Summary
Meniscal tears are common and may be traumatic, degenerative, or mixed. The meniscus is important for load distribution, shock absorption, stability, and cartilage protection.
Many degenerative tears improve with non-surgical care including activity modification, physical therapy, medication, bracing, and selected injections. Surgery is most appropriate for displaced tears, true locking, repairable traumatic tears, selected root tears, or persistent mechanical symptoms after adequate conservative treatment.
The best plan considers the patient’s symptoms, physical examination, MRI findings, cartilage health, alignment, activity goals, and expectations.