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Meniscus Tears of the Knee: Precision Diagnosis & Tissue-Preserving Treatment

At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we use advanced imaging, high-definition arthroscopy, and a tissue-preserving surgical philosophy to treat meniscus injuries with unmatched accuracy.

Our mission: identify the exact tear pattern, protect your knee for the long term, and get you back to peak performance.

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Why Patients Choose SIGMA for Meniscus Care

Meniscus surgery is common. The SIGMA approach is not. We combine elite training, data-driven systems, and aviation-level precision to deliver safer, more effective outcomes.
1. Six Sigma Quality Processes

Every evaluation and procedure follows rigorous, high-reliability surgical pathways designed to reduce variability and increase safety.

2. Tissue-Preserving Philosophy

Where many surgeons remove damaged tissue, SIGMA prioritizes repair over removal whenever possible — protecting your knee for decades.

3. High-Definition Diagnostic Accuracy

Our advanced diagnostic workflow integrates specialized MRI interpretation and high-definition 4K/8K arthroscopy for unmatched clarity.

4. Integrated Rehabilitation with 100-Days-to-Health

Your recovery begins on day one — with a structured, measurable rehab pathway engineered for athletes, executives, and active adults.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

he meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage cushion that absorbs shock, stabilizes the knee, and protects the joint from wear.

Each knee has two menisci — medial (inside) and lateral (outside).

A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged from twisting, squatting, sudden rotation, or direct impact. Tears can be:

  • Small or complex
  • Traumatic (sports injuries)
  • Degenerative (wear-and-tear)
  • Root tears or radial tears (advanced patterns)

At SIGMA, identifying the exact tear pattern matters — because it determines whether the meniscus can be repaired or must be trimmed.

knee

Signs You May Have a Meniscus Tear

Look for the following symptoms — especially after a twist, pivot, or sudden injury:

  • Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
  • Swelling that returns after activity
  • A “click,” “catch,” or “locking” sensation
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Pain with squatting or rotating
  • Instability or giving-way feelings
  • Persistent discomfort despite rest or therapy

If these sound familiar, you may need a definitive evaluation — especially if symptoms persist for more than 2–4 weeks.

Healthy knee joint

Treatment Options at SIGMA

Our priority: preserve as much meniscus tissue as possible to safeguard long-term knee health.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Appropriate for stable tears or degenerative patterns:

  • Rest & activity modification
  • Structured physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory strategies
  • Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid or PRP injections
  • Bracing or unloading strategies when appropriate

We reassess after a short recovery window to ensure progress.

Surgical Treatment (When Needed)

When conservative care fails — or when the tear is unstable — we consider arthroscopic intervention.

1. Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair (Preferred Approach)

We use sutures and anchors to re-approximate the tear edges, allowing the tissue to heal naturally.

Best for:

  • Vertical longitudinal tears
  • Peripheral tears (“red-zone” with blood supply)
  • Root tears
  • Some radial tears

Benefits:

  • Preserves natural knee mechanics
  • Reduces long-term arthritis risk
  • Best option for athletes and active adults

2. Biologic Augmentation (PRP / BMAC)

To improve healing, we may add platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow concentrates during repair — especially important for borderline tear patterns.

3. Partial Meniscectomy (When Unavoidable)

If the tear is in a zone with no healing potential, we selectively remove only the damaged fragment — protecting all remaining healthy meniscus.

SIGMA’s approach: trim as little as possible to preserve your long-term joint health.

The SIGMA Meniscus Recovery Pathway

We use a structured, data-driven workflow for optimal recovery.
1. Pre-Procedure Optimization

Strength, mobility, nutrition, and swelling management — planned using Six Sigma risk-reduction methods

2. Precision Arthroscopy & Repair

Performed through tiny incisions using high-definition optics and specialized instruments.

3. Early Motion Protocol

Guided exercises begin immediately, preventing stiffness and protecting the repair.

4. 100-Days-to-Health Rehabilitation

A comprehensive, progressive rehab plan designed for athletes and active adults.

5. Return-to-Sport Testing

You will undergo functional, strength, and biomechanical testing before full release.

How SIGMA Diagnoses Meniscus Tears

Accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

Step 01

Advanced Physical Examination

We assess joint line tenderness, stability, motion patterns, and mechanical symptoms.

Step 02

High-Resolution MRI Review

We look beyond standard reports — identifying subtle tear configurations often overlooked.

Step 03

Dynamic Diagnostic Arthroscopy (when needed)

If pain persists despite “normal” imaging, high-definition arthroscopy can directly confirm the diagnosis and guide same-day treatment.

Why this matters: Tear pattern dictates treatment. A repairable tear should be repaired — not removed.

Risks & How SIGMA Reduces Them

All procedures carry risk — but at SIGMA, risk reduction is engineered into every step.

Potential risks:

  • Re-tear or incomplete healing
  • Stiffness
  • Scar tissue formation
  • Very rare infection

How we minimize risk:

  • High-definition visualization for safer instrumentation
  • Precise portal placement
  • Evidence-based tear pattern selection
  • Advanced biologic augmentation
  • Data-tracked rehab progression
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Your safety is strengthened by the same principles used in aviation and high-reliability industries.

Innovation & the Future of Meniscus Care at SIGMA

We continuously adopt new technologies to improve meniscus outcomes:

  • 4K/8K arthroscopy
  • All-inside repair systems
  • Biologic scaffolds
  • PRP and BMAC augmentation
  • Navigation-enhanced portal planning
  • Real-time outcome tracking and biomechanics assessments

SIGMA’s vision: a future where meniscus preservation is the standard — not the exception.

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Ready to Heal Your Knee the Right Way?

Meniscus injuries don’t just cause pain — they can accelerate arthritis and limit your lifestyle if not treated precisely.

At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, you’ll receive:

  • A clear diagnosis
  • A personalized, evidence-based plan
  • A tissue-preserving surgical strategy
  • Structured rehab and performance guidance
  • Concierge scheduling for local and international patients
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Dr. Frank McCormick, a board-certified sports medicine orthopedic surgeon

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20+ Years of Experience
Over 5000+ Surgeries performed
30+ Award-Winning Orthopedic Researcher
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Harvard Trained and Former Harvard Faculty
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Introduction

What is a meniscus tear of the knee?

The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage disc that is found in the knee joint between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). Each knee joint has two of these crescent-shaped discs classified as a medial meniscus and a lateral meniscus. One of the major responsibilities of the meniscus is to be a shock absorber by evenly distributing body weight onto the tibial surface. These cartilage discs also lubricate the knee joint for easier joint movement, protect the soft-tissue structures from outside forces, and stabilize the knee joint. The medial meniscus, positioned on the inner portion of the knee joint, bears up to 50% of the stress load exerted on the inside compartment of the knee. The lateral meniscus, situated on the outer portion of the knee joint opposite the medial meniscus, bears up to 80% of the stress load exerted on the outside compartment of the knee.
While meniscus cartilage is generally a tough tissue, it can still sustain damage caused by a traumatic event, such as a direct blow to the knee joint, or forceful knee rotation with the foot firmly planted. A meniscus tear of the knee is a common injury among athletes, however non-athletic individuals are still susceptible to a meniscus tear of the knee with activities of daily living. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with meniscus tears of the knee.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear of the knee?

Individuals with a meniscus tear of the knee are generally able to still walk but commonly complain of knee pain that fluctuates in severity. Occasionally patients report hearing a “popping” sound at the time of injury. Some other symptoms of a meniscus tear of the knee include:
  • Instability of the knee joint
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Stiffness and swelling of the affected knee joint
  • A “catching” or “locking” sensation with knee joint movement

How is a meniscus tear of the knee diagnosed?

Individuals with patella chondromalacia often report knee pain localized over the front of the knee joint. This pain may be exacerbated after sitting or standing for an extended period of time or after physical activities that increase stress on the knee joint. Some patients describe a “cracking” or “grinding” sensation with extending or bending the knee joint.

What is the treatment for a meniscus tear of the knee?

Each meniscus cartilage disc can be separated into two portions: the outer “red zone” and the inner “white zone”. The outer third segment contains a healthy blood supply allowing small meniscus tears to heal without surgery. The inner two-thirds segment lacks this blood supply therefore meniscus tears of the knee are less likely to heal without surgical intervention. Dr. McCormick will review a number of patient factors, such as age, activity level, the location of the meniscus tear, and the severity of injury to formulate the best treatment plan to address the patient’s specific needs.
Non-surgical treatment:
Patients with a confirmed meniscus tear in the outer third portion of the meniscus and an overall stable knee joint may benefit from conservative treatment options. Modifying activities that worsen knee pain are highly encouraged. Rest and ice combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be used for pain and inflammation management. If these symptoms persist with oral medications, Dr. McCormick can administer a corticosteroid injection directly into the knee joint. When appropriate, a physical therapy program will be designed to strengthen the knee joint and improve range of motion.
Surgical treatment:
Surgical intervention may be deemed necessary for patients with a confirmed meniscus tear in the inner two-thirds portion of the meniscus or those who failed to respond to initial conservative therapies. There are several surgical techniques currently available for treating meniscus tears of the knee. Dr. McCormick prefers the minimally invasive approach using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments when performing one of the following surgical procedures:
  • Debridement: The damaged portions of the meniscus cartilage are excised and removed with this technique.
  • Meniscus Repair: The torn meniscus cartilage is reattached with special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone. This technique is best for tears located within the “red zone” of the meniscus cartilage.
  • Biologic Augmentation: This alternative treatment is often performed in combination with a meniscus repair. The patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) can be used to generate new tissue at the repair site.
  • Meniscectomy: This more extensive surgical procedure is typically reserved for patients who sustain larger meniscus tears of the knee or when all other treatment options have been exhausted. The damaged portions of the meniscus that are non-repairable are removed entirely by Dr. McCormick.

For more information on meniscus tears of the knee, or the excellent treatment options available, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities.

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