I had two meniscus tears in my right knee, and x-rays show I'm bone on bone arthritic so not a case for meniscus repair. Instead, my surgeon said I'm a candidate for a total knee replacement. After 4 months, I couldn't be happier with the surgical outcome. I can now fully straighten my leg to 0 degrees, and can now bend it to 123' flexion. My left knee only goes to 121'. And no more knee pain, now scheduled to get the left knee TKR in May 2023. By the way, just watched a medical program on a Japanese station (NHK) where they extracted pieces of the torn meniscus and combined it with stem cells from the patient. Once out of the culture, the stem cells mixed with the "chopped up" meniscus was injected into the patient's knee. Ultimately the stem cell cocktail helped to regrow the meniscus. More clinical trials underway, but this sounds promising. Keep up the good work!

These two Docs are in another league when it comes to describing the symptoms and treatments for a meniscal tear. Thank you guys!!!

This video Is so easy to understand, these doctors are very professional and knows what they are taking about! Thank so much!

Dear docs, You guys are amazing. By chance I came across your KZfaq video titled torn meniscus - diagnostics and treatment and I was very happy with the information presented! It was so clear and easy to understand! I am 49 years old and I used to run a lot. I used to suffer from occasional knee pain after my runs, but nothing that wouldn't go away after a couple of days rest. About 9 months ago after I started a new physical activity; boxing. I soon developed knee pain which would not go away. Back then my knee was hurting so much that I was limping heavily. My pain has now almost completely disappeared and so has the limping. I would rate my knee pain as 1 out of 10. I never had any issues with a locked knee. My only limitation right now is being unable to reach my glutes with my heel (ie when I am standing on my right leg and trying to bend my left leg back so that the heel can touch my glute). I recently had an MRI done at the Jewish General hospital in Montreal. The results came out and I was diagnosed with a minor tear of the medial meniscus and a sprained ACL. As I said my pain is quasi non existent. I am able to do all my daily activities regularly except running. I have stopped running and I have decided to stick to walking. I am able to walk up to 8 kms without issues or pain. I consulted an orthopedic surgeon recently and he said I should have surgery. I am very undecided and skeptical on the benefits of arthroscopic surgery. I am also afraid that a surgery would possibly lead to future arthritis without necessarily eliminating my knee pain completely. I would love to have your opinion on the matter. Should I get surgery or not? Thank you so much!

Very informative and insight into Treatment for a Torn Meniscus. I have a Torn Meniscus and I find it nice to understand the perspective of a Doc when dealing with a injury.

Excellent info, I've been researching my symptoms and this is the best info I've seen so far. I just had X-Rays done and waiting for the results. I have the locked knee and sharp sudden pains in addition to the dull and stiff pains that also effect the other knee. I can't squat or kneel at all. The pain intensity comes and goes but flares up if I put weight on it for an extended period of time, not necessarily just walking. I'm in my 30's so my concern is that I'm arthritic already. Could an improper gait cause this damage? This came on gradually after years of working out on a treadmill and my concern is that I have ruined my joints in the process.

Just discovered your channel and I am absolutely amazed at the way in which you simplify the topic.. very understandable for lay people.. I am a dancer and was just diagnosed with a torn meniscus in BOTH KNEES!! The pain is unbearable.. Exactly what you said occurred.. X-rays then had the MRI... now I am weighing my options.. seeing a specialist soon.. now I have the background information I need to make a more informed decision.. thank you thank you.. and you are both easy on the 👀s...🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💯❤️🌺🙏🏽

most doctors don't have a time to explain which the DOCS explained us. I really appreciated and learned a lot about the torn meniscus which I have. Thank you very much.

Thanks so much for taking the time to make these informative videos. Husband is deciding on whether or not to do knee replacement surgery; he is bone on bone. Synivisc starting tomorrow with fingers crossed. You shed honest light on what to expect after surgery. He is 65 today and active...likes to hike (with pain now) in the mountains with elevation.

Great information. Thank you!

I really like your videos. You come across as two reasonable people wanting to help rather than someone on an ego trip. Thank you! 👍

Great explanations. Thank you, Doctors!!

So thorough! Thank you for this. Just got an MRI. I’m hoping for a tear and NOT arthritis

Thank you so much for doing this video. It gives very useful and practical informations. And I think you guys are cute!

Thia video made me feel better after my knee pain started a few dya ago on the inside area. Didn't wanna be off of work for a longtime if surgery was needed, thanks guys!

Great video Easy to understand and ....the 2 docs are adorable !

EXCELLENT Informative Video! Thank you for sharing this valuable information!

Well done....Canadian Doctors are the BEST!!!

Thank you docs for doing what you do and for your highly informative channel!

Thank you for the information!

Wow, I don't usually comment on these informative videos but, I have to give you accolades. Short sweet and to the point. Extremely informative well-done eh!!

I am a retired nurse as of one year ago from the facility you both work in. Nothing but good to say about these two doctors. These videos are excellent and answer just about every question a patient can think of. Love the humour and relaxed atmosphere! I do have a question. I have a medial meniscal tear in my left knee. This tear happened last Christmas Eve and I am still in excrutiating pain. That aside, I also get a searing pain like an ice pick that feels like its going through the back of my knee cap. May be referred pain? Sometimes this pain happens when I am not feeling pain in the meniscus. On top of this I have a large Bakers cyst I am told is caused from all the swelling from the fluid around my knee. My biggest "concern" with all of this is the cyst. I get terrible pressure at the back of my knee that travels down the back of my leg to my calf. Intermittently. Quite often my knee becomes very mottled. Could this be compression of the popliteal artery? Can this cyst be removed during arthroscopy at the same time meniscus tear is repaired? Hopefully I am worrying about nothing! I have an appointment in three weeks but feel a little anxious.

excellent presentation and information. thank you two.

I just had a meniscus surgery a coupe of days ago because it was torn and wanted to get some input on the topic but when I saw a couple of guys ¨dressed up like surgeons¨ I thought it was going to be a complete different video. I am blown away for the simplicity and how this topic was explained as well as the range of information you covered. I was told by my surgeon after arthroscopy that he noticed my cartilage been very damaged so in my follow up appointment I´ll know more about how will this impact my life quality in the long term or if this is a signal of arthritis on my knee. Thank you for your service to the online community.

"The meniscus doesn't like to heal itself because it doesn't have a great blood supply" (6:58) This is great, useful info and explains why surgery might be a good option. Thanks

54-years-old, life-long distance runner, had the exact same pain in both knees hit me at age 44. I had tears in both medial meniscus. Underwent arthroscopy on each, about one year apart, and the dr. said he removed 70% of the meniscus. He also told me 6 weeks before running again, but that was way too soon. 8 months later I was 100% back to normal, full range of motion, and no pain after running. 10 years later I am running 3-6 miles a day, pain free. After watching this video, I guess the arthritis will catch up with me in the future. Does the meniscus ever regenerate?

Thanks for the valuable info Docs.

This was very helpful and easy to follow...I appreciate you making this video docs.😊

WOW, you guys answered all my questions! Even better than my actual Dr. Thanks!

Tore my meniscus skiing. MRI next week. I live in Lake Tahoe and ski season is over for me. Thanks for the awesome explanation!

I recently had an MRI which confirms I may need surgery for a meniscus injury. Your video was very informative and allayed some of my fears and answered my questions on how to proceed. Many thanks from the USA.

Wow, this was very informative!!! Thanks for explaining the procedure and the post op recovery.

So informative. Thank you. I was an athlete my entire life and once I turned 42 years old, which is current, my body has broken down one piece at a time. I am no longer able to 90% of what I was able to do before. Psychologically and physically that has done a number on me. Aside from my primary physician and ortho, any further info for common exercises would be appreciated.

I had an MRI a few weeks ago do to persistent knee pain. I've had a Bakers cyst behind that right knee for years and sometimes it grows and sometimes it shrinks. The pain was just getting to me so finally the doc ordered the x ray then MRI and saw some fluid in the knee and decided try 1 cortisone injection if that showed relief then 3 shots of some injection, I forget what it is to lubricate , maybe hyaluronan injections . The MRI didn't show a ton of stuff and he definitely did not feel a meniscus surgery was appropriate. So I got my first shot and 4 days later I'm drying the windshield of my truck hanging from the front edge of the hood. My fingers slipped and I went backwards stepping off the running board with my right foot. The moment the right foot touched the ground I felt a pop, loud and painful. I thought for sure I had torn my ACL, again. X ray showed nothing, but the MRI said: Complex tearing of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus including the inner third of the posterior horn medial meniscus extending to superior and inferior articular surfaces which is new, since 9/5/2018 plus Truncation and subtle tearing posterior horn of lateral meniscus similar appearance in the interval. and last Early degenerative joint disease of medial and lateral femoral-tibial compartments. So I go to the Doc today and he recommends the surgery, which I will most definitely have done, my orthopedic surgeon is good and he reconstructed the ACL in that knee like 12 years ago and I've been biking and snowboarding on it with out any trouble. Now at the tender age of 66 I have no desire to stop either activity and sit on the side lines waiting for nature to take it's course. All this progress in medicine is to be taken advantage of. The only sad thing is that as good as my doctor is as a surgeon he lacks in explaining exactly what the damage is. Maybe the words sound worse than the actual events, but I sure would like to understand it better. I found your video to be really excellent at explaining all the different stages of a tear of the menisci, I wish all doctors would take a little more time to fully explain to their patients exactly what is going on.

Thank you both for the vlog.

The best explanation on this topic I have seen. Thanks Docs!

Nice Video, Docs Any suggestion for this MRI result: Horizontal tear involving the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Discoid appearance of the lateral meniscus. The knee with pain can not stretch straight

i have my surgery this thursday and im so nervous for the pain that comes afterward. i tore my meniscus when i was pregnant now i’m 3 months postpartum and finally getting it fixed hopefully i heal fast and get back to being myself again!! i have the tear where it is in my knee but they said they would put surtures

Thank you for sharing this information. It’s very helpful to me.

Thank you for explaining so well.

Hi Docs, thanks for this very informative video! I have been recently diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear after doing one squat too heavy at CrossFit 3 weeks ago. Since then I’ve been having pain occasionally while walking as well as bending my knee past a certain point. While I try a conservative (non-surgical) approach first, is there a time frame by which should I consider doing surgery instead? I do wish to return to sports, something that I’m unable to do right now due to the pain (definitely no running for me). In the meantime, should I avoid all sports activities - will that worsen the tear and subsequently long term prognosis of my knee? Thanks!

You guys are AAAAWESOME! :):):):):):) Serious!

Another informative video! Love your channel!!

You are exceptional!!!! Thank you, doctors! Thank you! I will spread the word about you.

My knee started hurting recently when i try to squat or when i try to stand up from a squat...(it does feel like its locked...) So months ago when I was walking, there is a pop sound and when im climbing up the stairs, it starts to hurt. But it went away after a while so i thought nothing of it. However the pain came back again... So im wondering if it is caused by meniscus tear or calcium deficiency ...

"a design flaw" - haha

Love you guys!! You have excellent info on here! And love both of your personalities as well!!

Excellent information for those of us dealing with chronic, recurrent knee issues. Appreciate the detailed, understandable explanations for the indications of arthroscopy, MRI vs x-rays or US, repair indications vs TKR, and other treatment modalities, and arthritis vs more acute tears of the meniscus. Thank you!

What about stem cell treatment?

what about Platelet Rich Plasma injections?

This video was very informative!! Thank you for this!! You guys are wonderful!😍

Going in for my surgery in a few weeks. This video really put my mind at ease on a lot of things!!!

Great info!!

Great video! I got more information from you than my actual doctor. This video indeed helped me understand and be able to make a better informed decision.

Fantastic explanation!

Great presentation!

Great information! thanks for sharing!

Fantastic guys , answered all my concerns.

Awesome video. Masterfully done.

I am 45 and twisted my knee getting out of the car about 2 weeks ago. It has been sore since with certain movements causing severe pain. I had microfracture surgery on the same knee 3 years ago which was very helpful and up until now has not caused me any problems . I see my family doctor next week. I am hoping to not have surgery as being on crutches for 6 weeks was absolutely horrible. Thanks for this informative video.

Great video!! btw I love your surgical caps

Excellent video, thank you.

Just had my Arthriscopic meniscus repair, knee locked at 30 degree angle in brace for 2 weeks. Hurts an awful lot. Mine happened nearly 5 months ago an yet still able to repair it. Other Doctors at practice i went to told me its rare to repair a tear an it's usually partially removed or totally removed. Excellent explanation guys, an I'll be 49 in October now i see what "getting old" is all about and I'm not liking it much lol. You Doctors are awsome, Thank you for what u do

Excellent infos from the Experts!!!

Amazing video explained it better then my surgeon! I'm that rare case buckle handle tear lateral meniscus with a locked knee and torn collateral ligaments for two weeks with Aussie doctors had no idea what was going on til i finally got into the surgeons office and he operated that day. Today is 8 days Post OP so much harder then the standard recovery still cant bend my leg fully and movement is minimal! Hardest recovery i've been through. You legends have helped me understand what all those big words meant and gives me piece of mind.

Great video! Such great info. I had a MRI done about a week ago and have gotten the results back on it. I was told that I had a torn medial meniscus and knee bilateral. When I hear of the symptoms of a torn meniscus, I hear how the knee locks, swells and lots of pain. I have very little to no pain now, ( i did in the beginning) , it has never locked on me, but it has been swollen now for almost 2 years or more. Two years ago when i found out, I did physical therapy. It did help with the pain but not the swelling. With the 1st MRI 2 years ago, i was told I need surgery. Now 2 years later with another MRI, Dr. said the tear has gotten worst, but I still have no pain or locking. I don’t want to have surgery. I am still able to walk and exercise as much as I like and I am scared that the surgery could change that. The two procedures he say I need are a partial medial meniscectomy, hght and a chondroplasty patellofemoral joint, please, can you explain these 2 procedures. Thank you in advance for your help.

Knee has been locking up with pain for a few hours at a time intermittently. MRI in 2 days. Now I know what questions to ask my doctor after the MRI. Very helpful video.

Really helpful video.

God bless you both such amazing well spoken men

Thanks very useful information

Love the humour you guys put into your talks😀

Many thanks for this video. I am 6 days post Meniscus tear surgery and doing very well. Between my Orthopedist's information and your excellent video, I was well prepared for the surgery and what to expect afterwards.

Very informative.... I’m having surgery tomorrow, also have a cyst to decompress.... is it safe to assume that once you guys get in there and see what it really looks like... if the OA is that bad, you would be able to, with confidence, say it time for a partial/full joint replacement??

Thank you for your great explanation. My MRI shows a complex flap tear in the lateral meniscus.

I just found out i have torn my lateral meniscus horizontally & also have a baker’s cyst. I am hoping it will heal it’s self. I was recommended that i need surgery but if my knee isn’t painful than i should not go ahead with surgery. That was from my family physician. Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

lol, well, I'm one of those old cars. Excellent video, covered all the bases. so helpful.

Thanks again Docs,

Bert and Ernie of the medical world 🌎 👌 really good viewing, great stuff guys

I have a large tear and root detached per MRI. Having this surgery on April11th and praying it is successful. I’ve never had any knee issues and have hardly any arthritis. Doc hated to take it out and is hoping to repair with a lengthy recovery. 🙏🏻

That was cool, thanks

I’ve had arthritis in my knees since I was in my 20s. I’ve had nine arthritis related surgeries. It has been very beneficial to have the meniscus trimmed during my younger years even with substantial arthritis. .

Yes, I'm with you on this - it really is a design flaw!

Very informative video. Currently have a torn in each knee. One is 15 years old, doesn't lock or hurt any longer fortunately. Used to lock and I would have to grab my toe and pull my leg back as if stretching my quad. The joint would open and the meniscus would get free from the joint allowing me to straighten it again. The other knee is new, doesn't lock but is much more painful than when I tore the first one. Really painful. Only thing about this video was when he mentioned prescribing pain med. Everyone's pain tolerance is different but pain meds are scary. That part of the video didn't age too well. Live with the pain and you won't have to worry about becoming an addict and ruining your life over a meniscus tear. I may be speaking from experience.

Great videos! I was diagnosed with a tear with an in office fiber optic scope. Do you feel that is better than MRI or is it better to get MRI if considering surgery? So far treating with injections to hold off surgery (sometimes works, sometimes not). Any other non surgical options?

So glad I watched this. 2nd time tearing the same knee :( I'm Canadian but now living in the UK and my health care experience here thus far has made me a bit frustrated. Just had my mri and waiting on results and really hoping no need for surgery as being in a new country I have no doubt the doctors are good but still makes me nervous. So hope I don't need to go that route. But it's been 2 months now and still can not fully straighten my knee. But after seeing this video I feel more confident about what to expect. Thank you!

I turn 59 this February and simply stepped downward about 6 inches and felt incredible pain! I did my best to ignore for two days at work. On Monday, the VA Hospital tried an xray then an MRI; a torn medial miniscus. A very degenerative/ arthritic knee.

Thank you for explaining things so that I can understand. I am struggling with this issue. Initially it was whether or not I should get an MRI to see if I had a Meniscus tear. There was a discussion with me, my ortho and my rheumatologist. The ortho said that what he would be doing wouldn't make any sense in the big picture since I have moderate to severe arthritis anyway. He said that it would be a waste of money since I have arthritis and it is likely that I also have a torn Meniscus. Your talk helped me to understand.

great video

Thankyou so much for clarity on this subject! Meniscus tear I assume would increase over time? Also, how can one minimize chances of arthritis in the knee after surgery?

What are your thoughts regarding Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT). Any downside? Still have continued osteoarthritis/meniscus pain after Arthroscopy.

Thank you--I've torn mine four times in the past four months. I start feeling better and increase activity and POP, back to square one. I know now what's happening to me.

Hi Docs, thanks so much for your helpful information. I had arthroscopic surgery to debride a meniscus tear. I've been doing my PT exercises but still having sharp, stabbing pains when going up or down stairs or trying to slowly run a couple of steps. I also still have swelling in the knee, I have been diagnosed with arthritis although I don't feel any pain from this. My surgery was 4 months ago, do I have another tear possibly? I was told I have only 50% left of the meniscus. Thank you !

Excellent. Thanks doctors, you have answered all my questions in a concise and informative fashion. "First you do well than you do good."

Thank you both for taking the time to post this very informative video. I felt like you were talking directly to me- have a medial meniscus tear and onset of Arthritis (runs in the family). I'm 37 and really want to get back to being normal again in all activities (even walking is painful and I can't bend knee fully without pain). Have the sharp stabbing pain when knee is moved a certain way and have been suffering for 4 months now. Thank you for making me feel more educated on what I am dealing with.

Great vid Docs. If pain only occurs from load bearing exercise and doesn’t occur with non weight bearing exercise is surgery needed?

My surgery #1 at the age of 19 was the removal of the meniscus. Sitting here now with a polar ice cube on my knee as I recover from surgery #7 total knee replacement at age 56. The meniscus is very important!

I'm 55 and in good health, not fat, and was just walking when I screwed up my Miniscus. I was just walking slightly faster than normal and pushing off from my right foot BANG electricity, pain, and knee locked up. Man it sucks to get old.

Hi Doctors I went upstairs and then something pop a second time in the last few years and it hurt pretty bad. It is my left knee on the outside side. What is it ?

Loved the video was wondering on more details on tears on the lateral meniscus anterior horn at both superior and anterior surfaces followed with parameniscal cysts and also modern edema at the superolateral aspect of the Hoffas fat pad. I know it’s a lot of information to ask but just a young kid that’s overly worried

Thank you for this video. It was very easy to understand and the lighthearted tone helps keep the anxiety at bay =) I wanted to ask what you think of supplements like Glucosamine and Undenatured Collagen. How do they work (if at all) and if they are helpful in the recovery of a torn meniscus. Thank you!