Dr. Samuelson on Meniscus Tears

One of the most common injuries we see as orthopedic surgeons is meniscus tears. This is a common term you may have heard, but not everyone knows what a meniscus tear is or how they happen.

A common story we hear from patients is that they stumbled off a curb or slipped on ice and twisted or wrenched the knee. They may have felt a pop, followed by pain and swelling. By the time they make it to us, they’re often experiencing catching, locking, or giving‑way symptoms in the knee.

What this commonly indicates is a tear of the meniscus, which consists of two ring‑shaped “bumpers” between the bones.

When it comes to treating meniscus tears, there are several variables to consider. Ideally, we would repair all meniscus tears by putting the torn edges back together and holding them with stitches. However, many tears are not repairable or are unlikely to heal. In those cases, we trim out the torn portion of the meniscus, a procedure known as a partial meniscectomy.

Recovery differs significantly between these two procedures. When we perform a repair, there are more restrictions because we must protect the repair and give it time to heal. This involves limiting weight‑bearing and using a brace. In contrast, after a partial meniscectomy—where the torn portion is simply trimmed out—there is no need for protection, and recovery is typically quicker.