Quick answer. A meniscus tear is a tear in the cushioning cartilage of the knee, often from a twisting injury, causing pain, swelling and sometimes locking or catching. Many tears settle with physiotherapy, while some need keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery.
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A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as cushions between the thigh bone and shin bone. A tear often happens during a twisting or pivoting movement in sport, but in older adults the cartilage can also wear and tear more easily with everyday activity.
A meniscus tear typically causes knee pain, swelling and a sensation of the knee catching or locking. Many tears improve with rest and physiotherapy, while others – particularly those causing locking – may need keyhole surgery. This guide explains the symptoms, how it is diagnosed and the treatment options, including a typical cost range for surgery in Singapore.
At a glance
| Aspect | Conservative (non-surgical) | Arthroscopic surgery |
|---|---|---|
| When considered | Smaller, stable tears; no locking | Locking knee, large tears, failed rehab |
| What it involves | Rest, physiotherapy, strengthening | Keyhole repair or trimming of the meniscus |
| Recovery time | Weeks of guided rehab | Several weeks to months depending on procedure |
| Aim | Settle pain, restore strength | Repair or remove the torn portion |
| MediSave / insurance | Outpatient, limited cost | Surgery may draw on MediSave and insurance |
What is a meniscus tear?
Each knee has two menisci – tough, rubbery wedges of cartilage that sit between the thigh bone and shin bone and act as shock absorbers, helping to spread load and keep the joint stable. A meniscus tear is a split or rupture in this cartilage.
Tears fall into two broad groups. In younger, active people they are usually caused by a sudden twist or impact during sport. In older adults the meniscus naturally becomes more brittle, so a degenerative tear can happen with a minor movement such as squatting or getting up awkwardly. Both are common in Singapore, where sport and an ageing population both feature.
Symptoms and signs
You may feel a “pop” at the moment of injury, though not always. Typical symptoms include:
- Pain in the knee, often on the inner or outer side
- Swelling that develops over a day or so
- A catching or clicking sensation in the knee
- The knee locking, where it gets stuck and will not fully straighten or bend
- A feeling that the knee may give way
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee
A locked knee that you cannot straighten, or a knee you cannot bear weight on, needs prompt medical assessment.
Causes and risk factors
Meniscus tears happen when the cartilage is stressed beyond what it can take. Common causes and risks include:
- Twisting or pivoting the knee, especially with the foot planted, during sport
- A direct blow or heavy tackle to the knee
- Deep squatting or kneeling, particularly with a load
- Older age, as the meniscus becomes more brittle and tears more easily
- Existing knee wear (osteoarthritis), which weakens the cartilage
Keeping the muscles around the knee strong and using good technique in sport can reduce the risk of a traumatic tear.
How it is diagnosed
A doctor or orthopaedic specialist will examine the knee and may use specific movement tests that stress the meniscus to reproduce the pain or catching. To confirm the diagnosis and assess the tear, they may arrange:
- X-ray – to check the bones and look for any joint wear, though it does not show the meniscus itself
- MRI scan – the key test, which shows the cartilage clearly and reveals the size, position and type of tear
The findings, together with your symptoms and how active you are, guide whether conservative treatment or surgery is recommended.
Treatment options
Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. Treatment depends on the type and size of the tear, your symptoms and your activity level:
- Conservative care – rest, ice, simple pain relief and a physiotherapy programme to restore strength and movement; this works well for many smaller or degenerative tears
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery – through small cuts, the surgeon either repairs the tear with stitches or trims away the damaged portion; this is often advised when the knee locks, for larger tears, or when rehabilitation has not helped
As a guide, arthroscopic knee surgery in Singapore typically falls within a broad market range of roughly S$8,000 to S$20,000 or more, depending on the hospital, surgeon, complexity and ward or private setting. This is an approximate range, not a quote – always get a personalised estimate. Such surgery is generally MediSave-claimable up to applicable limits, and may be covered by MediShield Life or private Integrated Shield plans; confirm current limits and coverage with the hospital and your insurer.
When to see a doctor and which specialist
See a doctor if you have knee pain and swelling after a twisting injury, if the knee keeps catching or feeling unstable, or if symptoms do not settle within a week or two.
Seek prompt medical assessment if your knee is locked and you cannot straighten it, you cannot bear weight on it, or it is very swollen and painful. If a knee injury follows a major accident with severe pain, obvious deformity or you cannot move, go to A&E – call 995 if you are seriously injured.
Meniscus tears are assessed and treated by an orthopaedic specialist, who can advise on physiotherapy or surgery. You can find one through the Best Doctors Singapore directory of orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore.
Related guides
- Best Orthopaedic Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- orthopaedic clinics directory
- Bladder cancer
- Patellar tendonitis
- Runner's knee
- Whiplash
- Thyroid cancer
Sources
- NHS – Knee ligament and cartilage injuries
- Mayo Clinic – Torn meniscus
- HealthHub Singapore – MediSave for surgical procedures
- SingHealth – Orthopaedic conditions and treatments
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