Can your meniscal cartilage heal on its own with enough time?

No: Meniscal tears usually do not heal because the blood supply is poor. Only peripheral tears which tend to be unstable have a potential for healing because these tears occur in a zone with good blood supply. However, because these tend to be unstable, patients have surgery because of significant knee symptoms.

Yes: Meniscal tears can heal, but rarely. If the outer 1/3 meniscus is torn, it has a good blood supply and can heal, but it is usually separated where torn. The two edges need to be re-approximated and fastened together. If the inner 2/3 of the meniscus is torn, there is no blood supply so no healing can take place. These central types of injuries are usually treated by removing the damaged part.