Care for Meniscus Tears at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Meniscus Tears at University of Colorado Hospital?

Contact us

Call (720) 848-1900 to request an appointment

Our doctors are specially trained in sports medicine and participate in teaching and education. UCH also offers sports medicine services specifically for active women; it is one of the few hospitals in the country to do so.

What is a Meniscus Tear?

The menisci are wedges of firm, rubbery cartilage between the three bones in the knee joint: the kneecap (patella), the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). The job of the menisci is to provide a cushion that helps to distribute body weight across these bones. Meniscus tears create stress on the bones and cause:

Pain
Swelling
Locking of the knee

Meniscus tears can occur from injury, such as a severely twisted knee, or from wear and tear.

Treatments for Meniscus Tears

Meniscus Tear Tests

X-ray

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test shows three-dimensional pictures of the ligaments and other tissues in the knee. The MRI confirms an ACL injury.

Meniscus Tear Treatment

Your doctor may treat a minor tear with physical therapy and medication. If the tear is severe, you will need surgery, either to repair the meniscus or remove it.