What is Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a wedge of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and shin bone and spreads load across the knee.
Each knee has two, one on the inner side and one on the outer side.
Tears happen two ways. A younger person may twist the knee during sport and feel a pop. An older person may tear a meniscus that has weakened with age, sometimes without a clear injury.
Common symptoms are pain along the joint line, swelling, and a sense that the knee catches or gives way. A tear that flips into the joint can lock the knee so it will not fully straighten.
How is Meniscus Tear diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?
Dr. wodicka examines the knee for joint-line tenderness and performs movement tests that stress the meniscus.
X-rays rule out arthritis and other causes. An MRI scan, which shows soft tissue in detail, confirms the tear and its pattern, which guides whether repair or trimming makes sense.
What is recovery like for Meniscus Tear?
Many tears, especially degenerative ones, settle with therapy over several weeks.
A tear that locks the knee, or one in an active person, may be treated surgically. Whether the meniscus is repaired or trimmed depends on the tear's location and blood supply, and Dr. wodicka will explain which applies to you.
Try first, non-surgical
- 01Rest, ice, and activity changes to calm the initial swelling
- 02Physical therapy to restore motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles
- 03Anti-inflammatory medicine when appropriate
- 04A corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation in some cases
When non-surgical care stops working
- 05Arthroscopic surgery, a small camera through tiny incisions, to repair or trim the torn tissue when symptoms persist or the knee locks
Who treats meniscus tear in Fort Lauderdale?
ross wodicka is a orthopedic surgeon who treats meniscus tear in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fellowship trained at southern california orthopaedic institute (scoi). Dr. wodicka sees patients at the practice in Fort Lauderdale; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most often?
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Some tears, particularly small ones near the outer rim with better blood supply, can settle with therapy. Tears in the inner part of the meniscus have little blood supply and are less likely to heal without treatment.
Do I always need surgery for a torn meniscus?
No. Many people, especially with age-related tears, improve with therapy and activity changes. Surgery is considered when the knee catches or locks, or when symptoms continue after non-surgical care.
What is the difference between a meniscus repair and a meniscectomy?
A repair stitches the torn tissue back together so it can heal. A meniscectomy trims away the damaged part. Repair is preferred when the tear location allows it, because keeping more meniscus protects the knee over time.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the treatment. Recovery guidance is discussed in detail on the meniscus repair procedure page, always as a range rather than a promise.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
This page is for general education and does not replace an evaluation by a physician. Individual treatment plans vary, and this content should not be used to self-diagnose.