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A torn meniscus, or locked knee, is a common sports or exercise injury caused by forceful twisting. It can result in a swollen and painful knee joint that requires treatment.
At HCA UK we provide a range of services to help you recover as soon as possible:
The menisci (plural of meniscus) are c-shaped cartilage structures within each knee. They sit between the bottom of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia (shin bone). The medial meniscus is on the inside of your knee joint and the lateral meniscus is on the outer side.
As your knee flexes, the meniscus allows for a smooth gliding motion and stops the bones from rubbing together. It also acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact on your knee joint if you're running or undertaking any other kind of physical activity.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply and is known as the 'red zone'. The rest of the meniscus has no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. If this area is damaged, it is unlikely to heal by itself.
A meniscus tear is a common sports injury and can affect people of all ages. Knee arthritis can also lead to a meniscal injury, as the degeneration of the cartilage in the knee makes the menisci more susceptible to damage.
Meniscus tears are typically categorised in six ways:
Meniscus injuries can sometimes occur at the same time as other issues within the knee, such as ACL injuries in those who suffer high impact through the joint.
In younger people, menisci are tough and rubbery but can tear when the knee is twisted with force. In older people, they become less elastic and can be torn during milder activities such as squats.
Meniscal tears can typically be categorised in two ways:
What are the symptoms of meniscus injury?
The above symptoms can be a sign of various conditions within the knee, including a meniscus injury. If symptoms persist through rest and pain relief, our specialists have access to the very latest in diagnostic technology to provide a full picture of your knee issue.
Seeking expert help and a full diagnosis can help you understand the various treatment options available and get back to doing what you love the most. Some meniscus injury symptoms should prompt you to seek urgent help. Emergency treatment may be required if your knee joint has swollen considerably, moved out of place, or if you were injured and experienced a popping sensation with considerable pain.
Our consultants will carry out a physical assessment of your knee to see how well you can move it. They'll also ask you what you were doing when your knee began to hurt, and whether you have injured the knee in the past.
If your consultant suspects you have a meniscal tear, they may recommend an MRI scan. This will help them see the extent of the tear and whether the torn meniscus is obstructing the joint. If this is the case and your knee is locked, they may recommend surgery. Sometimes an X-ray is done if there’s a suspicion of other problems, like arthritis or fractures.
It's important to reduce the pain and swelling in the knee, so your doctor will recommend anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs in the first instance. This helps to settle the symptoms of meniscal tears in most people. The size of your meniscus injury will play a significant role in how it is treated. Smaller tears in or close to the red zone of the meniscus may respond well to non-surgical options. However, tears of 2cm or more typically need surgical intervention.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a meniscal injury and want to meet with one of our knee specialists to understand your treatment options:
If you don't seek treatment for a meniscal injury, the issue likely won't heal by itself. This can result in added pressure being applied to other areas of your knee joint, potentially leading to further injuries. A minor meniscus tear may be exacerbated if left untreated and you return to physical activities such as sports too soon. An untreated meniscus tear may also increase the chances of osteoarthritis developing in the affected knee over time.
Smaller meniscus tears may take up to three months to heal in younger people or as many as six months in older age ranges.
Should you require arthroscopic knee surgery, the recovery from the procedure typically takes up to six weeks. Our physiotherapy experts will provide you with an extensive plan for rehabilitation after a meniscus tear.
You may find that physiotherapy for a meniscus tear causes short-term stiffness and soreness as you build up the muscles surrounding your knee joint, but this should be manageable with over-the-counter pain management medication and will hopefully ease long-term discomfort.
If you undergo surgery, you'll likely be asleep during the procedure and therefore feel no pain. Again, some stiffness may be felt post-operation, but your underlying pain should be gone.
All-in-one appointments: We'll confirm your appointment within 24 hours and we are often able to book a consultant appointment and any required diagnostic scans in one visit to minimise disruption to your schedule.
Leading imaging equipment: All our diagnostic centres have the latest technology and all imaging is reported on by expert musculoskeletal radiologists.
Expert consultants: You'll be treated by a consultant with extensive experience in the specifics of your condition.
'Outstanding' official ratings: We have a higher proportion of leading ratings from the Care Quality Commission than any other private hospital group in the UK.
Strict standards: Our experts in treating meniscal injuries follow the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) code of practice.
High patient satisfaction: We're delighted to report that 97% of people said they received ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ orthopaedic care at HCA UK (2023 patient surveys).
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.