Diagnosing a torn meniscus involves a combination of a detailed medical evaluation, physical tests, and imaging studies to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination: The diagnosis begins with your doctor asking about the history of your symptoms—when the pain began, how the injury occurred, and any activities that may have contributed to it. They will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing your knee for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and stability. The McMurray test is a common physical test where the doctor moves your knee in various directions to detect any pain, clicking, or locking, which may indicate a torn meniscus.

2. Imaging Studies: If a tear is suspected, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to get a clearer picture of the extent and location of the injury. An X-ray can help rule out other issues, like fractures, but it won’t show a meniscus tear itself since cartilage is not visible on X-rays. The most definitive tool is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including the meniscus, to identify tears or other injuries.

3. Arthroscopy: In some cases, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if a tear needs to be assessed more closely, your doctor may recommend an arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the knee on a screen in real time. Arthroscopy not only helps in diagnosing the tear but can also be used to treat it during the same procedure.

By combining these diagnostic methods, healthcare professionals can accurately identify a torn meniscus and recommend the best course of action to help you recover quickly and safely.

Treating a torn meniscus depends on the size, location, and severity of the tear, as well as your age, activity level, and overall knee health. Your doctor will customise a treatment plan to alleviate pain, restore knee function, and prevent future damage.

1. Conservative Treatments: For minor tears, especially those located on the outer edge of the meniscus where there is a rich blood supply, non-surgical treatments may be effective. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) are the first steps to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage discomfort. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, focusing on exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and restore full range of motion.

2. Injections: If pain persists, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are another option, leveraging your body’s healing factors to potentially speed up recovery.

3. Surgical Interventions: For more severe or complex tears, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. Arthroscopic Surgery is the most common procedure, where a small camera and instruments are inserted into the knee through tiny incisions. The surgeon can either trim the torn portion in a meniscectomy or stitch the tear back together with a meniscus repair. Meniscus repair is preferred for younger patients or those with tears in the outer zone, as it helps preserve knee function long-term. However, if the tear is in an area with poor blood supply, partial or total meniscectomy may be performed.

4. Meniscus Transplant: In rare cases where the entire meniscus is damaged beyond repair, a meniscus transplant may be considered. This involves replacing the damaged meniscus with donor tissue, which can provide pain relief and improve knee stability.

Each treatment option is tailored to the individual, with a focus on minimising downtime and getting you back to your normal activities as quickly as possible.