Meniscus surgery

A torn meniscus can make everyday movement painful, but effective treatment is available close to home. Novant Health orthopedic and sports medicine specialists offer meniscus surgery and personalized nonsurgical options to help ease knee pain, restore stability and support a safe return to your activities. From diagnosis through recovery, your care team builds a plan around your injury and your goals.

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What is meniscus surgery?

Meniscus surgery treats a torn or damaged meniscus, the C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee joint. Each knee has two menisci that absorb shock and help distribute weight evenly as you walk, twist or bend.

A meniscus tear can happen suddenly during sports or physical activity, or gradually over time as cartilage wears down with age. Meniscus surgery may be recommended when a tear causes ongoing pain, swelling, or limits your knee's movement, especially if nonsurgical treatment hasn't provided enough relief.

Common reasons for meniscus surgery

You may need meniscus surgery if you're experiencing symptoms that affect your knee's function and comfort. Common reasons include:

A meniscus tear from twisting or pivoting during sports or exercise
Persistent knee pain on the inside or outside of the joint
Swelling or stiffness that doesn't improve with rest
Knee locking, catching or a sensation of the knee giving out
Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
A meniscus tear that hasn't responded to nonsurgical treatment

Your physician will evaluate your symptoms, activity level and imaging results to determine whether meniscus surgery or another treatment approach is right for you.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the size, location and severity of the tear, as well as your age and activity level. Options include:

Nonsurgical

Rest, ice and physical therapy for small or stable tears
Anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain and swelling

Surgical

Arthroscopic meniscus repair, which stitches the torn cartilage back together
Partial meniscectomy, which removes the damaged portion of the meniscus
Meniscus transplantation for select patients with significant cartilage loss

Your care team will discuss which approach best supports your recovery and long-term knee health.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery time after meniscus surgery varies based on the procedure performed and the extent of the tear. In general, patients can expect:

Initial rest and limited weight bearing in the days following surgery
A gradual return to walking, often supported by crutches or a brace
Physical therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility and range of motion
A slower return to sports or high-impact activities compared to simpler procedures
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust your rehabilitation plan

Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide you through each recovery stage so you can return to normal activities safely.

Risks and considerations

As with any surgery, meniscus surgery carries some risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness or incomplete healing of the repaired tissue. Some patients may need additional treatment if symptoms persist or the meniscus doesn't heal as expected.

Your care team will review your individual risk factors and answer any questions you have before moving forward with treatment, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Medical illustration of knee joint anatomy used to explain a knee arthroscopy procedure.

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Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of joint injuries and conditions.

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Why treatment is important?

Leaving a meniscus tear untreated can lead to ongoing pain, instability and further damage to the knee joint over time. Getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can help restore movement, ease discomfort and support a return to the activities you enjoy.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.