Meniscus & Cartilage Damage Singapore

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is often appropriate for minor tears or early-stage cartilage wear.

• Physiotherapy: Structured exercises help strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. A physiotherapist will design a programme specific to your needs and recovery goals.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Oral medications can help reduce pain and swelling in your knee joint. These are typically used for short periods to manage acute symptoms.
• Corticosteroid injections: These injections directly into your knee joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. They are particularly helpful when swelling limits your movement or interferes with physiotherapy.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be needed when symptoms persist or structural damage is significant.

Meniscus Surgery

• Arthroscopic meniscus repair: Torn meniscus tissue is sutured using minimally invasive keyhole techniques. This approach is often preferred in younger patients or when the tear is located in a vascular region of the meniscus.
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: The damaged portion of the meniscus is removed to reduce mechanical symptoms while preserving healthy tissue.
• Meniscus transplantation: In cases where the entire meniscus is damaged and not repairable, a donor meniscus may be transplanted to restore cushioning and stability, particularly in younger, active individuals.

Cartilage Repair and Joint Preservation Surgery

• Microfracture (Marrow Stimulation): Small holes are created in the underlying bone to stimulate healing through bone marrow cells, encouraging cartilage-like tissue formation.
• Scaffold-based cartilage regeneration: A biocompatible scaffold is placed over the damaged area to support the growth of new cartilage cells.
• Debridement chondroplasty: Frayed or damaged cartilage is smoothed and stabilised using arthroscopic tools to reduce irritation.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to assess and treat cartilage defects, often combined with other techniques for repair.
• High tibial osteotomy / Distal femur osteotomy: These procedures realign the leg to shift weight away from damaged areas of cartilage, helping preserve the joint in younger patients.
• Partial or total knee replacement: For advanced cartilage damage where joint preservation is no longer feasible, joint replacement may be performed to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Horizontal meniscus tears

These tears run parallel to the top surface of the meniscus and are more common in older adults. They often result from degenerative changes rather than acute injury.

Vertical meniscus tears

These tears run from top to bottom through the meniscus and typically occur during sports activities. They may heal better than horizontal tears due to better blood supply in some areas.

Radial meniscus tears

These tears extend from the inner edge of the meniscus outward and can affect the meniscus’s ability to distribute weight properly across your knee joint.

Complex meniscus tears

These involve multiple tear patterns within the same meniscus and often result from severe trauma or advanced degenerative changes.

Focal cartilage defects

These are localised areas of cartilage damage or loss, often appearing as holes or rough patches on the otherwise smooth joint surface.

Diffuse cartilage wear

This involves widespread thinning or roughening of the cartilage surface across larger areas of your knee joint, commonly associated with arthritis.

How long does it take to recover from meniscus or cartilage damage?

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the severity of your injury and treatment approach. Non-surgical treatment may take 6-12 weeks, whilst surgical recovery can range from 3-6 months depending on the specific procedure performed.

Can I still play sports with a meniscus tear?

This depends on the size, location, and symptoms caused by your tear. Some small, stable tears may allow continued activity with appropriate modifications, whilst others require treatment before returning to sports to prevent further damage.

Will my knee ever feel completely normal again?

Many people return to their previous activity levels, though some may experience occasional mild symptoms. The outcome depends on factors such as your age, the extent of damage, treatment received, and how well you follow rehabilitation programmes.

What should I avoid doing if I have this injury?

You should avoid activities that involve pivoting, deep squatting, or sudden changes in direction until your symptoms improve. High-impact sports and activities that cause pain or swelling should also be avoided during the healing process.

Can meniscus and cartilage damage lead to arthritis?

Damage to these structures can increase your risk of developing arthritis over time, as they play important roles in protecting your knee joint. However, appropriate treatment and management can help reduce this risk and maintain joint health.