Meniscal Tear

13 June 2025

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, particularly in individuals who are active in sports or physical work. At The New Foscote Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic services and comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs—whether caused by trauma, wear and tear, or underlying joint conditions.

What is a Meniscal Tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilises the joint. Each knee has two menisci—medial (inside) and lateral (outside). A meniscal tear can result from sudden twisting or impact, or through degenerative changes over time, especially in older adults.

Common Symptoms

Pain in the knee joint
Swelling and stiffness
Locking or catching sensation
Difficulty straightening the leg fully
Instability or feeling the knee may “give way”

Causes of Meniscal Tears

Sports injuries (football, rugby, skiing)
Sudden changes in direction or twisting
Lifting heavy objects improperly
Degenerative changes with age
Coexisting with ligament injuries (e.g. ACL tear)

Diagnosis

Our orthopaedic consultants at The New Foscote Hospital use a combination of clinical assessment and imaging to confirm a diagnosis:

Physical examination and mobility testing
MRI scans for detailed images of the meniscus and joint
X-rays to rule out other joint damage

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the tear as well as patient age and activity level.

Non-Surgical Management:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
Physiotherapy to strengthen supporting muscles
Knee bracing

Surgical Options:

Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair – Minimally invasive procedure to stitch the torn cartilage
Partial Meniscectomy – Removing the damaged section of the meniscus
Meniscus Transplantation – In select cases, a donor meniscus may be used

Our orthopaedic specialists perform keyhole (arthroscopic) procedures, promoting faster recovery, minimal scarring, and reduced hospital stay.

Post-Treatment Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a key component of meniscal tear recovery. Our physiotherapy team will guide you through:

Tailored rehabilitation programmes
Muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises
Gait re-education
Return-to-activity or sports planning

Our in-house facilities support both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, ensuring continuity of care from surgery through recovery.

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

Specialist orthopaedic consultants
State-of-the-art imaging and operating theatres
Personalised treatment plans
On-site physiotherapy and follow-up care
Comfortable private patient facilities in Banbury

We are committed to restoring your mobility and helping you return to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Book an Appointment

If you’re suffering from knee pain or suspect a meniscal tear, get in touch with our team to book a consultation with one of our orthopaedic experts.

Make An Enquiry

Our Resident Specialists

Our Consultants and Surgeons are welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on patients’ future health.