What is a meniscus tear?
Each knee has two menisci, C-shaped pads of cartilage between the thigh and shin bones. They absorb shock and keep the knee stable. Once torn, the inner part has little blood supply, so some tears don't heal on their own.
How it happens in sport
- Twisting the knee with the foot planted
- Deep squatting or kneeling under load
- Often together with an ACL tear
- Wear and tear in older players
Common in: Football, badminton, tennis, kabaddi, cricket, gym squats.
Symptoms
- Pain on the inside or outside of the knee
- Swelling over the next day or two
- Catching or clicking
- The knee locking and not straightening
- Pain when twisting or squatting
How it's diagnosed
The surgeon examines the knee with specific tests. An MRI shows the type and position of the tear, which decides whether it can be repaired.
Do I need surgery?
Many tears, especially small or degenerative ones, improve with rehab alone. Surgery is considered when the knee locks, when a tear can be repaired, or when pain doesn't settle after a proper course of rehab.
Treatment options
- Rehab. Strengthening and movement work for 6 to 12 weeks, for tears that don't lock the knee.
- Meniscus repair. Keyhole surgery stitches the tear so the meniscus can heal. Preferred for younger players when the tear allows.
- Partial meniscectomy. Keyhole surgery trims the torn part away. A faster recovery, used when the tear can't be repaired.
Recovery timeline
- After a trimWalking within days; back to sport in about 4 to 8 weeks
- After a repairProtected weight-bearing for some weeks; back to sport in about 3 to 6 months
- Without surgeryMost improve over 6 to 12 weeks of rehab
Typical times. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will set yours.
Return to play at Recover
Before you're cleared, you'll squat, jump, land and change direction under load without pain or swelling, then train your sport's movements on our floor and in the nets.
Cost and insurance in Gurugram
Keyhole meniscus surgery in Gurugram usually costs ₹0.8 – 1.8 lakh; a repair costs more than a trim. Your exact quote comes in writing after the consultation.
Surgeons who treat this
- Dr Pranshul Bishnoi
MBBS · DNB (Orthopaedics) · ATLS · FIFA Diploma in Sports Medicine
- Dr Chandan Arora
MBBS · MS (Orthopaedics) · Shoulder Fellowship (Seoul)
Meniscus tear: FAQs
Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
Tears in the outer part, which has a blood supply, can heal. Tears in the inner part usually don't, but many still stop causing problems with rehab.
Do I need surgery for a meniscus tear?
Not always. Surgery is mainly for a knee that locks, a tear that can be repaired, or pain that doesn't settle with rehab.
How long is recovery after meniscus surgery?
About 4 to 8 weeks after a trim, and 3 to 6 months after a repair.
What does a locked knee mean?
The knee gets stuck and won't straighten, often because a piece of torn meniscus is caught in the joint. See a surgeon promptly.
How much does meniscus surgery cost in Gurugram?
Usually ₹0.8 – 1.8 lakh. Your exact price comes in writing after the consultation.
Is it covered by insurance?
Usually yes. Our partner hospital is cashless with most insurers, and we check your policy.
General information, not medical advice. Your surgeon will advise on your own treatment. If you can't put weight on a limb, or have numbness or severe pain, go to an emergency department.