Common Knee Cartilage Injury
Meniscus Tear
A tear in the C-shaped cartilage cushion of the knee, causing joint-line pain, swelling, locking, and restricted movement — common in athletes and older adults.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, affecting the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci — medial and lateral — that help absorb shock, stabilise the joint, and allow smooth movement during daily activities. When the meniscus is torn, it can interfere with normal knee function and lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint. Meniscus tears are frequently seen in athletes due to sudden twisting movements, but they can also occur in older adults due to gradual degeneration of the cartilage. The appropriate meniscus tear treatment depends on the type and severity — ranging from meniscus tear treatment without surgery for minor injuries to arthroscopic procedures for significant tears. Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu offers advanced meniscus tear treatment in Hyderabad at Lux Hospitals, including arthroscopic meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and specialised root repair.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Sudden twisting or pivoting movements of the knee
- Sports injuries during football, basketball, or running
- Squatting or lifting with a twisted knee position
- Direct trauma to the knee from falls or accidents
- Age-related degeneration of the meniscus cartilage
- Repetitive stress on the knee joint over time
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Minor — conservative treatment with rest and physiotherapy
Severe — arthroscopic surgery usually required
Lateral meniscus tears treated arthroscopically — repair or meniscectomy
Specialised technique for root attachment tears — restores joint mechanics
Donor meniscus transplant for selected patients with major meniscus loss
Meniscus tear treatment in Hyderabad at Lux Hospitals
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Arthroscopic Meniscus Treatment — Preserve and Restore
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu offers a full range of arthroscopic meniscus treatments — from partial meniscectomy for irreparable tears to advanced meniscus repair and root repair for preserving the natural cartilage. Wherever possible, the meniscus is repaired rather than removed to protect the long-term health of the knee joint. Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
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Assessment & MRI
Clinical examination and MRI scan confirm the meniscus tear location, grade, and type — determining whether repair, partial removal, or a specialised procedure is most appropriate.
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Conservative Treatment (Grade 1)
Minor tears may respond to rest, physiotherapy, knee bracing, and anti-inflammatory medication. This is the first-line approach for low-grade meniscus tears.
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Arthroscopic Surgery
For significant tears — arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, or root repair is performed through small keyhole incisions with a camera, minimising tissue damage.
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Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy begins soon after surgery. Early movement exercises restore strength and flexibility. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks to months depending on the procedure.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
TreatmentOptions
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy
Removal of the damaged portion of the torn meniscus. Relieves pain and restores smooth knee movement. Most common procedure.
Meniscus Repair
The torn meniscus is sutured and preserved — recommended when the tear is in a blood-supply-rich region with healing potential.
Meniscus Root Repair
Repairs a tear at the root attachment of the meniscus — restores its load distribution function and protects knee cartilage.
Meniscus Transplantation
Donor meniscus transplantation for selected patients with significant meniscus loss — delays arthritis progression.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Satish Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.