Torn Meniscus

The meniscus is the tissue that cushions and protects the knee joint and surrounding cartilage and bones from the stresses of walking, running, bending, and climbing. Forceful twists from sudden stops or pivots -- common in football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and golf -- or deep knee bends can cause the meniscus to tear. Meniscus tears will sometimes occur at the same time as knee ligament injuries such as ACL tears because of the violent forces involved. Meniscus tears can also occur over time due to meniscus degeneration.

When to Make an Appointment
When swelling, pain with walking, locking or catching in the knee, giving way of the knee, and limited range of motion affect your ability to move, it’s time to see a knee specialist.

Visit Duke Orthopaedics Urgent Care
Our convenient orthopaedic urgent care clinic is open seven days a week. Get fast service with a well-trained orthopaedic provider and no unnecessary exposure to illness. No appointment is needed; walk-ins are welcome.

Thorough Evaluation
Deciding on the right course of treatment for your torn meniscus depends on the severity of your injury, the location of the torn meniscus, and the health of your knee joint. Duke knee specialists conduct a thorough physical examination and imaging to determine whether you need meniscus surgery.

• A physical exam is performed to assess tenderness along the knee joint and to determine if there is popping/clicking of the knee with rotational movement
• X-rays check for broken bones and the presence of arthritis.
• An MRI evaluates the soft tissues -- muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons -- of the knee. An MRI helps knee specialists assess the specific part of the cartilage that is damaged.

Wear-and-Tear Injuries 
Older people, whose meniscus tears are the result of age and wear and tear, may benefit from physical therapy and guided exercise, non-steroidal pain medication, and other non-surgical treatment.

Returning to Sports Activities
Athletes who want to return to their normal level of activity may benefit from minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery -- during which orthopaedic surgeons repair or remove the damaged meniscus -- and physical therapy. The same meniscus surgery and rehab that helps school athletes and professionals will also benefit weekend warriors who want to stay competitive in their local tennis, soccer, or golf leagues.