Meniscus tears are typically the result of aggressively twisting or over-rotating your knee. This motion can cause the C-shaped, slippery cartilage between your tibia and femur to rupture.

Not all meniscus tears require surgery, but all meniscus tears need professional orthopedic treatment. Failure to properly care for a meniscus injury can lead to chronic knee issues and severely reduce your quality of life. 

When Do Meniscus Tears Need Surgery?

Whether or not you need surgery to repair your torn meniscus will depend on several factors, including:

• The location of the tear

• The pattern of the tear

• The size of the tear

• Your age, health, and lifestyle

Meniscus tears can range from minor to severe. Minor meniscus tears will result in slight pain and swelling and will usually heal in two or three weeks. Severe tears can cause pieces of the meniscus to catch in the knee joint, causing your knee to catch or feel unstable. 

Minor tears can usually be treated conservatively with rest, icing, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Moderate and severe tears may need surgery to treat if the tear is:

• In an area with poor blood flow

• You suffered related injuries at the same time as your meniscus tear (such as an ACL tear or tibia fracture)

• Your knee’s range of motion or stability is threatened

• You are an athlete whose sport involves high-impact activities or twisting and cutting motions

There are two types of meniscus surgeries: repairs and removals. In a repair, the torn sections of the meniscus are sewn back together. A removal procedure involved cutting out the damaged section of the meniscus. 

Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery may also recommend surgery if previous conservative methods have failed to treat the injury or reduce its painful symptoms. 

What Is the Recovery Time for Meniscus Surgery?

Meniscus surgery is a low-risk procedure, and complications after surgery are rare. While recovery time depends on several factors, full recovery typically takes six weeks to three months. During this time, Dr. Sterett may recommend:

• Wearing a cast or brace to help stabilize your knee

• Using crutches to keep weight off the injured area

• Physical therapy to rebuild knee strength and regain range of motion

• Pain medications to reduce swelling and control pain

As you begin to return to your normal activity level, Dr. Sterett will ease you into high-impact activities, such as stationary cycling and walking. 

Surgery for a meniscus tear has an 85 percent success rate, meaning that out of every 100 people who have this surgery, 85 of them are able to use their knee normally afterwards. 

Meniscus surgery is most successful for people who:

• Are younger

• Have excellent knee stability 

• Tore the meniscus at the outer edge of the cartilage 

• Sought immediate treatment

• Selected an orthopaedic physician with a track record of successfully treating knee injuries

If left untreated, meniscus tears can worsen, spread in size, and lead to long-term knee complications in the future.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Sterett: Vail’s Best Meniscus Surgeon 

If you are experiencing knee pain or have torn your meniscus, contact Dr. Sterett at his team today! As the top knee expert in Vail, Colorado, Dr. Sterett is the go-to orthopaedic physician for Olympic athletes and Vail Valley residents alike. Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 475-7220 or through Dr. Sterett’s online contact form. 

Let’s get you back on your feet!