Meniscus Repair in Montclair, NJ

The meniscus is the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage. Tears can come from a sports twist or from gradual wear. When possible, preserving the meniscus through repair protects the knee long-term; some tears are better treated by trimming the damaged portion.

[ MENISCUS REPAIR ILLUSTRATION ]

Symptoms

  • Pain along the joint line
  • Swelling that comes and goes
  • Catching, clicking, or locking
  • Trouble fully bending or straightening the knee

Causes & who it affects

Acute tears often occur with a twisting motion, sometimes alongside an ACL injury. Degenerative tears develop gradually and are more common with age.

Diagnosis

A focused exam and joint-line testing, supported by X-rays and MRI, determine the tear pattern and whether it's repairable.

Treatment options

1

Non-surgical care

Activity modification, therapy, and anti-inflammatory measures for many degenerative tears.

2

Arthroscopic meniscus repair

Suturing the tear to preserve cartilage when the tear pattern and tissue quality allow.

3

Partial meniscectomy

Trimming the damaged portion when a tear isn't repairable, to relieve mechanical symptoms.

Recovery & return to play

TrimmingFaster recovery — weight-bearing as tolerated and return to activity over a few weeks.
RepairMore protective early on to let the meniscus heal; return to sport over several months.

Timelines are general and individualized to each patient — your plan may differ.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the tear's location, pattern, and tissue quality. Repair preserves the cushion when feasible; trimming addresses tears that can't reliably heal. Dr. Day reviews the trade-offs with you.

Ready to get back in the game?

Schedule your visit with Dr. Day and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.