LATERAL Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Treatment (Surgery vs. Exercise), & Recovery Time

In this video, Maryke discusses lateral meniscus tears. She looks at what the research says about surgery for lateral meniscus tears vs. conservative treatment and also what conservative treatment for lateral meniscus tears entails. Finally, she discusses how long the recovery process for lateral meniscus tears might be.

👉 Get some ice packs or bags for pain relief on your knee:

📽️Videos you may find useful:

📚 Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:56 Anatomy
00:02:38 How does a lateral meniscus tear happen?
00:03:00 Lateral meniscus tear symptoms
00:04:26 Does a lateral meniscus tear require surgery?
00:06:56 Lateral meniscus tear treatment - conservative approach
00:14:04 Lateral meniscus tear recovery time
00:15:07 How we can help

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🖥️Some of the software we use to run our online physiotherapy practice:

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References:
Gastaldo, M., et al. (2022). "High quality rehabilitation to optimize return to sport following lateral meniscus surgery in football players.” Annals of Joint, Vol 7.

Van De Graaf, V. A., et al. (2018). "Effect of early surgery vs physical therapy on knee function among patients with nonobstructive meniscal tears: the ESCAPE randomized clinical trial." Jama 320(13): 1328-1337.

Van der Graaff, S. J., et al. (2022). "Meniscal procedures are not increased with delayed ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation: results from a randomised controlled trial." British Journal of Sports Medicine. Published Online First: 22 September 2022. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105235

Lee, Yong Seuk, Lee, O-Sung, Lee, Seung Hoon. Return to Sports After Athletes Undergo Meniscal Surgery: A Systematic Review. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: January 2019 - Volume 29 - Issue 1 - p 29-36 doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000500

Lavoie-Gagne OZ, Korrapati A, Retzky J, et al. Return to Play and Player Performance After Meniscal Tear Among Elite-Level European Soccer Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Injuries From 2006 to 2016. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;10(1). doi:10.1177/23259671211059541

Englund M, Guermazi A, Gale D, et al. Incidental Meniscal Findings on Knee MRI in Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons. New England Journal of Medicine 2008;359(11):1108-15. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0800777

Kise Nina Jullum RMA, Stensrud Silje, Ranstam Jonas, Engebretsen Lars, Roos Ewa M. Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients: randomised controlled trial with two year follow-up. BMJ 2016;354 :i3740

Brukner, P, et al. Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine (5th ed.) Vol 1: Injuries. (2017) McGraw-Hill Education.

Borque, K. A., et al. (2021). "Evidence-based rationale for treatment of meniscal lesions in athletes." Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: 1-9.

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[FeelnLikeIDoEveryDay]

I’m going through the worst time of my life right now. I’m a postman who can’t walk! I’ve never been laid up for more than 2 weeks but now? Having to take STD for months and doing nothing but sleep+rehab has me questioning my whole life like nothing ever could. The reassurance I’ve taken from this video is leagues beyond anything I could articulate here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this!❤ I’m 2 sessions into what looks like 180 sessions till a hopefully full recovery. 3 months and counting. Wish me luck! Good luck to y’all out there suffering the same knee pain. I can empathize 😂

[macdaddy]

I injured myself 4 weeks ago and basically did some research on this. I basically followed exactly what she has said. Big difference in my leg! The thing that sucks is the full recovery time but hoping the end result is very good and I can continue my cycling/gym life style at its fullest. Key word is patience .

[greshambayne]

After residencies in surgery and EM and 50yrs of practice I've never seen such a terrific overview of meniscus tears...well done!

[neby_nebs]

you were more informative than my doctor!

[hannahstill]

This is the best sports physio channel I have found. Thanks for the detail.

[Phlegethon]

Thanks for posting this you never know when you need a video like this until you need it

[Zhiffyotf]

Tore my meniscus playing basketball. Jumped up for a rebound and mid-air, my knee just cramped with intense pain. Felt so depressed for the first couple of days so thank you so much for this info

[MrAndrey]

Your comment about importance of movement for the hydration/fluid supply in the joint is an absolute mind blowing way to look at it. Thank you

[minghuazhao]

I got severe left knee pain 2 weeks ago, caused probably by a minor tear of my lateral meniscus. I saw my doctor 3 days ago who has ordered an MRI scan for me which is scheduled 3 weeks away in August. I came across your video this morning and found it most helpful. My orthopedist was very good but I appreciate he has a heavy clinic load.... Your explanation is so clear and your vedio so informative that I have subscribed immediately. Thank you SO much!

[janebowman]

Very smart lady. This was a huge help to me

[J.A_PLATO]

What a video, so, so educational and full of gems to look out for in the present and future

[saeedmukhtar]

Outstanding and comprehensive information well done 👍

[mamalovesthebeach]

I’m 68 years old. Three years ago while bodyboarding I got hit by big wave on the side of my left knee. I had to crawl out of the surf and could barely move. Unfortunately I didn’t realize at the time that I had done some damage. I was a mountain biker, so after resting for a few weeks I got that on the bike. I bought a boarded a few more times, but it seem to aggravate my knee. I continued to hike and mountain bike. A year and a half ago. My husband had a shoulder injury and we stopped biking. I came off a hiking trail and the next day was in agony. My left knee had ballooned. My entire leg from the ankle to the thigh was black and blue. I went to the orthopedist and was diagnosed with complex meniscus tears, a burst baker cyst, and stage 2–4 osteoarthritis. I did PT for a week, but could hardly move my knee because of the fluid. I had some of it drained and continued sports PT. I had remarkable results with my left knee. Without any warning, my right knee ballooned. I continued PT, but it seem to worsen. An MRI showed complex meniscus tears, including a lateral. Also a lot of fluid and a bakers cyst. My knee would lock up in any movement planting my foot even picking my leg up to the side with send me through the roof! I have not gone back to PT yet because of family issues. I do have a stationary bike which I use and I am doing balance and stabilization exercises. It has gotten better. Thank you so much for a great explanation of not only the anatomy but possible outcomes. I urge anyone that feels that they’ve done some injury to their knees to get it checked ASAP. I believe I created more damage by waiting. Once you have OA there is no correction.

[Louisloo]

Sincere, detailed and very informative clip. Touched my heart!!

[gharuhira]

What a fabulous presentation it is! Thanks for sharing

[jackvinz]

Your videos are like various gems of knowledge treasure for us who got into injuries. Bless you and wishing many happy returns 🙏

[Val-nqd]

Thank you! Very clear and aligns with what I've been told already but it's comforting to have some clarity going forward. It can be a bit scary not knowing what to do...

[marthysarap]

I just recently diagnose with a complex tear lateral meniscus and high grade acl i am very scared since my ortho surgeon immediately tell me than i need to go through surgery to repair it but good thing i watch this video it helps me alot thank you.

[activecyclist]

I'm only 27 and I went hiking 2 months ago, cycled the day after and my knees have been awful since.

[MrRensan]

Very useful advice! Thanks for your thorough explanation too.