Meniscal Tears

Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of torn knee cartilage

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, especially among people who are active in sports or physical work. The meniscus is a vital structure in your knee joint, acting as a shock absorber and stabiliser. When torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or clicking in the knee.

Tears may occur due to sudden trauma (such as twisting the knee) or develop gradually due to wear and degeneration over time. Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as your age, activity level, and overall knee health.

This page provides detailed information to help you understand what a meniscal tear is, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available, including when surgery may be appropriate.

Around 2.1 million Australians (1 in 11 people) have osteoarthritis, with a 58% increase expected by 2032 due to population ageing and rising obesity rates

What is the meniscus?

Each knee contains two menisci, one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus). These C-shaped cartilage structures sit between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), helping to:

Healthy menisci are critical to maintaining long-term knee function and joint health.

What causes a meniscal tear?

Meniscal tears can occur for different reasons depending on your age and activity level:

Traumatic tears usually happen in younger people during sports or high-impact activities, often with a twisting injury or sudden change of direction.
Degenerative tears are more common in older adults due to gradual cartilage weakening associated with age or underlying osteoarthritis.
Combined injuries may occur with ligament damage such as an ACL tear, especially in athletes.

Even a simple movement like kneeling, squatting, or standing up awkwardly can cause a tear in a weakened meniscus.

Symptoms of a meniscal tear

Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tear. Common signs include:

Pain along the joint line (inside or outside of the knee)
Swelling or stiffness, often within hours or days of the injury
Clicking, popping, or catching sensations
A feeling of instability or giving way
Locking or the inability to fully straighten the knee

Some tears may cause minimal symptoms at first but worsen over time with activity.

How are meniscal tears diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and clinical examination by Dr Hockings. Key steps may include:

Imaging is usually required to confirm the diagnosis:

Accurate diagnosis is essential to guide treatment and avoid further damage to the knee joint..

Non-surgical treatment options

Not all meniscal tears require surgery. In many cases, particularly degenerative or small stable tears, symptoms can be managed without an operation.

Non-surgical options may include:

Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability
Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
Pain relief medications, such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs
Knee braces or compression for support
Corticosteroid injections in some cases to reduce inflammation and improve comfort

Dr Hockings will assess the tear type, your lifestyle, and response to treatment before recommending surgery.

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery may be considered when:

The tear causes persistent pain, locking, or mechanical symptoms
Conservative treatment has not provided sufficient relief
The tear is in a zone with good blood supply and may be repairable
There is an associated injury, such as an ACL tear
You are active and wish to return to sport or physical work

Surgical treatment is typically done using knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique performed through small incisions.

Surgical treatment: Meniscal repair or removal

There are two main surgical options for treating a torn meniscus and Dr Hockings will determine the best approach based on your MRI findings and intraoperative assessment.

1. Meniscal repair - This procedure involves stitching the torn edges of the meniscus back together. It is preferred in younger patients and for tears located in the outer (vascular) zone of the meniscus, where healing potential is higher. Preserving the meniscus helps maintain long-term joint health. Other factors to consider include:

Recovery timelines for Meniscal repair:

Crutches for 2–4 weeks
Limited weight-bearing and use of a knee brace initially
Gradual return to sport in 4–6 months

1. Meniscectomy (partial removal) - In cases where the tear is not repairable, the damaged portion of the meniscus may be trimmed away. This is called a partial meniscectomy and aims to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible. Other factors to consider include:

Recovery timelines for Meniscectomy:

Crutches for a few days (if needed)
Walking often resumes within a week
Return to sport or activity in 4–6 weeks

A structured rehabilitation program with physiotherapy is essential to optimise your recovery and prevent further injury.

Many people recover well from a meniscal tear, particularly with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Loss of meniscal tissue however, especially in younger or active individuals, may increase the risk of knee arthritis later in life. Preserving the meniscus through repair, when possible, helps protect the knee for the long term. Dr Hockings will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment plan and guide your recovery every step of the way.

If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.