- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
The meniscus is a C-shaped pad of cartilage in the knee that works like a shock absorber. Each knee has two. A meniscus tear can cause knee pain, swelling, and a knee that catches or feels stiff.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale checks your knee with an exam and an ultrasound scan in the office. He offers exercise therapy, guided injections and, for some patients, PRP or a treatment made from your own cells.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
There are two types of meniscus tears. A sudden tear happens with a twist or pivot, often in sports. A wear-and-tear (degenerative) tear happens slowly with age, often in people over 40, and can appear after something as simple as squatting or getting up from a crouch.
The outer edge of the meniscus has a good blood supply and can heal. The inner part has little blood supply, so tears there heal poorly on their own. Wear-and-tear tears are very common and often show up on MRI in people with no knee pain at all.
Some meniscus tears lead to a fluid-filled lump next to the knee joint. See knee ganglion and meniscal cysts. If your knee often swells, see knee swelling and fluid drainage.
Many meniscus tears, especially wear-and-tear tears, are treated first without surgery. Options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:
A supervised program to strengthen the thigh and hip muscles and improve how the knee moves. This is the main treatment for wear-and-tear tears.
Easing off deep squats, pivoting and kneeling while the knee settles.
Injections placed while watching on ultrasound to calm pain and swelling so you can keep up with exercises.
For some patients, PRP (made from your own blood) or a treatment made from your own cells. See stem cell injections for the knee.
Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy. Not every treatment is right for everyone, and results vary. Dr. Gonzalez will tell you at your visit which options fit you.
A meniscectomy is keyhole surgery that trims away the torn part of the meniscus. For many years it was one of the most common knee operations. Studies now show that for wear-and-tear tears in middle-aged and older adults, a good exercise program often works about as well as surgery (see the research below). Removing meniscus tissue also leaves less cushioning in the knee, which can add to arthritis over time.
Surgery is still the better choice in some cases, such as a knee that keeps locking, a large tear from a sudden injury in a younger person, or a tear that can be stitched (repaired) rather than trimmed. If surgery is the better fit for you, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
Wear-and-tear meniscus tears often come along with early knee arthritis. In that case, the plan usually treats the whole knee, not just the tear. Learn more about non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement. IROSM also treats knee ligament tears and kneecap pain.
Providing meniscus tear evaluation and treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to review your MRI and find the right treatment for your meniscus tear.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Meniscus tear treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
