Meniscal injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
Dr. Samuel Duff offers arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery for meniscus tears, helping patients restore stability and avoid long-term damage to the joint.
Each knee has two menisci — crescent-shaped cartilage pads located between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
Their main functions are:
When torn, the meniscus can lead to pain, swelling, instability, or catching sensations in the knee. Over time, untreated meniscal injuries can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Meniscus tears can occur in people of all ages and activity levels. Common causes include:
Patients often describe:
Meniscus tears often occur with knee arthritis, affecting treatment choices. Dr. Duff uses assessment and imaging to guide care. Surgery, performed arthroscopically, aims to repair or trim damaged tissue and preserve healthy meniscus.
Prompt surgery is critical for certain tear types. Recovery varies but typically allows quick return to daily activities and sports.
Meniscus tears frequently appear alongside arthritis. In these cases, treatment depends on the level of joint damage:
Dr. Duff will use clinical assessment and imaging to determine which structure is responsible for your symptoms and guide treatment accordingly.
Meniscus surgery is performed via arthroscopy, using a small camera and instruments inserted through keyhole incisions. Depending on the tear, the procedure may involve:
The goal is always to preserve as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible, as this protects the joint in the long term.
Certain tear types can cause mechanical problems and should be treated without delay:
Prompt surgery can restore joint mechanics and reduce the risk of cartilage damage.
Most meniscus surgeries are performed as day procedures. Recovery depends on the type of tear and whether it was repaired or trimmed:
Large or complex tears may require temporary restrictions on bending or weight-bearing.
