Question

I have been told I have torn cartilage in my knee and need surgery. Is that necessary?

Answer

Not always. There are two types of cartilage in the knee — hyaline cartilage and meniscal cartilage. Damage to hyaline cartilage is associated with arthritis and typically does not necessitate surgery. On the other hand a tear in the meniscus is often treated with surgery called arthroscopy. Arthroscopic surgery allows the treatment to be performed on an outpatient basis. Using a small video camera called an arthroscope for visualization, the torn cartilage can be repaired or “cleaned-up.”  This helps to relieve the pain associated with these tears and often hastens recovery and function.

Andrew Rocca, M.D.
Board Certified - Orthopaedic Surgery