The location of the tear is one of the most important factors in deciding whether surgery is indicated. See diagram below. You can click to get a larger view of the zones.


If you have a minor tear at the outer edge of the meniscus (red zone), treatment is usually non surgical since the tear will heal with rest.

If you have a moderate to large tear at the outer edge of the meniscus (red zone), the doc may consider repair since this area has a good enough blood supply to heal the surgical scar.


If you have a tear within the inner two-thirds (white zone) of the meniscus, surgical repair is usually not done because there is insufficient blood supply for healing. When these tears cause symptoms, the torn pieces are usually removed (partial meniscectomy).

By the way ,no long-term studies have proven that you can prevent osteoarthritis by surgical repair of the meniscus tear.

Also, horizontal, flap, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—generally cannot be repaired.