Dr Julian Yu is a specialist orthoapedic surgeon offfering both knee arthroscopic surgery and meniscal transplantation for meniscal tears.

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint. Each knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus, located on the inner side, and the lateral meniscus, found on the outer side. These structures serve as cushions between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), helping to absorb shock and distribute weight evenly. Due to the lack of a direct blood supply, the meniscus has a limited ability to heal when injured. Its primary function is to act as a "shock absorber" within the knee joint, providing stability and reducing impact during movement.

How can the meniscus tear?

Meniscal tears usually occur during athletic activities, often resulting from a twisting motion or excessive flexion of the knee joint. Sports such as football, tennis, and basketball pose a higher risk for these injuries.

Meniscal tears frequently accompany damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a key ligament that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone).

Click here for more information on ACL tears  

What are the symptoms of a meniscal tear?

  • Pain in the knee while walking
  • A sensation of "popping" or "clicking" at the time of injury
  • Sensitivity when applying pressure to the meniscus
  • Swelling around the knee
  • Restricted movement of the knee joint
  • Joint locking

Treatment of meniscal tears

In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the damage to the meniscus. Keyhole surgery with a knee arthroscopy can be used for:

  • meniscus removal (meniscectomy)
  • meniscus repair

If patients have already had a meniscectomy in the past, a meniscus replacement can be performed instead.

For all appointments and enquiries, please phone (02) 8045 5688

Monday to Friday   9am–5pm

  Frenchs Forest

Peninsula Orthopaedics
Suite 20, Level 7
Northern Beaches Hospital
105 Frenchs Forest Rd
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086

  Chatswood

Orthopaedic & Arthritis Specialist Centre
Level 2, Gallery Arcade
445 Victoria Avenue
Chatswood NSW 2067

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