Meniscus Tear: Surgery vs Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Compare surgical and non-surgical treatment options for meniscus tears. Learn when physiotherapy alone is sufficient and when surgery is needed.

Understanding Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thigh bone and shin bone. Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, often occurring during twisting movements or from degenerative changes over time.

When Non-Surgical Treatment Works Best

Non-surgical treatment is often recommended for stable tears, small tears (less than 1 cm), degenerative tears, and tears in the vascular zone of the meniscus. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and modifying activities to reduce stress on the knee.

When Surgery Is Recommended

Surgery is typically recommended for large tears, unstable tears that cause mechanical locking, tears in younger athletes, and tears that fail to respond to conservative treatment. Surgical options include meniscus repair (which preserves the meniscus) and partial meniscectomy (which removes the damaged portion).