The majority of the meniscus has no blood supply and for that reason, when damaged, the meniscus is unable to undergo the normal healing process and often requires surgical repair.
In addition, a meniscus begins to deteriorate with age, often developing degenerative tears. Typically, when the meniscus is damaged, the torn pieces begin to move in an abnormal fashion inside the joint.

Your physician will perform the following:

Also, the menisci may tear in different ways. Treatment options will depend upon the type of tear, location of the tear, and the extent of the tear.

Following a twisting type of injury the medial or lateral meniscus can tear. This results either from a sporting injury or may occur from a simple twisting injury when getting out of a chair or standing from a squatting position. Our cartilage becomes brittle as we get older and therefore can tear easier.

Locking can occur if the torn cartilage gets caught between the femur and tibia preventing straightening of the knee.

Evaluating the source of knee pain is critical in determining your treatment options for relief of the pain. Knee pain should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.