Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a mobile, c-shaped, shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee.  Each knee has two meniscii – one on the inner side of the knee, and one on the outer side. Twisting or deep knee bending injuries can cause damage to the meniscus. The most common complaints of a meniscus tear are pain along the joint line and painful catching or frequent “giving way” symptoms. In addition, knee swelling is also common.

Small meniscus tears can be treated with oral anti-inflammatory medications or injections, but larger tears can be best treated with arthroscopic surgery.

The meniscus has a very poor blood supply, so there are only certain types of tears that have the ability to heal with surgical repair. Most meniscus tears are treated with removal or “debridement” of the torn portions to smooth-out the roughness of the tear. Surgery on a torn meniscus is done arthroscopically and patients go home the same day of surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hurst,
please contact us at (614) 221-6331
or toll free at (877) 550-4740.