Will My Torn Meniscus Repair Naturally? What Does The Doctor Recommend For Initial Therapy?

Posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 Answered on

Tue, 8 Apr 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Will my torn meniscus repair naturally? What does the doctor recommend for Initial therapy?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The answer is given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Thanks for the query...

Torn meniscus usually due to degenerative joint disease as may possibly be in your case, usually does not need Arthroscopic repairs it would be very frail. A traumatic tear may be amenable to repair but that depends on the part of the meniscus which is torn.

It would be helpful to share your MRI scan report for a better understanding.

Your attached summary mentions signs of degenerative arthritis. Physiotherapy should help. The last resort would be a total knee replacement.

Hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (51 minutes later)

The MRI scan report is included in the attachment I sent. It was done by Wise Health Systems. It's on the 5th page of the attachment

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the clarification.

You have some degenerative changes in the knee as well as an ACL ligament tear.

Arthroscopy will benefit you although the relief of symptoms may not be very long-lived because of pre-existing arthritic changes.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Will that naturally heal? Is there a procedure to repair it?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
It's less likely to heal as it is quite a long tear. A repair may be possible but given that you have pre-existing arthritis, it may delay healing.

An arthroscopic debridement will help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (40 hours later)

What is the best long term remedy?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
It's best to have a discussion with your surgeon regarding the possible need for Total knee replacement versus Arthroscopic treatment of the knee.

Total knee replacement will solve the pain issue but it's a radical procedure. Arthroscopic treatment will give you short term to near long term relief in some instances but may need further procedure in the future which may likely be a Total knee replacement.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Thank you. My right knee needs replacement also and it's 5/8 inch shorter than my left from an old Tib/Fib break when I was 17 y/o. Can that knee replacement add back the lost length?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
That equates to 1.5cm. I think it can be partially restored with a knee replacement or a shoe raise will suffice if not corrected.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (12 hours later)

A shoe lift is what’s causing stress on the left knee. It’s been a balancing act for years

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
In such case, if there is no significant arthritis in this knee, you may benefit from an osteotomy. Do consult your knee surgeon regarding this option. It will help offload the joint and can increase length.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad