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Meniscal injury
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Meniscal injury at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Our dedicated knee specialists tailor every aspect of treatment, from accurate diagnosis to effective rehabilitation. With the latest imaging technology, we can create a treatment plan that relieves pain and restores knee function.
Whether your injury is the result of sport, wear and tear or sudden impact, you'll receive expert care at every stage. With 97% of patients saying they would recommend HCA UK to friends and family, you can be sure you're in trusted hands.
Whether your injury is the result of sport, wear and tear or sudden impact, you'll receive expert care at every stage. With 97% of patients saying they would recommend HCA UK to friends and family, you can be sure you're in trusted hands.
The menisci (plural of meniscus) are C-shaped cartilage structures in each knee. They sit between the bottom of your femur (thigh bone) and the top of your tibia (shin bone). The medial meniscus sits on the inside of your knee joint, and the lateral meniscus sits on the outside.
When you bend your knee, the meniscus guides a smooth gliding motion and prevents your bones from rubbing together. It also cushions your knee joint, absorbing impact when you run or take part in any physical activity.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply, known as the 'red zone'. The remaining section has no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. Damage in the red zone has a good chance of healing naturally, while damage in the white zone is less likely to heal on its own.
When you bend your knee, the meniscus guides a smooth gliding motion and prevents your bones from rubbing together. It also cushions your knee joint, absorbing impact when you run or take part in any physical activity.
The outer third of the meniscus has a blood supply, known as the 'red zone'. The remaining section has no blood supply and is called the 'white zone'. Damage in the red zone has a good chance of healing naturally, while damage in the white zone is less likely to heal on its own.
A meniscus tear is a common sports injury that 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:
Radial tear: The most common type of meniscus injury. Radial meniscus tears are more common on the inner part of the cartilage, the medial meniscus, which is the white zone. If symptoms do not respond well to physiotherapy or rest, surgery can remove the affected cartilage.
Horizontal tear: Running from the top to the bottom of the cartilage's C shape, horizontal tears are treated differently depending on exactly where they occur. Injuries closer to the red zone are better suited to repair procedures, while larger tears and those in the white zone may require the removal of the cartilage.
Bucket-handle tear: A common meniscus injury when a crescent-shaped cut forms in the cartilage. The resulting loose part of cartilage can, in some cases, get lodged in the knee joint and prevent a full range of movement as well as cause pain.
Incomplete tear: This is damage that occurs over time through wear and tear. It may be the result of the cartilage becoming thinner and weaker rather than a sudden impact or movement. Physiotherapy, rest and medication are common treatments for this type of tear.
Oblique tear: Also known as a 'flap tear'. These tears are often characterised by a 'catching' sensation as the flap is agitated by the movement of your knee.
Complex tear: A tear that features patterns and characteristics of multiple tear types. These tears carry an extra risk of further complications and the risk of developing or worsening arthritis, so surgery is typically recommended.
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.
Meniscus tears are typically categorised in six ways:
Radial tear: The most common type of meniscus injury. Radial meniscus tears are more common on the inner part of the cartilage, the medial meniscus, which is the white zone. If symptoms do not respond well to physiotherapy or rest, surgery can remove the affected cartilage.
Horizontal tear: Running from the top to the bottom of the cartilage's C shape, horizontal tears are treated differently depending on exactly where they occur. Injuries closer to the red zone are better suited to repair procedures, while larger tears and those in the white zone may require the removal of the cartilage.
Bucket-handle tear: A common meniscus injury when a crescent-shaped cut forms in the cartilage. The resulting loose part of cartilage can, in some cases, get lodged in the knee joint and prevent a full range of movement as well as cause pain.
Incomplete tear: This is damage that occurs over time through wear and tear. It may be the result of the cartilage becoming thinner and weaker rather than a sudden impact or movement. Physiotherapy, rest and medication are common treatments for this type of tear.
Oblique tear: Also known as a 'flap tear'. These tears are often characterised by a 'catching' sensation as the flap is agitated by the movement of your knee.
Complex tear: A tear that features patterns and characteristics of multiple tear types. These tears carry an extra risk of further complications and the risk of developing or worsening arthritis, so surgery is typically recommended.
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.
There are several symptoms that you may experience if you have a meniscal injury. These include:
- A sharp pain when twisting the knee or squatting
- A swollen knee joint, which may feel unsteady or stiff
- A popping or locking sensation within the knee
- Not being able to fully straighten or bend the leg
- Inability to put weight on the leg
Your symptoms can signal different conditions in the knee, including a meniscus injury. If they continue despite rest and pain relief, our knee specialists use the latest diagnostic technology to give you a complete and accurate understanding of what's happening in your knee.
Getting expert advice and a clear diagnosis helps you explore the best treatment options and return to the activities you enjoy most. Some symptoms mean you should seek help straight away.
If your knee swells significantly, shifts out of place, or you injure it and feel a popping sensation with sharp pain, you may need emergency treatment.
Getting expert advice and a clear diagnosis helps you explore the best treatment options and return to the activities you enjoy most. Some symptoms mean you should seek help straight away.
If your knee swells significantly, shifts out of place, or you injure it and feel a popping sensation with sharp pain, you may need emergency treatment.
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Meniscal injury tests and scans at HCA UK
Your orthopaedic knee consultant will perform a physical assessment of your knee to assess the range of movement. They'll also ask you what you were doing when your knee began to hurt and whether you have had a knee injury in the past.
If your consultant suspects you have a meniscal tear, they may recommend a series of scans to help them see the extent of the tear and whether the torn meniscus is obstructing the joint. These include:
If your consultant suspects you have a meniscal tear, they may recommend a series of scans to help them see the extent of the tear and whether the torn meniscus is obstructing the joint. These include:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- Ultrasound scans
Meniscal injury treatments at HCA UK
Most meniscus tears respond well to simple measures that ease pain and swelling. Your knee specialist may recommend anti-inflammatory medication and ice packs at first. Smaller tears near the red zone often heal without surgery, while larger tears, usually 2cm or more, may need surgical repair.
Meniscal injuries are treatable, and with the right care, you can return to your usual activities. Treatments for meniscus injuries include:
Meniscal injuries are treatable, and with the right care, you can return to your usual activities. Treatments for meniscus injuries include:
- Physiotherapy
- Meniscal repair
- Meniscus removal
- Meniscus transplant
- Knee replacement
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
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Meniscal injury FAQs
It should be possible to walk in straight lines relatively unaided after tearing your meniscus, although pain, discomfort and stiffness may all be present. You may struggle to change direction, carry extra weight through the joint, squat or run after suffering this injury.
Meniscus tears can worsen over time if left untreated, though the rate at which this can happen varies. Should the tear progress, you'll likely experience increased pain.
Meniscus tears can worsen over time if left untreated, though the rate at which this can happen varies. Should the tear progress, you'll likely experience increased pain.
This depends on the specifics of your injury. If your injury is small, stable and only affects the red zone, which is uncommon, it may heal naturally over time. Surgical intervention may be required to repair the tear.
For example, in a horizontal tear that runs through the red zone or the red-white zone, an area that sits on the border between them. If you significantly damage the white zone of your meniscus, it's unlikely that it'll heal itself, and surgery will likely be required for a long-term recovery.
For example, in a horizontal tear that runs through the red zone or the red-white zone, an area that sits on the border between them. If you significantly damage the white zone of your meniscus, it's unlikely that it'll heal itself, and surgery will likely be required for a long-term recovery.
If you don't seek treatment for a meniscal injury, the issue likely won't heal on its own. 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 too soon. An untreated meniscus tear may also increase the chances of osteoarthritis developing in the affected knee over time.
A minor meniscus tear may be exacerbated if left untreated, and you return to physical activities 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 up to six months in older age groups. 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.
Your specialist may discuss treatment options such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. This may be a non-surgical way to promote the recovery of a torn meniscus.
The cost of meniscus treatment varies, as there are multiple potential approaches, ranging from physiotherapy for minor injuries to an arthroscopic meniscectomy. Once your consultant has diagnosed the cause of your symptoms, they'll talk you through the full range of care options available.
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 under anaesthesia during the procedure and therefore feel no pain. Again, some stiffness may be felt post-operation, but your underlying pain should be gone.
If you undergo surgery, you'll likely be under anaesthesia during the procedure and therefore feel no pain. Again, some stiffness may be felt post-operation, but your underlying pain should be gone.
You won't be able to drive immediately after surgery to fix a torn meniscus, so you'll need someone to pick you up from the hospital. Whether recovering from surgery or undergoing physiotherapy, you should only drive if you can comfortably perform an emergency stop.
Our patient stories
Hana's recovery: Roaring back from a serious knee injury
Hana was a fearsome player on the pitch, but her commitment came at a price. In 2018 she tore her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and was seen by Mr Simon Thompson. He helped her get back to playing at a competitive level and Hana got to wear the England jersey she’d dreamed of. So, when she then suffered a meniscal tear in 2020, she knew who she was going to see.
Decades of pain, resolved in weeks
Now 46, Mike had been struggling with knee problems since he tore his right ACL during a football match at the age of 19.
Kriti’s story
As Kriti Singh stepped off the dance floor at her thirtieth birthday party in Varanasi, India, she felt a sharp pain in her right knee. With a ten-year history of knee trouble, this didn’t bode well.
“With hindsight, I should have dealt with my knee problems a long time ago. I'd say to anyone else in my position that if you're not sure about anything, you should seek the help of a specialist.”
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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.