• Wear a knee brace to stabilise the joint
• Gradually increase activity levels as advised by a doctor or physiotherapist
• Recovery progress varies from person to person and requires close monitoring

The waiting time for new cases at government public orthopaedic outpatient clinics ranges from 1 week to 94 weeks, while the cost of meniscus repair surgery in private hospitals is expensive. For example, at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, inpatient treatment costs range from HKD 85,990 to HKD 172,000. With medical insurance, you can avoid worrying about medical expenses, receive prompt and appropriate treatment, and some plans even cover post-surgery physiotherapy, providing more comprehensive support for recovery.

Want to find out which medical insurance plan suits you best? Feel free to consult a licensed insurance advisor at 10Life for impartial and professional advice.

Further Reading
What is the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme? Understanding the differences between VHIS and medical insurance
【Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear】How long does it take to recover? Learn about ACL tear symptoms, location, causes, and treatment methods
 

References:
1. Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong. Meniscus Tear: Different Treatment Approaches for Young and Old
2. OT&P Healthcare. Meniscus Tear
 

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.