Meniscus Tear
What is a Torn Meniscus?
The meniscus is comprised of two c-shaped wedges of cartilage that cushion and stabilize the knee joint. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and provides stability to the knee joint. It also helps to protect the articular cartilage, the smooth covering on the ends of the femur and tibia. A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling and limited mobility in the knee.
Treatment
If a meniscus tears, it can often be repaired through arthroscopic surgery.
See a Specialist
To learn more about meniscus treatments including meniscus tear surgery, please request an appointment online, or call 888-660-2663.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our knee doctors, please use the links below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and preparation suggestions for your appointment.
“I saw Dr. Vanderwilde for a torn meniscus and had an outpatient scope in late December. The procedure was done at the Surgery Center. Dr. Vanderwilde explained everything very well so I knew exactly what to expect. He answered all my questions, never rushing me. He is extremely professional, friendly and efficient. My knee is healing great and I am very glad I had the procedure performed by this awesome surgeon! His entire staff are the best! I highly recommend Northwest Orthopaedics.” — Renee M.
“Dr. McDonald trimmed meniscus in my right knee and later replaced my right hip. In both cases, the procedures went very smoothly, showing his skill and attention to details. I have complete faith in him replacing my left knee in a couple of weeks. I also appreciate him sending me to the joint replacement class at Valley Hospital. The class helped me understand what to expect and diminished my concerns/fears of the surgeries.” — Nunn W.
“I put off having surgery for over a year after an initial diagnosis, meniscus tear in my left knee. I suffered a year of swelling, arthritic pain, inability to walk, bike, hike etc... at an aerobic level without pain and more severe swelling. I just didn't want to go through the surgery and healing time experience. I finally gave in and did the surgery. I had a wonderful, painless, fearless experience. Dr. Keeve and his team took very good care of me and I had very little discomfort afterward. At six weeks I better than it was before the injury. Thank you Dr. Keeve.....you are very professional and a very skilled surgeon” — Sue W.
“Our family has had many operations done by Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists. One of our sons has had knee surgery (Dr. Keeve) and our other son has had foot surgery (Dr. Shirzad). I personally have had shoulder surgery and knee surgery (Dr. Keeve), carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and two fingers that had trigger finger release surgery by Dr. Sestero. My surgeries have all been very sucessful and would highly recommend any of your staff of physicians to family and friends. I cannot say enough about the staff at your surgery floor at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists. They have been great. I personally know some of them and the rest make you feel like they know you; they are very professional and courteous. Thanks for the wonderful care.” — Doug G.
“From my initial visit to my follow up appointment, I felt very confident in having my surgery with Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists. I tore my meniscus while at work and dealing with workers comp is NOT a fun task. Kelly and Julie at the office were incredible about answering any questions, which I called quite a few times, and helping me with the process. The surgery center had me laughing before surgery and fixed a gourmet meal for me afterwards (peanut butter and jelly toast! YUM). I healed very quickly and should be back to work soon. Dr. Wallace was very professional. During my follow up visit, he walked me through the surgery details and informed me of some future issues. When the time comes for any further surgeries (for myself, a family member, or friend), Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists is the place!” — Jennifer B.
“I am an active 64-year-old who loves outdoor activities. Last spring, my knee started bothering me and progressively got worse as the summer went along, It was really starting to concern me because I had a scheduled Wyoming archery elk hunt waiting for me around the 7th of September. My hopes of my knee getting better in August were for naught, and I made an appointment with Dr. Kody and explained my problem. The question I posed to Dr. Kody was 'What's wrong with my knee and can you fix it so I can still go on my elk hunt?' After a quick MRI, he scheduled surgery, fixed my torn meniscus, and I left for Wyoming on September 7th with some specific instructions: Shoot a big one, send him a picture, and let the young guys pack the meat out. I followed his instructions and had no problems with my knee even though this was a tough hunt in rough rocky steep conditions above 8,500-foot elevation. My knee performed very well. Dr. Kody was right, he could fix it within the time frame so I could go hunting. Thanks, Dr. Kody and staff for a great experience.” — Frank E.
“Tore my meniscus while over training and realized after two months with no improvement that I needed to get my knee looked at. Dr. VanderWilde was recommended to me by a co-worker and I couldn't have been happier with him and the team involved in my care. He personally called me the day after my surgery to check up on me. He has a wonderful bedside manner and is an incredible surgeon to boot! I'm just a week out from my surgery and have seen great progress with my knee.” — Sharifa N.