When Does a Meniscus Injury Require Surgery?

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries—and also one of the most misunderstood. While some tears can heal with conservative treatment, others require knee arthroscopy surgery to relieve pain and restore normal function. So how do you know when it’s time to consider surgery?

At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and recognized specialist in hip, knee, and shoulder joint disorders, offers expert evaluation and treatment for meniscus injuries. Having been a knee patient himself, Dr. Kabaei understands firsthand the frustration of limited mobility and ongoing pain. His unique perspective, combined with his advanced training in robotic and minimally invasive joint procedures, makes him one of the most trusted orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles.

Understanding the Meniscus

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci—medial (inside) and lateral (outside). They help cushion and stabilize the joint.

Meniscus tears can occur from traumatic injuries, especially in athletes or during sudden twisting motions, or due to degeneration over time, particularly in older adults. Symptoms can include:

• Sharp or persistent knee pain
• Swelling or stiffness
• A clicking or popping sensation
• A feeling of the knee “locking” or giving way
• Limited range of motion

When Can a Meniscus Injury Heal Without Surgery?

Many small or stable meniscus tears—especially those located on the outer edge (the “red zone,” which has good blood supply)—can heal with non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Corticosteroid injections

Younger patients and those with less severe injuries are often good candidates for this approach. However, when conservative care fails to relieve pain or restore function after several weeks or months, surgery may be the best next step.

When Does a Meniscus Injury Require Surgery?

Dr. Kabaei may recommend knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, in the following cases:

• The tear is large, complex, or located in the inner “white zone” (which has poor blood supply)
• The knee continues to lock, catch, or give way
• Pain significantly interferes with daily activities
• Non-surgical treatments have failed
• The tear is associated with other knee injuries, such as ACL damage

Using a tiny camera and precision instruments, arthroscopic meniscus surgery allows Dr. Kabaei to either repair the tear or remove the damaged portion of cartilage (partial meniscectomy). Most patients experience minimal downtime, reduced pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Personalized Care from a Surgeon Who’s Been There

As both a surgeon and former knee injury patient, Dr. Kabaei brings unmatched empathy and insight to every case. He understands how joint injuries can limit your life and is committed to creating a personalized treatment plan that suits your activity level, injury type, and long-term goals.

His multi-modality approach may include:

• Imaging (MRI, X-rays) for accurate diagnosis
• Physical therapy referrals
• Injection therapies (when appropriate)
• Robotic-assisted surgery for precision when surgical repair or joint replacement is needed

Start Your Path to Recovery

Whether you’re an athlete with a recent tear or someone struggling with chronic knee pain, the team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA is here to help. With cutting-edge techniques, compassionate care, and a deep understanding of joint health, Dr. Kabaei offers effective solutions to help you move freely again.

Contact our Los Angeles office today to schedule your consultation and find out if your meniscus injury requires surgery—or if a non-surgical path is right for you.