Does a meniscus injury require surgery?

Not all meniscal injuries require surgery; treatment plans are primarily determined by the injury’s location, severity of the tear, and associated joint symptoms. Mild injuries can be managed conservatively, whereas severe tears accompanied by joint locking necessitate surgical intervention. Frequent knee locking, along with recurrent swelling and pain, warrants prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

For mild meniscal wear or small tears without noticeable joint locking, conservative management is appropriate. Daily activities involving high-load knee stress—such as deep squatting, running, jumping, or stair climbing—should be minimized. Rest with temporary immobilization and localized physical therapy can facilitate tissue healing. Adjunctive pharmacologic therapy aimed at nourishing cartilage may support joint tissue health. Consistent, staged rest allows the damaged meniscus to gradually regain stability, and associated symptoms typically subside over time.

Extensive or complex (e.g., horizontal, flap, or bucket-handle) meniscal tears often cause joint locking, catching, and recurrent swelling and pain. Such structural damage cannot be repaired through conservative measures alone. Clinically, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed to either trim (meniscectomy) or repair (meniscal suture) the torn meniscus, remove damaged intra-articular tissue, and restore the knee’s smooth articular surface—thereby preventing ongoing cartilage wear and reducing the risk of subsequent joint degeneration.

In daily life, maintaining moderate lower-limb muscle strength—particularly of the quadriceps—is essential for knee joint stability. Avoid high-impact activities and repetitive deep knee flexion under load. Adhere to a light, nutrient-rich diet to support long-term cartilage health and delay age-related joint degeneration.