A 39-year-old member asked:
What could happen if i don't get knee surgery for a torn meniscus?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. G Jason Huntanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 18 years experience
Depends: It depends on the size, location, and tear pattern of the meniscus tear. It also depends on your age and activity level. The spectrum of nothing to continued damage to the articular cartilage and progression of arthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Victor Khabieanswered
32 years experience
You could be fine: Or it can continue to bother you, the tear can get larger making subsequent surgery more involved. General advise, get it fixed if it significantly bothers you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
Could you tell me what happens if i don't get knee surgery for a torn meniscus?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Christopher Fergusonanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 21 years experience
Varies: Symptoms will likely stay the same or worsen over time. Arthritis can develop if there is a large tear causing friction within the joint. If conservative treatment has failed, surgery is likely the only thing that will help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
What happens if i don't undergo knee surgery for a torn meniscus?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Shapiroanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 39 years experience
Time will tell: Not everyone who has a meniscus tear needs surgery. What happens to the meniscus if you don't do surgery is it will either get better and not bother you or it will interfere with your normal daily activities. Statistically, most meniscal tears don't heal. If you can do what you need and want to do, delay surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
What can I do about a torn meniscus that is getting worse after my knee gave out?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ki-Hon Linanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 27 years experience
Conservative care: A torn meniscus will often respond to conservative treatment. Try a neoprene knee sleeve/brace, as well as ice/heat, and relative rest. If symptoms persist, an orthopedist can perform knee injections or surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
I have a torn meniscus in my knee. Do I have to have surgery?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. John McDonaldanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 18 years experience
No: A meniscus can heal on its own. This typically occurs in the first 6 weeks or so after injury. However, some tears become asymptomatic and can be managed with injections and physical therapy. If pain and swelling persist despite nsaids, pt, rest, injections, then usually a surgery is warranted depending on how much arthritis is in the joint. Speak to your ortho surgeon for more detail.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus of knee?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Michalskianswered
Orthopedic Surgery 38 years experience
Torn meniscus: Lockingm painful clicking, limited range of motion, some small swelling.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 15, 2016
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