The menisci are horseshoe-shaped cartilage structures that lie between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (large lower leg bone). They are part of the articular surface on which movement takes place and act as shock absorbers. The meniscus on the inner aspect of the knee is the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus lies on the outer side.
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Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tears
Meniscal tears are a common sporting injury and can be accompanied by damage to the ligaments on either side. Tears often occur due to an impact on a twisted knee.
Meniscal tears are often referred to as a torn cartilage in the knee.
In older people, tears can occur from normal movements including walking, squatting or getting up from a chair with a twisted knee. As the cartilage ages, it can degeneration and wear thin. This weakened cartilage will be more prone to tears.
Meniscal tears treatment
Your Consultant may recommend imaging including MRI scanning to check the extent and location of any tear.
The treatment plan will depend not only on the size and location of the tear, but other factors including your age, activity level and other medical conditions.
The level of blood supply in the meniscus changes greatly with location, so some areas heal much better than others. The outer section is known as the Red Zone and has quite a good blood supply while the inner White Zone does not. Tears of equal size may be repairable in one part of the knee, but require removal of the damaged meniscus in another part.
Meniscal repairs and replacements are possible in some cases and your Consultant will advise you on the most suitable treatment options for your condition.
Contact us
To ask a question about meniscal tears or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm. Our knee specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP. If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 020 7432 8328 or email us at [email protected]
Knee Clinic
The Knee Unit at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital comprises a dedicated team specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain and stiffness caused by knee conditions or injuries.
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Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7432 8328.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
