Meniscus Tear Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Treatment: Which Is Right for You?

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, but not every tear requires surgery. Choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment depends on the type of tear, your symptoms, activity level, and overall knee health. Understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you make an informed decision with your orthopedic specialist.

When Non-Surgical Treatment Works

Not all meniscus tears need surgery. In fact, many mild to moderate tears can heal or become symptom-free with conservative care.

Common non-surgical options include:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Helps reduce swelling and pain in the early stages.

• Physical therapy: Builds strength in the quadriceps and hamstrings to stabilize the knee.

• Knee braces: Provide external support to reduce stress on the meniscus and prevent further injury.

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Manage swelling and discomfort.

• Injections (corticosteroid or PRP): May reduce pain and promote healing in some cases.

Non-surgical management is often best for degenerative tears (common in older adults) and small, stable tears that don't interfere with knee mechanics. Healing timelines may vary and consistant participation in rehabilitation exercises for meniscus tear recovery is required.

When Surgery May Be Needed

Surgery is more often recommended if the tear is large, unstable, or causing mechanical symptoms like locking, catching, or significant loss of motion.

Surgical options include:

• Meniscectomy: Removal of the torn portion of the meniscus.

• Meniscus repair: Stitching the tear back together, usually for younger patients with tears in the vascular (healing) zone.

• Meniscus replacement (transplant): Reserved for severe cases with little to no healthy tissue left.

Surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms after several weeks to months. Recovery timelines after meniscus surgery can vary.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

The Role of Knee Braces in Both Approaches

Whether you choose surgery or non-surgical management, a knee brace for meniscus tears can help:

• Reduce painful movement.

• Protect the joint during recovery.

• Improve stability during physical activity.

Explore our full selection of knee braces for meniscus tears to find the right support for your recovery.