Torn Meniscus

First, your physician will discuss your medical history and ask about your injury. They will want to learn when the injury occurred, which symptoms you’re experiencing and when they started, and whether walking or other activities trigger your symptoms or make them worse.

Next, your physician will examine your knee for signs of a torn meniscus. They will look for swelling on each side of the kneecap and check for tenderness. They may also conduct one or two tests of your knee to check its range of motion.

• McMurray test: While you lie on your back, your physician will bend, rotate and straighten your knee. If this test causes pain or clicking, it could be a sign of a torn meniscus.
• Thessaly test: Your physician will support you while you stand only on the affected leg. You’ll twist your knee inward and outward three times. Discomfort or locking of the joint during this test may indicate a meniscus injury.

After learning about the history of the injury and examining your knee, your physician may order imaging tests to see what the meniscus and other parts of the knee look like.

• X-ray: An X-ray is often the first imaging test your provider will use. This evaluates for any indication of arthritis, such as the narrowing of the joint space between the bones, which is a risk factor for the development of meniscus tears.
• MRI scan: If there is no evidence of arthritis on an X-ray and conservative treatments such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and bracing have not improved symptoms, an MRI may be ordered to evaluate the soft tissues in your knee joint, including the meniscus and cartilage surfaces. An MRI is the preferred method to diagnose a meniscus tear.

A meniscus tear can be painful, but the pain level varies from person to person. The inside of your knee may hurt as soon as the injury happens or after a day or two. The discomfort may come and go. Your knee may also become swollen, stiff and weak. There may also be mechanical symptoms associated with the locking and catching of the knee.

You can’t always spot a torn meniscus by looking at your knee, even if the joint hurts. One key visible clue, however, is swelling. Swelling on either side of the knee may be a sign of a meniscus tear.

The best rule is to listen to your body. If you were able to return to your normal activities with minimal to no pain, it is likely okay to exercise. Sharp, severe pain or worsening swelling may indicate the need to be seen by a doctor for further evaluation.

The meniscus does not have a great blood supply and does not regenerate over time. The ability to heal depends on the location of the tear as well as your age and health. In some cases, a small tear of the meniscus may heal on its own and relieve pain. In cases with bigger tears of the meniscus or displaced fragments, surgery for treatment may be the best option.

Recovery time depends on the tear type, if you are living with arthritis and your treatment plan. Nonsurgical recovery may take weeks, but further evaluation and surgical interventions may be necessary if there is no improvement. Meniscectomy recovery typically takes 3–6 weeks, while full recovery from a meniscus repair can take 3–6 months.