Your knees do a lot of heavy lifting—whether you're walking, climbing stairs, playing sports, or simply going about your daily routine. So when knee pain strikes, especially following a twist or injury, it can feel worrying and frustrating. One of the most common causes of knee pain is a meniscus tear, and understanding the type of tear you have is an important step toward effective treatment and healing.
At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we’re here to help you make sense of your diagnosis in a clear, reassuring way—so you can move forward with confidence.
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci—medial (inner) and lateral (outer)—which help absorb shock, stabilize the joint, and support smooth movement.
A tear in the meniscus can happen suddenly from a twist or impact—common in sports—or develop gradually due to wear and tear with age.
Not all meniscus tears are the same. The type, size, and location of the tear affect your symptoms, the treatment plan, and whether surgery may be needed. Some tears can heal on their own with rest and therapy, while others may require arthroscopic repair.
Here’s a closer look at the most common types of meniscus tears, and what they mean for your recovery.
This is one of the most common types, especially in younger or athletic individuals. It appears as a vertical slit along the length of the meniscus.
Good to know: This type often responds well to surgical repair because the outer portion of the meniscus has a good blood supply, which aids healing.
This type starts at the inner edge of the meniscus and extends outward like the spoke of a wheel.
Treatment tip: Radial tears may require a partial meniscectomy (removal of the torn part) or repair depending on the extent.
This tear runs parallel to the tibial plateau, dividing the meniscus into top and bottom portions.
Depending on the tear’s location, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend repair or trimming of the damaged tissue.
This involves a combination of tear patterns (e.g., radial and horizontal) and is often the result of degenerative changes.
These tears often come with a history of knee stiffness and recurring pain rather than a single injury event.
A severe type of longitudinal tear where a portion of the meniscus displaces into the joint, resembling a handle.
This type of tear can significantly limit movement and should be addressed promptly to avoid long-term knee damage.
This is a small, loose piece of cartilage that flips up and causes discomfort.
Although smaller, flap tears can still affect comfort and mobility if not addressed.
A combination of physical examination and MRI imaging helps determine the tear’s type and severity. Our orthopedic specialists at DRHC Dubai use advanced diagnostics to tailor your treatment plan.
Not always. Many small or stable tears can heal with rest, physiotherapy, and activity modification. Surgery is usually considered when:
Recovery varies based on the tear and treatment:
A rehabilitation program guided by your doctor or physiotherapist is key to regaining strength and mobility.
At DRHC Dubai, our orthopedic team offers comprehensive care for meniscus injuries—from precise diagnosis to conservative management and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, if needed. We work closely with each patient to explain options clearly and support a full recovery.
Our focus is not only on healing the knee but also on helping you return to your everyday activities safely and confidently.
Knee injuries can feel limiting, especially if you're unsure what comes next. But understanding the type of meniscus tear you have puts you one step closer to healing. Whether your treatment involves rest, rehabilitation, or surgery, you're not alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you're experiencing knee pain or have been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Dr. Rami Hamed Center in Dubai. Let’s find the right treatment together, and get you back on your feet—stronger than before.
Call +97142798200 us now to schedule your consultation today!
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