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Meniscus Tear Specialist

New York Spine and Sports Surgery

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon & Orthopedic Sports Surgeon located in East Garden City, Garden City, NY & Bloomfield, NJ

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Aron D. Rovner, MD, treats meniscus tears at two New York Spine and Sports Surgery locations in Garden City, New York, and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. If you suffer from knee pain due to a torn meniscus, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.

Meniscus Tear FAQ

What is a meniscus tear?

Each of your knees has two C-shaped pieces of cartilage (menisci) that absorb shock between your upper and lower leg bones. In addition to cushioning your knee, the menisci help keep the joint stable. 

When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they’re usually referring to a meniscus tear. This type of injury is most common among athletes, but people of all activity levels can tear a meniscus. 

What causes meniscus tears?

Meniscus tears can occur suddenly, especially while playing sports. You can tear your meniscus doing any activity that forcefully twists or rotates your knee, like a sudden stop and turn. Deep squatting and heavy lifting can also lead to a torn meniscus. 

Older adults may develop meniscus tears due to degenerative changes that occur with age. 

What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus?

You may notice a popping sensation at the time of injury when you tear your meniscus. Other common signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

  • Knee pain
  • Stiffness and swelling
  • Catching or locking of the knee
  • Feeling like your knee is giving out
  • Reduced range of motion

Most people can still bear weight on the knee with a torn meniscus, but prompt treatment is necessary to prevent further damage.

How are meniscus tears treated?

First, Dr. Rovner carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your knee. He may also take diagnostic imaging tests, like an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. 

Then, Dr. Rovner develops an individualized treatment plan based on the size, type, and location of your meniscus tear. As a conservative surgeon, Dr. Rovner always explores nonsurgical treatment options first. If your knee pain and symptoms are severe, or if they persist despite nonsurgical treatments like rest, ice, and medications, surgery may be necessary. 

Dr. Rovner uses minimally invasive surgical techniques like arthroscopy whenever possible. Using arthroscopic knee surgery, Dr. Rovner treats the torn meniscus through tiny, buttonhole-sized incisions. This procedure involves minimal scarring and tissue damage as well as a faster recovery time than with open surgery. 

If you think you have a torn meniscus, call New York Spine and Sports Surgery or book an appointment online today.