Torn Meniscus Repair in Los Angeles

A torn meniscus is one of the most common causes of knee pain and mechanical knee problems. The meniscus acts as the knee’s primary shock absorber, distributing forces across the joint and protecting the cartilage surfaces that allow smooth movement. When the meniscus tears, patients may experience pain, swelling, instability, or even episodes where the knee locks or catches during movement.

In Los Angeles, torn meniscus injuries are treated by Dr. Farzin Kabaei, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced knee reconstruction and minimally invasive joint procedures. Dr. Kabaei has performed thousands of knee surgeries throughout his career, including complex joint preservation procedures and robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries. His training includes orthopedic residency at Montefiore / Albert Einstein Medical Center and fellowship training in joint reconstruction at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading orthopedic institutions.

Dr. Kabaei’s clinical philosophy focuses on preserving natural joint structures whenever possible, particularly in active patients. Because the meniscus plays a critical role in protecting the knee joint from arthritis, modern orthopedic care prioritizes repairing the meniscus when feasible rather than removing it.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The knee contains two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci, located between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). These structures serve several critical functions:

• Shock absorption
• Load distribution across the knee joint
• Joint stability
• Protection of the articular cartilage

A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage becomes damaged or ripped. Meniscus tears are extremely common knee injuries, particularly among athletes or individuals who perform twisting or pivoting movements.

However, meniscus injuries are not limited to athletes. As people age, the meniscus can weaken and become more susceptible to degenerative tears even with relatively minor movements.

Common Causes of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears typically occur in two primary ways:

Traumatic Tears

Traumatic meniscus tears often occur during sports or physical activity when the knee twists while bearing weight. These injuries are common in sports such as:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Skiing
• Football

Sudden pivoting movements or abrupt changes in direction can place significant stress on the meniscus.

Degenerative Meniscus Tears

As people age, the meniscus can gradually lose elasticity and become more prone to tearing. Degenerative tears often occur during routine activities such as:

• Standing up from a chair
• Squatting
• Climbing stairs
• Turning quickly

These tears frequently occur alongside early arthritis of the knee.

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Meniscus injuries may produce a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the tear.

Common symptoms include:

• Knee pain along the joint line
• Swelling within the knee
• Clicking or popping sensations
• Knee locking or catching
• Difficulty straightening the knee
• Reduced range of motion

Some patients are still able to walk immediately after injury, which can make the diagnosis less obvious in the early stages.

Because untreated meniscus tears can contribute to cartilage damage and arthritis over time, persistent knee pain should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.

Diagnosis of Meniscus Tears

Accurate diagnosis begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation.

During consultation, Dr. Kabaei will typically evaluate:

• Knee alignment and stability
• Joint tenderness along the meniscus
• Range of motion
• Mechanical symptoms such as locking or clicking

Imaging studies are often used to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

MRI scans, which are the most accurate way to visualize a meniscus tear and determine its location and severity.

Identifying the type and location of the tear is important because it determines whether the meniscus can be repaired or must be partially removed.

Treatment Options for Meniscus Tears

Not all meniscus tears require surgery. Treatment depends on several factors including the size of the tear, the patient’s age, activity level, and whether the knee joint is stable.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Some smaller tears can improve with conservative treatment such as:

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Bracing

However, if symptoms persist or the knee experiences locking or instability, surgery may be recommended.

Meniscus Repair Surgery

Whenever possible, modern orthopedic surgeons attempt to repair the torn meniscus rather than remove it.

Meniscus repair preserves the natural cartilage and helps maintain long-term joint health. Preserving the meniscus is particularly important because removing large portions of the cartilage can increase the risk of developing knee arthritis in the future.

Meniscus repair is typically performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. During the procedure:

• Small incisions are made around the knee
• A miniature camera called an arthroscope is inserted
• Specialized instruments are used to stitch the tear

Arthroscopy allows surgeons to perform the procedure through small incisions rather than large open surgery, which reduces tissue trauma and recovery time.

Research shows that modern meniscus repair techniques have success rates around 80–85 percent in many patients, especially when the tear occurs in areas with good blood supply.

When Meniscus Repair Is Not Possible

Not all tears can be repaired. In cases where the meniscus is severely damaged or located in an area with poor blood supply, the damaged portion may need to be trimmed.

This procedure is known as arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, where only the torn segment is removed while preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.

Even when trimming is necessary, the goal is always to preserve the greatest amount of meniscus tissue to protect the knee joint long term.

Recovery After Meniscus Surgery

Recovery after meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed.

Meniscus repair typically requires a longer healing period because the cartilage must fully heal.

Typical recovery milestones may include:

• Crutches for the first few weeks
• Physical therapy to restore knee motion
• Gradual return to daily activities

Most meniscus repair recoveries take several months before returning to full sports activity.

Patients undergoing partial meniscectomy often experience a faster recovery because the damaged tissue has been removed rather than repaired.

Preventing Long-Term Knee Damage

A torn meniscus that is left untreated can sometimes lead to progressive cartilage wear and eventually contribute to knee arthritis.

This is why accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important. Repairing the meniscus when possible can help preserve knee function and protect the joint for years to come.

Dr. Kabaei works closely with each patient to determine the best treatment strategy based on the injury pattern, patient lifestyle, and long-term joint health.

Torn Meniscus Treatment in Los Angeles

Knee pain caused by a torn meniscus can interfere with work, sports, and everyday activities. Early evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can help determine whether the injury can be treated conservatively or requires surgical repair.

Patients experiencing knee pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms can consult with Dr. Farzin Kabaei for expert evaluation and personalized treatment options.

With extensive experience in modern knee surgery and joint preservation techniques, Dr. Kabaei focuses on restoring knee stability, reducing pain, and helping patients return to an active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meniscus Tears

Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?

Some small tears located in areas with good blood supply may heal with rest and rehabilitation. Larger tears often require surgical treatment.

Is meniscus surgery always necessary?

No. Many meniscus injuries improve with physical therapy and conservative treatment. Surgery is usually recommended when symptoms persist or the knee becomes unstable.

How long does meniscus surgery take?

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and often takes less than one hour.

Will I be able to return to sports after meniscus repair?

Most patients are able to return to sports or physical activity after appropriate rehabilitation and recovery.

Does repairing the meniscus reduce arthritis risk?

Yes. Preserving the meniscus helps protect the knee cartilage and may reduce the risk of developing arthritis later in life.