Can A Meniscal Tear Heal By Itself?

Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : can you help me with this question?
Two friends, XXXXXXX and Ernie, played on a soccer team together. Both of them sustained injuries during the same game. XXXXXXX had a small tear in the lateral meniscus (a pad of fibrocartilage) of the knee. After considering the injury, the doctor hoped that XXXXXXX would heal without surgery. Ernie broke a bone in his leg (the distal fibula). Ernie's condition improved quickly and he was able to resume playing after six weeks. XXXXXXX is still waiting to get back into the game after three months. What type of tissue makes up menisci? Compare the vascularization of the tissues. Why do you think there is a difference in recuperation time for the two players?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
meniscus injury never heals

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I like the way you have asked this question. Injury inside joint are very bad and takes time to heal.
meniscus is a avascular structure and it can never heal by it self. It is made of cartilage tissue. So if there is a tear then it will need a small surgery by arthroscopy.
If surgery is not done at right time then this tear can increase in size and can cause locking and instalation in knee joint.
if you want further information you can share MRI report with me.I will try my best to help you.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar