How To Recognize And Treat A Meniscus Tear in New Jersey

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee, serving as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Tears may develop due to sudden injury or gradual, age-related degeneration, often resulting in pain, swelling, and instability in the joint.

Although surgical intervention is frequently recommended, studies indicate that approximately 41.3% of meniscus tears occur in the “red zone,” an area with a rich blood supply that may support natural healing without the need for surgery.

At Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY, procedures using Regenexx injectates are available to support the meniscus’s natural healing response. These interventional orthobiologic treatments provide a less invasive option for individuals seeking to improve knee function and joint health while avoiding the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

What Is A Torn Meniscus?

The knee is a complex joint where the thigh bone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) come together. This joint is supported by ligaments and tendons, which help stabilize these bones and assist in managing the loads and forces involved in movement. A torn meniscus refers to damage in one of the cartilage structures within the knee that may reduce the knee’s ability to absorb shock and stabilize motion.

Several soft connective tissues help protect the bones of the knee joint by reducing friction and cushioning impact. Among these structures are the menisci, which are two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage located between the thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee contains a medial meniscus on the inner side and a lateral meniscus on the outer side.

The menisci help distribute weight across the knee joint and act as shock absorbers during activities such as walking, running, or jumping. They also contribute to joint stability and support smooth, controlled knee motion.

A meniscus tear occurs when these fibrocartilage structures are damaged. This type of injury may result from a sudden twisting motion or forceful impact, often associated with sports or physical activities that involve rapid changes in direction or physical contact.

Meniscal degeneration may also develop gradually with age. Repetitive motion and long-term joint stress can weaken the menisci over time, increasing their susceptibility to tearing or other damage.

When the meniscus is torn, the damaged fibers can create irregular edges that may catch within the joint. This may lead to symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, a limited range of motion, or a sensation that the knee is locking or giving way.

Meniscus tears affect up to 14% of the population, particularly athletes and aging adults, and account for about 50% of all knee injuries.

Types of Tears in the Meniscus

Meniscus tears are graded based on size and symptom severity. Grade 1 tears are minor and may cause mild symptoms. Grade 3 tears are more severe and can lead to significant pain, swelling, and limited knee movement.

Tears may also be categorized by their location and tear pattern. This classification helps guide treatment decisions.

Intrasubstance Tear (Incomplete)

Intrasubstance tears occur within the inner portion of the cartilage and typically do not extend to the meniscus surface. These are often associated with degenerative changes due to wear over time. They may not cause immediate symptoms but can worsen gradually.

Horizontal Tear (Longitudinal)

A horizontal tear runs parallel to the tibial plateau, dividing the meniscus into upper and lower sections. These injuries are usually caused by shear stress when parts of the cartilage are pulled in opposite directions, such as during twisting movements. If they progress, they may develop into flap or bucket-handle tears.

Radial Tear (Transverse)

Radial tears extend from the inner edge of the meniscus toward the outer rim. They interrupt the circumferential collagen fibers, which help maintain the meniscus’s shape and distribute load. Damage to these fibers may contribute to joint instability and discomfort.

Flap Tear

In a flap tear, a piece of the meniscus becomes detached or displaced, creating an uneven fragment that can catch within the knee joint. These tears are often symptomatic and may produce sensations such as catching, clicking, or pain during motion.

Bucket-Handle Tear

Bucket-handle tears account for more than 30% of meniscal injuries and represent a displaced form of a longitudinal tear. A portion of the meniscus folds into the joint space, resembling a bucket handle. These are often seen in individuals who twist or land forcefully on one leg. They may cause the knee to lock or limit its ability to fully extend.

Complex Tear

Complex tears involve more than one tear pattern in the same meniscus, often combining horizontal, radial, or oblique characteristics. These tears are usually linked to trauma or advanced degeneration and may occur alongside other knee injuries such as ACL damage. They are typically more difficult to manage.

Oblique Tear

Oblique tears occur diagonally across the meniscus, often resulting from twisting movements or sudden changes in direction. These tears can form flaps that disrupt joint mechanics and may cause pain, swelling, or intermittent locking. Oblique tears may also overlap with other patterns, complicating diagnosis.

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Individuals with a torn meniscus may experience knee pain, swelling, or mechanical limitations. Symptoms can vary significantly; some may report constant or intermittent discomfort, while others may experience none. If the tear does not result in knee locking, many individuals can continue daily activities without pain.

Pain Along the Joint Line

Discomfort along the knee joint line, where the femur and tibia meet, is a common indication of a meniscal tear. Several factors may contribute to this pain:

• Nerve Response: A knee injury may irritate or compress nearby nerve endings. These nerves transmit signals interpreted by the brain as pain to protect the joint from further harm.
  
• Inflammatory Activity: The body may respond to injury with inflammation, releasing substances like prostaglandins and cytokines. These compounds increase nerve sensitivity and can contribute to swelling, discoloration, and pain.
  
• Persistent Inflammation: While inflammation typically subsides during recovery, low-grade inflammation may persist and result in ongoing joint line pain. Factors associated with this include prior knee injuries, elevated BMI, female sex, older age, and repetitive joint strain.
  

In one study, 61% of individuals with meniscus tears had no symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or aching. However, potential symptoms that may indicate a meniscal tear and merit evaluation include:

• Swelling or Stiffness in the Knee: Swelling, or joint effusion, may occur as the body releases fluid into the joint following injury. This can lead to increased pressure, reduced mobility, and sensations of stiffness or warmth.
  
• Sensation of the Knee Giving Way: A feeling of instability may occur when the knee seems to buckle or collapse during movement. This can be more noticeable during weight-bearing or directional changes and may result from disrupted load distribution within the joint.
  
• Knee Popping After Injury: A popping sensation in the knee may indicate possible injury to the meniscus, ligaments, or cartilage. It may occur with swelling, discomfort, or joint instability. Read More About Knee Popping After Injury.
  
• Can’t Straighten Knee: Difficulty achieving full knee extension may stem from a meniscal tear, stiffness, or other joint damage. It may lead to swelling, discomfort, or locking sensations. Read More About Can’t Straighten Knee.
  
• Knee Locking Up: Knee locking may be caused by a meniscal tear, joint inflammation, or cartilage disruption. This can make it difficult to bend or straighten the knee and may present with swelling or discomfort. Read More About Knee Locking Up.

What Causes the Meniscus to Tear?

Meniscus tears are generally classified as either acute or degenerative.

Acute tears may occur due to sudden force or twisting of the knee. Degenerative tears typically develop over time and are often related to age-associated wear that weakens the meniscus, making it more susceptible to injury.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are a leading cause of meniscus tears. These injuries may result from:

• Sports activities: Many acute meniscus tears are linked to sports participation. These are more common in activities involving pivoting, abrupt stops, or physical contact, such as football, basketball, or soccer. However, non-contact sports like tennis or skiing may also increase risk due to the frequent changes in direction they require.
  
• Twisting or rotation: Meniscal tears may result from shear stress when various parts of the cartilage are pulled in opposing directions. This stress can occur with sudden twisting, pivoting, or rotating of the knee. A misstep or landing forcefully on one leg may also cause tearing.
  

Meniscus injuries frequently occur alongside other knee damage. The most common related injury is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Research has shown that an ACL tear may raise the likelihood of a subsequent meniscus tear by 22% to 86%.

Aging

Age-related changes can affect several knee structures, including the meniscus. As the body’s ability to regenerate tissue declines with age, the meniscus may become thinner, more brittle, and more prone to tearing.

While aging is a universal factor, certain conditions may accelerate joint degeneration. These include:

• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Repetitive strain from physical activity or occupation (e.g., lifting, jumping, pivoting)
• Poor posture
• Structural variations such as:
  • Thinner cartilage from birth
  • Bow legs (genu varum) or knock knees (genu valgum)
• Chronic joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. One study found that 60–90% of individuals with osteoarthritis showed MRI evidence of meniscus tears.

Several factors influence healing potential:

• Tear location: The meniscus is divided into three zones: red, red-white, and white. Most tears occur in the outer two zones, which have greater healing capacity.
  • Red zone: Located on the outer edge, this area has a strong blood supply and can often heal naturally.
  • Red-white zone: The middle region, with reduced but present blood supply, may heal more slowly.
  • White zone: The inner area lacks blood supply, making self-repair unlikely and often requiring further intervention.
    
• Tear size: Smaller tears are more likely to heal without assistance, especially if there is no locking or loose fragment within the joint. Larger tears may obstruct movement or blood flow, which can interfere with healing.
• Other influences: Healing may also be affected by age, past injuries or tears, and whether a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis is present.

Procedures using Regenexx lab processes and interventional orthobiologics, available at Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY, are designed to assist the body’s natural healing response and may offer an alternative to surgery or long-term medication use.

Conventional Treatment Recommendations for a Torn Meniscus

Conventional approaches for managing a torn meniscus are intended to reduce discomfort and support improved joint function. In cases involving more extensive damage, additional intervention may be considered.

• RICE Method: The RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is often recommended as an initial response. Resting the knee may help prevent further strain, while ice can assist in temporarily reducing inflammation. Compression using a brace or bandage may provide joint support. Elevation may help reduce fluid buildup, which contributes to swelling. While this method is widely used for knee-related issues, recent research suggests that excessive icing and limited blood flow to the area may interfere with the healing process.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce joint discomfort and inflammation. Although they may offer temporary relief for conditions involving joints, muscles, or the spine, prolonged use has been associated with increased risks to cardiovascular, kidney, and gastrointestinal health. These risks may require ongoing evaluation.  Read More About NSAIDs.
• Surgical Procedures: Surgery may be explored when other treatment options have not provided improvement or when the tear significantly limits joint function. Surgical options may include:
  • Partial meniscectomy: The removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  • Meniscus repair: The suturing of torn segments to support healing and preserve as much of the meniscus as possible.
  • Meniscus transplantation: A donor meniscus may be implanted in cases of significant tissue damage or removal, aiming to restore joint cushioning.

These procedures carry risks such as infection, blood clot formation, and the potential for additional damage to nearby knee structures. One study reported that approximately 19 percent of surgical procedures for meniscus tears fail within five years and may require revision surgery. For individuals seeking a non-surgical path, physicians at Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY can help evaluate whether a procedure using Regenexx injectates may be appropriate.

Why Consider Alternatives to Meniscus Surgery?

Studies suggest that meniscus surgery may be recommended more frequently than necessary and, in some cases, may not offer more benefit than physical therapy. Many individuals are not informed of the potential for lower success rates or the long-term consequences.

Procedures that involve removal of part or all of the meniscus may alter natural joint mechanics. These changes can increase the likelihood of developing joint degeneration, including knee osteoarthritis, over time.

Torn Meniscus Recovery Time Without Surgery

Knee surgeries often require several months of recovery, sometimes involving painful rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility. Recovery duration depends on the type and severity of the tear, the procedure performed, and the individual’s overall health. For example, research found that recovery is significantly worse among knee replacement patients than in knee arthroscopy.

Procedures using Regenexx injectates may offer a non-surgical alternative to help preserve the meniscus’s cushioning and stabilizing role in the knee. In many cases, recovery time may be shorter than with surgery. Some patients are able to return to routine activities within a few weeks, with more physically demanding activities, such as sports, resuming within a few months.

At Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY, licensed physicians in the Regenexx network offer procedures designed to support joint healing without surgery. Patients seeking care for a torn meniscus may benefit from a personalized, non-surgical treatment approach that uses interventional orthobiologics to help reduce the need for prescription medications.

Regenexx for Your Torn Meniscus

The Regenexx approach supports recovery by enhancing the body’s natural healing capabilities through the use of interventional orthobiologics. This option may provide an alternative to traditional surgical procedures and help limit reliance on medications commonly used for joint pain.

Physicians within the licensed Regenexx network at Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY create individualized treatment plans based on the type and location of the meniscal injury. Plans may include one or more of the Regenexx orthobiologic injectates listed below.

Regenexx SD Injectate

Procedures using Regenexx SD injectate follow a patented protocol that utilizes Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC), which contains a patient’s own mesenchymal stem cells. The Regenexx lab processing routinely achieves cell concentrations that are approximately 20 times higher than what is typically achieved through non-Regenexx methods.

Regenexx SCP Injectate

Regenexx SCP injectate is a highly concentrated version of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). During this procedure, blood is drawn and processed to isolate and concentrate growth factors, which are then injected into the affected meniscus using advanced imaging guidance for precise placement. Regenexx SCP injectate provides a higher growth factor concentration than standard PRP treatments.

Regenexx PL Injectate

Regenexx PL injectate is a specialized derivative of PRP that delivers a rapid and enhanced release of growth factors. It is often used in combination with Regenexx SCP injectate or bone marrow concentrate as part of a comprehensive, orthobiologic treatment plan.

Before and After Procedure MRI Images

Review the results of a patient who opted for a procedure using Regenexx injectates instead of undergoing surgery. Scroll right to view the MRI before treatment, and left to see the post-treatment outcome. The BEFORE image highlights the torn meniscus, while the AFTER shows the treated area appearing as a dark, diagonal band, indicating structural change following the procedure.

Make the Most Out of Your Knees With Care

Maintaining long-term knee health begins with effective prevention strategies:

• Regular physical activity. Low-impact exercises such as swimming may help build strength around the knee and support joint function. Limiting high-impact activities following an injury may help reduce the chance of reinjury.
  
• Stability and flexibility routines. Stretching and mobility exercises like yoga may support improved joint alignment and help reduce the likelihood of strain.
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess body weight may place additional pressure on the knees and contribute to the risk of developing joint conditions such as osteoarthritis or metabolic disorders like diabetes.
  
• Proper posture and movement. Good form during movement and sports activities helps distribute force evenly across the knee.
  
• Hydration. Staying well-hydrated supports joint lubrication and cartilage elasticity.
  

These habits are essential for maintaining knee health. However, even with preventive care, injuries can still occur. In many cases, surgery is not the only option. The meniscus is capable of healing under the right conditions. Procedures using Regenexx injectates are designed to support the body’s natural repair processes, potentially reducing the need for surgery or long-term use of medications such as opioids.

To explore whether this approach is appropriate for your condition, consult a physician in the licensed Regenexx network at the Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey, NY. The team can help assess your meniscal injury and determine a personalized path forward.

Regenexx Procedures For Meniscus Tears

During appointments, Regenexx physicians examine your body in motion and often use Ultrasound to observe the inner workings of the joint in real time. This gives them a much more accurate picture of what’s contributing to your pain, how function is affected, and ultimately, the root cause of the problem. 

Once you’ve been evaluated, your physician will customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Our treatments include:

Regenexx-SD: A patented protocol using bone marrow concentrate that contains stem cells

Regenexx SCP: A proprietary formulation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that’s more concentrated than what a basic bedside centrifuge machine can produce

Regenexx-PL: Platelet lysate, which is a highly specialized derivative of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

BEFORE and AFTER Procedure MRI Images

Take a look at the outcomes of a patient who chose to have a Regenexx procedure instead of surgery.

Scroll to the right to see the MRI of the meniscus before treatment and to the left to see the outcome. The BEFORE shows a torn meniscus. Once treated, the area as seen on the AFTER image will look like a dark, diagonal band.