Options after a meniscus tear
After a meniscus tear there are 5 options:
• Leave alone and allow symptoms to settle reducing activity levels – safe if this results in no pain and no swelling in the knee
• Arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn fragment – a very common and successful procedure
• Arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn fragment – performed when the torn fragment is large and the tear extends to the edge of the meniscus where there is a good blood supply to help it heal
• Replacement of part of the meniscus using synthetic implant (Menaflex or Actifit) as a scaffold for the body to regenerate new tissue. Indicated for partial loss
• Meniscal transplantation to replace the whole meniscus