At the Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi Orquin (ITGO), we frequently treat patients with meniscus injuries, one of the most common knee conditions.

Although they can often be managed with conservative treatment, in some cases it is necessary to resort to sports surgery to ensure a full recovery and prevent future complications.

In this article, we will explain when surgical intervention is necessary for a meniscus injury and what options we offer at ITGO.

What is the meniscus and why is it so important?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilaginous structure found in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci: the inner (medial) and the outer (lateral) meniscus. Their primary function is to act as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia, as well as to stabilise the joint and protect the cartilage.

When the meniscus is injured, either by trauma or degenerative wear and tear, symptoms can range from pain and stiffness to joint locking or instability.

Determining whether surgery is necessary depends on factors such as the type of injury, the patient’s age their level of physical activity and the impact on their quality of life.

What types of meniscal injuries are there?

Meniscal injuries fall mainly into two categories:

Traumatic injuries.

These tend to occur in young, active people, especially during sporting activities involving sharp turns or changes of direction.

Longitudinal or bucket-handle tears are common, which can lead to joint locking.

Degenerative injuries

These are more common in people over the age of 50 and are related to progressive wear and tear of the cartilage. In these cases, the meniscus loses elasticity and can tear with everyday movements.

When is surgery necessary?

Not all meniscal injuries require surgery. In fact, in many cases of trauma in Valencia, conservative treatment is sufficient to relieve symptoms and restore functionality to the knee.

However, there are specific situations in which surgical intervention becomes essential:

Joint locking

If the knee is locked due to a torn meniscus fragment that prevents normal movement, surgery is almost always necessary. This blockage can impede activities as basic as walking or bending the leg.

Persistent pain

When pain does not improve after a reasonable period of conservative treatment, such as physiotherapy or infiltration, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and relieve discomfort.

Injuries associated with instability

In young, active patients, meniscal injuries that compromise knee stability often require surgery to prevent future problems, such as premature osteoarthritis.

Complex or extensive tears

In cases of large tears, especially those that do not heal naturally, surgery may be the best option to repair or, in some cases, remove the damaged part of the meniscus.

What surgical options are available at the ITGO?

At the Gastaldi Traumatology Institute, we have a team specialised in advanced surgical techniques, always prioritising minimally invasive methods to speed up patient recovery.

At the Gastaldi Institute in Valencia options include:

Meniscus repair

This procedure is used when the injury is in a vascularised area, allowing it to heal. In the repair, the meniscus is sutured to preserve its structure and function.

Partial meniscectomy

When the tear is not repairable, a partial meniscectomy is performed to remove only the damaged part of the meniscus, preserving as much tissue as possible.

Meniscus transplantation

In exceptional cases, such as young patients with total meniscus loss, we offer the option of meniscus transplantation, an advanced technique that replaces the damaged meniscus with a donated one.

What is the recovery like after surgery?

The recovery process depends on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s physical condition. In general, postoperative treatment includes:

• Personalised physiotherapy: At ITGO, we design rehabilitation plans adapted to each patient to recover mobility, strengthen the muscles and improve knee stability.
• Progressive care: During the first few weeks, it is recommended to limit activities that involve bearing weight on the operated knee.
• Return to physical activity: In most cases, patients can return to their sporting or daily activities after a period of 2 to 3 months, depending on the type of intervention.

When can surgery be avoided?

In some cases, surgery is not necessary, especially when:

• The tear is small and does not generate significant symptoms.
• Conservative treatment (rest, physiotherapy or infiltrations) relieves symptoms.
• This is a degenerative injury in an older patient with no severe functional limitations.

That is why, at ITGO, we evaluate each case individually, making sure we recommend the best option for each patient.

Trust ITGO to treat your meniscus injury.

At Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi, we are specialists in the treatment of meniscus injuries, offering everything from the most advanced surgical techniques to personalised rehabilitation plans.

If you have knee pain or suspect an injury, contact us without obligation. Our goal is to restore your quality of life and ensure that you return to your activities in complete safety.

We invite you to continue reading our blog to find out more about joint health and how to care for your joints.