Yes, medial miniscus bucket handle Level III tear does need surgery some times. If you are a sport person or with a job demanding intense physical activity, you definitely need urgent surgical repair. If you are having normal chores of live, if you have no problem in walking, turning and bending of the knee probably you can wait for couple of months. In the mean while you must start very serious rehabilitation programme including 1. Pain relief by rest and medication 2. Avoiding all painful activities 3. Avoiding injury prone activities 4. Selective conditioning of the muscles around the knee joint such as Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Adductors and Abductors 5. Gradual mobility exercises and return to normal functional activities 6. Posture care and Good footwear With all these, you can lead a normal life, remember a good conservative approach is essential before anybody subjected to surgical procedure. In case of failure you are still left with a chance for surgery. I have many patients who are living normal life without surgery;mind it MRI s always exaggerate the findings by 30%. So think and take a decision after obtaining a proper advice from an experienced sports physician (not a surgeon first) All the best