When to get knee surgery for meniscus tear?

When to get knee surgery for meniscus tear?

Should you get knee surgery for a meniscus tear? According to recent research, not if you’re middle aged or older, since it’s likely that the tear seen on MRI has nothing to do with your knee pain. This may come as a surprise, but let me explain.

Can a radial tear on the meniscus be repaired?

Radial tears sometimes can be fixed, but it depends on where they are. Most of the time, horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—can’t be fixed. The older you are, the less likely it is that your tear can be repaired. For these kinds of tears, you may need to have part or all of the meniscus removed.

What kind of injury is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus) —one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge.

Can a meniscus tear be seen on a MRI?

In addition, middle aged patients have been taught incorrectly that a meniscus tear seen on MRI is a problem causing pain that needs to be fixed surgically, despite years of research showing that a mythical evil unicorn living inside their knee is about as likely to be the cause of their knee pain as the meniscus tear.

Should you get knee surgery for a meniscus tear? According to recent research, not if you’re middle aged or older, since it’s likely that the tear seen on MRI has nothing to do with your knee pain. This may come as a surprise, but let me explain.

In addition, middle aged patients have been taught incorrectly that a meniscus tear seen on MRI is a problem causing pain that needs to be fixed surgically, despite years of research showing that a mythical evil unicorn living inside their knee is about as likely to be the cause of their knee pain as the meniscus tear.

What causes a meniscus tear in the knee?

Meniscus tears are very common. Each knee has two menisci which serve as cushions. They can tear due to degeneration, or they can tear due to trauma or a sports injury. The treatment of a meniscus tear will depend on the type of tear you have, whether or not you also have osteoarthritis and the nature of your complaints.

Can a torn meniscus be sewn back together?

In some cases, tears in the meniscus can be sewn back together. But if your meniscus can’t be repaired, the doctor may remove the damaged part. Meniscus surgery is usually done as arthroscopic surgery.