A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of the knee “catching” or giving way. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. When torn, it can significantly impact movement and long-term knee health.
Our practice provides expert meniscus tear surgery using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons focused on restoring knee function and relieving pain.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscus tears may occur suddenly from injury or develop gradually due to wear and degeneration. Common causes include:
- Twisting or pivoting motions
- Sports injuries (soccer, basketball, football, running)
- Sudden stops or direction changes
- Squatting or heavy lifting
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
Meniscus tears often occur alongside other knee injuries, such as ACL tears.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Common symptoms include:
- Knee pain along the joint line
- Swelling or stiffness
- Catching, locking, or clicking in the knee
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee
- A feeling of instability or giving way
- Pain that worsens with activity or squatting
Early evaluation helps prevent further cartilage damage.
Diagnosing a Meniscus Tear
Our specialists perform a detailed knee examination and use imaging such as X-rays and MRI to confirm the diagnosis, identify tear type, and evaluate associated injuries. Accurate diagnosis allows for a personalized treatment plan based on your activity level and goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Some meniscus tears—particularly small or degenerative tears—may be treated without surgery. Non-surgical options may include:
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Bracing or injections
If symptoms persist or mechanical problems continue, surgery may be recommended.
Meniscus Tear Surgery Options
Meniscus tear surgery is typically performed arthroscopically through small incisions. Depending on the tear, your surgeon may recommend:
Meniscus Repair
The torn cartilage is sutured back together to preserve the meniscus and protect long-term knee health. This option is preferred when the tear has good healing potential.
Partial Meniscectomy
Damaged portions of the meniscus are trimmed while preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.
Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on tear location, size, and knee condition.
Benefits of Meniscus Tear Surgery
- Relief from knee pain and mechanical symptoms
- Improved knee stability and motion
- Faster recovery with minimally invasive techniques
- Protection of long-term joint health
- Return to work, sports, and daily activities
Recovery After Meniscus Surgery
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed:
- Meniscus trimming: faster recovery, often within weeks
- Meniscus repair: longer recovery with temporary activity restrictions
Physical therapy plays a key role in restoring strength, flexibility, and knee stability.
Meniscus Tear Surgery in Dallas–Fort Worth
We proudly provide meniscus tear surgery across North Texas, with convenient locations in:
- Dallas
- Plano
- Fort Worth
- Weatherford
- Keller
No matter which location you visit, you’ll receive expert care from board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons dedicated to knee preservation and long-term outcomes.
Same-Day & Urgent Appointments Available
Meniscus injuries can be time-sensitive, especially when locking, swelling, or instability is present. We reserve urgent appointment slots for new knee injuries and worsening symptoms.
Please call our office directly for prompt evaluation and scheduling.
Schedule a Meniscus Tear Evaluation
If knee pain, swelling, or locking is limiting your activity, early treatment can make a meaningful difference in recovery and long-term knee health.
Contact us today to schedule a meniscus tear evaluation and learn whether meniscus surgery is right for you..
MENISCUS TEAR Q&A
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
The menisci are two wedge-shaped discs of cartilage that cushion and stabilize your knee joint. These tough and rubbery cartilage pieces absorb shock between your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia).
Different types of meniscus tears include flap, radial, and bucket handle tears. The type of meniscus injury you have depends on the appearance of the tear and where it occurs.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscus tears can happen suddenly or appear gradually. Sudden meniscus tears often occur during sports when you twist your knee. Gradual meniscus tears happen as a result of degenerative damage that occurs with age.
How Do I Know If I Tore My Meniscus?
If you tear your meniscus during a sports injury, you may hear a “popping” noise. Over the next 2-3 days, your knee becomes stiff and swollen. Other common signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
- Knee pain and swelling
- Catching or locking of the knee
- Reduced range of motion
- The sensation of your knee giving out
Many athletes continue to play with a torn meniscus if they can still walk on the injured knee. But without proper treatment, a piece of the meniscus may break off and drift into your knee joint. This may lead to further damage and knee instability.
How Do You Diagnose and Treat a Meniscus Tear?
First, the team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. They may take imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to diagnose your meniscus tear.
Then, they develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type, size, and location of your specific meniscus tear. A tear on the outer third of your meniscus may heal on its own because of the rich blood supply that brings nutrients to this region.
However, the inner two-thirds of your meniscus don’t have a blood supply and, therefore, can’t heal without surgery. The team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates is highly experienced in minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopic knee surgery.
If you suspect you may have a torn meniscus, don’t hesitate to call Texas Orthopaedic Associates or book an appointment online today.