Is a meniscus tear in your knee causing ongoing pain, swelling, catching, or locking that hasn't improved with non-surgical treatment?
When the meniscus is torn, some injuries can heal with rest, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. In other cases, the torn portion may be too damaged, unstable, or poorly positioned to repair successfully. When this happens, a meniscectomy may be recommended to remove the damaged part of the meniscus while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
So, what exactly is the meniscus? The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It helps cushion the knee, absorb shock, distribute weight, and support smooth movement. Preserving the meniscus is always preferred where possible, but some tears are unlikely to heal with repair due to their size, pattern, or limited blood supply.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced arthroscopic meniscectomy when clinically appropriate, helping relieve pain, improve knee movement, and support a safe return to daily activities, movement, and sport.
Symptoms & Signs of a Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear can happen suddenly during a twisting injury or sports-related movement. It can also develop gradually due to age-related wear and tear.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Pain during walking, squatting, twisting, or climbing stairs
• Reduced knee mobility
• A feeling that the knee is not moving smoothly
• Symptoms that continue despite rest or physiotherapy
If these symptoms persist or interfere with daily movement, your specialist may recommend further evaluation to determine whether the meniscus can be repaired or whether meniscectomy may be more appropriate.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the type, location, and severity of the meniscus tear, as well as whether other knee structures have also been affected.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, evaluation may include:
• Detailed medical history and review of how symptoms began
• Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, movement, and knee stability
• Specific knee tests to check for signs of meniscus injury
• MRI scan to confirm the tear and assess its size, pattern, and location
• Evaluation of the cartilage, ligaments, and other knee structures
• Review of previous treatments, activity level, and recovery goals
This assessment helps your specialist decide whether non-surgical treatment, meniscus repair, or meniscectomy is the most suitable option.
Treatment & Management
Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Many small or stable tears may improve with non-surgical treatment, including rest, activity modification, pain management, physiotherapy, and strengthening exercises.
Meniscectomy may be recommended when:
• Symptoms continue despite conservative treatment
• The tear is unstable or causing locking and catching
• The damaged portion cannot be repaired successfully
• The tear is located in an area with limited blood supply
• The tear pattern makes healing unlikely
• Knee movement or daily function is significantly affected
During an arthroscopic meniscectomy, the surgeon makes small keyhole incisions around the knee. A tiny camera is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to see the meniscus clearly and remove only the damaged portion using specialized instruments.
The aim is to relieve symptoms while preserving as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery after meniscectomy is usually faster than recovery after meniscus repair, but timelines vary depending on the extent of the tear, the amount of tissue removed, overall knee health, and the patient’s activity goals.
A personalized rehabilitation program may focus on:
• Reducing pain and swelling
• Restoring knee range of motion
• Rebuilding strength
• Improving balance and control
• Supporting safe walking, stair use, and daily movement
• Gradually returning to exercise or sport
• Reducing the risk of further knee injury
Many patients can return to normal daily movement and activities within a few weeks, although return to sport or higher-impact activity may take longer and should be guided by the treating team.
Why Early Treatment Matters
A meniscus tear that continues to cause pain, swelling, locking, or restricted movement should not be ignored. Ongoing symptoms may affect knee function and can sometimes place additional strain on the cartilage and surrounding joint structures.
Early assessment helps identify the type of tear, determine whether repair is possible, and guide the most appropriate treatment to protect knee function over time.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consider seeing an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if you experience:
• Persistent knee pain after injury
• Swelling that does not improve
• Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Pain when squatting, twisting, walking, or climbing stairs
• Symptoms that continue despite rest or physiotherapy
• Reduced mobility affecting daily activities or sport
A specialist assessment can help determine whether your symptoms may improve with rehabilitation or whether arthroscopic treatment may be needed.
A meniscectomy is an arthroscopic procedure used to remove the damaged portion of a torn meniscus while preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.
A meniscectomy may be recommended when a meniscus tear cannot be repaired due to its size, location, pattern, or limited blood supply, or when symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment.
Meniscus repair involves stitching the torn cartilage back together so it can heal. Meniscectomy involves removing the damaged portion of the meniscus. Whenever possible, repair is preferred because it preserves more of the knee’s natural cushioning.
Yes. Meniscectomy is usually performed arthroscopically through small keyhole incisions using a tiny camera and specialized instruments.
Recovery is generally quicker than after meniscus repair. Many patients return to everyday activities within a few weeks, while return to sport depends on rehabilitation progress, symptoms, and the type of activity.
The removed portion does not grow back, but symptoms can return if there is new injury, further cartilage wear, or additional knee damage. Rehabilitation and safe return-to-activity planning can help reduce this risk.
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