Meniscus Tears – When Do You Need Surgery?By Dr. Kashyap Solanki

The meniscus is a vital cartilage cushion in the knee that provides shock absorption and stability. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries that can result from sports, accidents, or degenerative changes. Deciding when surgery is necessary depends on multiple factors including tear type, severity, symptoms, and patient lifestyle.

When Is Surgery Needed for Meniscus Tears?

• Persistent Pain and Swelling: If pain, swelling, and stiffness do not improve with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or medications, surgery may be considered.

• Mechanical Symptoms: Locking, catching, or a sensation of the knee giving way often indicates torn fragments interfering within the joint, necessitating surgical intervention.

• Tear Type and Location:

  • Repairable Tears: Vertical longitudinal tears in the vascular zone (outer third of meniscus), especially in younger active patients, are good candidates for meniscus repair surgery to preserve tissue.

  • Non-Repairable Tears: Degenerative, complex, or radial tears in the avascular zone may require partial meniscectomy (removal of the damaged meniscus portion).

• Associated Injuries: Meniscus tears occurring with ACL injuries often require surgical repair of both for optimal knee stability.

• Failed Conservative Treatment: When nonsurgical measures fail, surgery can provide symptom relief and improve function.

Surgery Options

• Meniscus Repair: Suturing the torn meniscus to allow it to heal, preserving as much cartilage as possible. This has better long-term outcomes in suitable cases.

• Partial Meniscectomy: Trimming or removing the torn meniscal fragment to relieve symptoms when repair is not possible.

• Meniscus Transplantation: Reserved for younger patients with severe meniscus loss and knee arthritis, using donor tissue to replace the damaged meniscus.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time depends on the surgical procedure but generally involves a few weeks to months of physical therapy focusing on restoring range of motion, strength, and gradual return to activities. Meniscus repair usually requires longer rehabilitation compared to meniscectomy.

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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