Dallas Meniscus Tear Surgeon

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure in the knee, positioned between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). It serves as a cushion to absorb shock and stabilize the knee joint during movement. Torn meniscus are often caused by twisting or overuse, and may include degenerative meniscal tears that develop gradually over time. In some cases, patients require a surgical procedure, such as meniscus transplant surgery, arthroscopic meniscus repair, or meniscal tears knee arthroscopy, to repair the tissue and preserve your knee’s function. Meniscus injuries may also occur alongside other knee conditions such as an ACL tear or PCL injury, depending on the mechanism of injury. In select cases where the meniscus cannot be preserved, options such as meniscus replacement may be discussed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Beyond its immediate role, it is vital to note that the meniscus is crucial for long-term knee health. In fact, its presence helps distribute forces— thereby preventing concentrated stress on the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. Damage to the meniscus, even if repaired, can alter knee biomechanics and potentially increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis years later. This makes appropriate treatment and rehabilitation essential.

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or have been diagnosed with a meniscal injury, contact Dr. Steven J. Thornton, a Dallas meniscus tear surgeon to discuss your treatment options.

A Dallas meniscus tear surgeon checking a patient's knee.

Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options & Procedures to Relieve Knee Pain

The decision to proceed with surgery for a meniscus tear is typically based on a few factors, including but not limited to: the severity of the tear, the patient’s symptoms, and their response to non-surgical treatment. Conservative management is often recommended initially and may include: rest, activity modification, pain medication, and physical therapy. Many find that these methods can be effective in reducing pain and improving function.

However, if conservative measures are unsuccessful, and the tear continues to cause significant pain or limitations— meniscus repair surgery may be considered by your orthopedic surgeon.

Your meniscus repair surgery involves suturing the damaged meniscus tissue, which helps the meniscus continue to act as shock absorbers within the knee joint, and/or trimming sections to preserve joint function. In certain cases, partial meniscus removal may be necessary depending on the extent and location of the tear. The transplant or arthroscopic surgery, which is typically performed using minimally invasive procedures, can alleviate pain and restore function, but complete recovery may require a phased approach.

To speed up your healing and recovery from meniscus repair, your doctor has provided the following general recovery guidelines. Please follow these unless your Dallas meniscus tear doctor provides specific instructions, which always take priority.

FAQS About Meniscal Tears

Meniscus tears are often caused by twisting the knee during sports or other activities, especially during contact sports. It is important to note, however, that they can also result from age-related wear and tear.

Symptoms of a torn meniscus can include things such as: pain, swelling, stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation. In certain situations you may also have difficulty bending or straightening the knee, particularly when the knee area is inflamed or irritated due to torn cartilage.

A meniscus tear is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests– in most cases an MRI, along with a thorough examination of the joint and surrounding knee muscles.

Absolutely! With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can return to sports after a meniscus tear, even though the timeline for return varies.

In some cases, arthroscopic meniscus surgery may be a commonly recommended surgical procedure and is considered a relatively safe procedure for appropriately selected patients. The goal of treatment is often to help optimize knee function and restore a complete range of motion over time.

It is important to speak to your practitioner to get a better understanding of your goals/condition.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

Unless stated otherwise by your doctor, you do not have any food restrictions following meniscus tear surgery; however, there are some things you can do to make eating and drinking more comfortable in the early stages of your recovery from knee injury:

Follow a diet of clear fluids, such as water or broth, and light foods like plain crackers or rice. Pain medication may cause nausea in patients who consume heavy, greasy foods.
Gradually resume your regular diet, but pay attention to your body. If you experience ongoing nausea or persistent vomiting, contact our office.
Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water during your recovery.

Your Dallas meniscus tear specialist will review your medical history before and after surgery to ensure your recovery plan is appropriate for you.

Caring for Incisions

During your procedure, your Dallas meniscus tear surgeon will make incisions at the meniscus injury site. These are closed using stitches or sutures. Below are some guidelines for caring for your incisions:

Do not remove any dressing placed on the surgical site unless otherwise instructed. Our team will take care of this for you during a follow-up visit.
Mild swelling around the incision site is normal. You may also notice blood spotting. If you find that your dressing has become saturated, wrap it with some sterile gauze instead of removing it.
You may shower 24 hours after discharge, but your incisions need to stay dry. Wrap your knee and brace in waterproof plastic while showering. Avoid direct water exposure to the incision site. Baths, pools and other forms of water immersion are prohibited until your doctor clears you.
Avoid applying any topical ointments or creams on or around the incision site unless explicitly directed by your care team.
After we remove your stitches or sutures, which typically occurs 1-2 weeks after your procedure, you may gently cleanse the area with water during a shower based on your doctor’s instructions.

Keeping the surgical site clean is an important part of surgical site care and helps lower the risk of surgery related infection.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure. This may include guidance on anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate.

Local anesthesia (numbing medication) administered during your meniscus surgery will wear off within 6 to 10 hours. Discomfort usually begins during this time, and you may experience heightened knee pain between days 2-3.
Take all prescribed pain relief medication according to the dosage instructions provided. Contact our office if your prescription does not seem to alleviate your pain.
Side effects of prescription pain medications can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and constipation. Taking your medication with a small meal can help reduce these side effects.
Should nausea or vomiting become a serious problem, contact our office as soon as possible.
Driving or operating heavy machinery is prohibited while using prescription pain medications. These medications can cloud your judgment and delay your reaction time.
Notify your doctor of all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter medications. We also need to know if you are at risk for developing blood clots. Although rare, it is also important to tell your care team if you have had Allergic or anesthetic reactions in the past.

Your Mobility Following Meniscus Tear Surgery

The following are some general recommendations regarding movement following your meniscus tear surgery. Because your recovery is personal, your doctor can provide specific instructions at your follow-up visit. These recommendations are designed to support circulation and help prevent blood clots:

Elevate your leg above hip level during rest periods. This can reduce swelling. You can place pillows under your ankle or heel for support.
Use crutches for mobility during early recovery. Based on your doctor’s guidance, you can bear weight on your leg as tolerated, but do not push yourself. If you experience pain or feel unstable, do not place further weight on your leg.
Limit activities that could exacerbate swelling or discomfort, such as prolonged standing or walking, for the first 5-7 days.
Avoid extended periods of sitting without leg elevation or long car rides for a minimum of 10 days following your surgery.
Do not attempt to drive until your doctor clears you to do so.
When you return to work, seek accommodations for your condition. Ideally, working in a seated position where you can have your leg elevated will keep you comfortable and aid in your recovery.

Proper Usage of Your Brace

If a meniscus repair was performed, a brace will have been placed on your knee following surgery. Proper usage of this brace is essential for recovery.

Wear your brace continuously in a fully-extended position unless your doctor says otherwise.
Your brace is essential for protecting the surgical site and should not be removed without explicit guidance from your doctor.
If you need assistance in adjusting your brace, our team can help.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

Cold therapy can reduce swelling and pain. Below are some guidelines for the proper use of ice and cold packs:

Apply a cold pack or prescribed cooling device for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours while awake for the first week.
Always place a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, and keep the incision site dry.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

Movement and mobility following meniscus tear surgery should be undertaken slowly. The following are some guidelines to help you promote healthy circulation and avoid causing injury:

Begin small, gentle exercises, such as ankle rotations or light leg lifts, about three days after surgery.
Mild stiffness and soreness are typical in the early stages of recovery.
Because sitting for long periods can increase the risk of developing blood clots, engage in frequent ankle movements throughout the day. This can lower the risk of clot formation.
If physical therapy has been ordered by your doctor, our team can help you coordinate an appointment with a physical therapist. In some cases, your recovery may include an individualized physical therapy protocol, along with a periodic follow up appointment to monitor progress and guide return to activity.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Dallas Meniscus Tear Surgeon Steven J. Thornton, MD Treating Knee Pain

A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that can make daily movement uncomfortable and limit activity. Dr. Thornton specializes in treating a wide range of knee conditions, including meniscal attachment tears, tendon disorders, lateral collateral ligament damage, collateral ligament injuries, and injuries affecting the back and outer portions of the joint.

Contact Dr. Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a healthier, more active shoulder.

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