A meniscus tear is a tear in one of the two C-shaped cartilage cushions between the thigh bone and shin bone. In younger people it usually comes from a twisting injury; after 40 it often comes from wear. It causes pain on one side of the knee, swelling, and sometimes catching or locking.
What does the meniscus do?
The menisci spread your body weight across the knee and absorb shock. Losing part of a meniscus raises the load on the cartilage, which is why surgeons try to repair it rather than remove it when they can.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?
- Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, worse when twisting or squatting
- Swelling that comes on over a day or two
- Catching, clicking or a feeling that something is caught in the knee
- Locking: the knee gets stuck and will not fully straighten
- The knee feeling unreliable
What types of meniscus tear are there?
| Tear | What it looks like | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Radial | Runs from the inner edge towards the outer rim | Repair if it reaches the rim; otherwise trimming or rehabilitation |
| Horizontal | Splits the meniscus into upper and lower layers; often from wear | Usually rehabilitation first |
| Bucket handle | A large flap flips into the middle of the joint and can lock the knee | Early keyhole surgery, ideally repair |
| Root tear | The meniscus comes away from its attachment to the bone | Repair, as the meniscus stops working |
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
Your knee specialist examines the knee for tenderness along the joint line and pain on twisting, then arranges an MRI scan, which shows the type and size of the tear and any other damage.
What is the treatment for a torn meniscus in Singapore?
Many tears, especially wear-related ones, settle with rest, medication and a strengthening programme over 6 to 12 weeks. Keyhole surgery is advised when the knee locks, when a tear is repairable in a younger person, or when symptoms do not settle.
Meniscus repair or trimming?
In meniscus repair, the torn edges are stitched together so the meniscus keeps working. It suits tears near the outer rim, where the blood supply is better, and is preferred in younger patients. In a partial meniscectomy, only the torn, unstable part is trimmed away. Recovery is faster, but less meniscus is left to protect the knee. Both are done by keyhole surgery, usually as day surgery.
How long is recovery after meniscus surgery?
| Operation | Walking | Return to sport |
|---|---|---|
| Partial meniscectomy (trimming) | Within days | Usually 4 to 8 weeks |
| Meniscus repair | Crutches and a brace for about 4 to 6 weeks | Usually 4 to 6 months |
Total Orthopaedic will refer you to a physiotherapist for your rehabilitation.
How much does meniscus surgery cost in Singapore?
The Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmark for the surgeon is S$7,848 to S$11,445 including GST for a keyhole meniscus repair, and S$5,886 to S$8,502 for a meniscectomy. In a private hospital, the typical total bill in 2023 was about S$21,900 for a repair as day surgery and about S$18,900 for a meniscectomy as an inpatient, before insurance.
Total Orthopaedic follows the MOH fee benchmarks closely. These figures are MOH benchmarks and typical bills for a routine case, not a quote: your bill depends on the hospital, ward and complexity of your surgery. Ask the clinic for a written estimate before surgery.
MediSave and MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan can be used.
Can an untreated meniscus tear cause arthritis?
Yes, over time. A large tear or a lost meniscus leaves the cartilage carrying more load, which raises the risk of knee osteoarthritis later. This is one reason repair is preferred when the tear allows it.
Your knee surgeon: Dr Hamid Razak
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 17 years of experience. MBBS (NUS), MMed (Ortho Surg), FRCSEd (Orth), FRCSGlasg (Tr & Orth), FAMS (Orth Surg). Dr Hamid led the Sports & Joint Preserving Osteotomy Service at Sengkang General Hospital and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School. He is a founding member and vice-president of the Singapore Knee Preservation Society, and operates at Mount Elizabeth Novena and Gleneagles Hospitals. Read Dr Hamid’s profile
To book a knee consultation, contact Total Orthopaedic. No referral is needed. The clinic sees patients in Novena, Orchard, Gleneagles and Tampines.
Medically reviewed by Dr Hamid Razak. Last updated October 2026. Sources: Ministry of Health fee benchmarks and 2023 bill information for meniscal repair (SB715K) and meniscectomy (SB808K). This page is general information and does not replace a consultation.
