meniscus-injury

What Is a Meniscus Injury?

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage inside the knee that acts as a shock absorber, stabiliser, and protector of knee joint cartilage. Each knee has two menisci:

  • Medial meniscus (inner side)
  • Lateral meniscus (outer side)

A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged due to twisting, sudden pivoting, or gradual degeneration. It is one of the most common knee injuries seen in athletes, active adults, and older individuals.

Common Causes

Meniscus injuries can occur due to:

  • Sudden twisting or pivoting during sports
  • Squatting or lifting heavy objects
  • Road traffic accidents
  • Age-related degeneration
  • Associated ligament injuries (especially ACL tears)

Athletes in football, basketball, kabaddi, and running are particularly prone to meniscus tears.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

You may experience

  • Sudden knee pain after a twist
  • Swelling within hours or the next day
  • Locking or catching of the knee
  • Difficulty fully bending or straightening
  • Pain along the joint line
  • Feeling of instability
  • A clicking or popping sensation

A locked knee (unable to straighten) often indicates a bucket-handle tear requiring urgent treatment.

Diagnosis at Our Clinic

At Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, diagnosis involves:

  • Detailed clinical examination
  • MRI scan – gold standard for meniscus tear detection
  • X-rays to rule out other causes of pain
  • Special tests such as McMurray’s and Apley’s test

Dr Rahul Singh ensures accurate identification of tear pattern, stability, and associated ligament injuries.

Treatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Management

Suitable for small, stable, or degenerative tears.

Treatment includes:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Ice therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physiotherapy for strengthening
  • Knee brace (if required)
  • Injections (in specific degenerative cases)

Many patients improve significantly with conservative care.

2. Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery (Keyhole Procedure)

When the tear is large, unstable, or symptomatic, arthroscopic treatment is recommended.

Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

The preferred option in younger or active patients when the tear pattern is repairable.

Benefits

  • Restores natural meniscus function
  • Reduces risk of early arthritis
  • Minimally invasive
  • Faster recovery compared to open surgery

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

If the torn part cannot be repaired, the damaged fragment is trimmed and smoothed.

Advantages:

  • Quick pain relief
  • Early return to activity
  • Excellent functional improvement

Both procedures are performed through tiny keyhole incisions with very high success rates.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

A structured rehabilitation plan ensures optimal healing.

After Meniscus Repair
  • Brace support initially
  • Partial weight-bearing for a few weeks
  • Gradual strengthening
  • Running allowed usually by 3 months
  • Sports return by 4–6 months
After Partial Meniscectomy
  • Walking within days
  • Fast recovery
  • Strength training by 2–4 weeks
  • Return to sports in 4–6 weeks

Our clinic provides personalised physiotherapy to accelerate recovery.

Why Choose Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic?
  • Expertise in arthroscopic meniscus repair & sports knee injuries
  • Evidence-based decision-making for repair vs trimming
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging
  • Minimally invasive procedures for faster healing
  • Full rehabilitation support
  • High success rates in athletes and active individuals

Get Back to Pain-Free Movement

Meniscus injuries are treatable, and with timely care, patients return to full activity without long-term damage.

Consult Dr Rahul Singh

Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow

for expert evaluation and advanced meniscus treatment options.