Meniscus injury in the knee

If you have sustained a meniscus injury, it can cause pain and swelling. Minor meniscus injuries can heal on their own. If you have a meniscus injury that requires surgery, our knee specialists can operate on you using the gentle arthroscopic method.

What is a meniscus injury?

The most common cause of knee injuries is a meniscus injury. The knee contains two menisci, which are elastic and firm discs. The function of the menisci is to distribute weight in the knee, so that the cartilage wears less. The menisci are also important for the stability of the knee. Tears can occur across or along the meniscus. Injuries can occur in the thin edge that lies towards the centre of the knee. A small piece of the meniscus can then become trapped between the joint surfaces when the knee moves. Locking of the knee can occur. 

Symptoms of meniscus injury

The most common symptoms of meniscus injury will be a stabbing pain in the knee and swelling. You will experience that the pain can come and go, although the condition can worsen with physical activity.  

You may also experience pain when climbing stairs, locking, clicking and knee instability, where the knee gives way beneath you.  
 
If you experience locking or sudden severe swelling, you should be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible. 

Examination

Through a clinical examination of the knee and your medical history, the orthopaedic surgeon can make a relatively certain diagnosis, but it will often be necessary to have an ultrasound scan and/or MRI scan.  

How are meniscus injuries treated?

The meniscus injury can be repaired using a so-called arthroscopic surgery in the knee. Here the surgeon will remove the part of the meniscus that has torn.