Meniscal cartilage provides cushioning and reduces friction in the joint. If the cartilage is torn, the jagged edges affects smooth movement in the joint, causing inflammation, trapped tissue, locking, swelling, and the knee giving way.
Damaged cartilage can also lead to bone damage and arthritis as the knee bones catch against each other.
When the meniscus tears, you have the following symptoms:
- pain in your knee – some people only have mild pain, and for others, the pain may come and go
- swelling, usually several hours after the injury
- feeling as though your knee is catching or locking, usually when your knee is bent
- your knee feeling ‘loose’, as though it’s going to give way
- being unable to bend and extend your knee fully
- your knee may feel tender along the line of the joint
Your consultant will ask you to describe your symptoms and will carry out physical tests to see how well your joint moves.
You may need an MRI scan to confirm whether the meniscus has torn.
Recovery from surgery takes around two weeks. You would expect to return to normal within six weeks to three months following surgery.
If meniscal repair is done, you will be provided with a new brace and will be partially weight-bearing for four to six weeks. The outside stitches will need to be removed in two weeks. You will also need to follow the PRICE regime (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation).
You will need to use crutches depending on the type of surgery as per recommendation from your surgeon. You will be referred to physiotherapy according to the treatment plan.
Normally you can return to work within a few days for desk-based jobs. Manual jobs may require four to six weeks before you can return. You will be able to drive after a couple of weeks.
