Your doctor can diagnose a torn meniscus by using any of the following techniques.

Imaging tests

• X-ray: A torn meniscus is not visible in the X-ray, but the X-ray helps rule out other problems with the knees.
• MRI: MRI produces images of the knees' hard and soft tissues and provides a detailed imaging study of the torn meniscus.

Arthroscopy
An arthroscope is a small device inserted inside the knees using small incisions to study and examine the insides of the knees. The device consisting of a small camera and light helps transmit enlarged images of the knees on a monitor. These images are used to diagnose the knee's condition and detect the need for surgical treatment.

These two techniques help a doctor know the extent of the damage and your knee's cartilage condition. Proper examination and timely treatment of your situation can help in getting a quick and speedy recovery.

Your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery to address your injury. If the surgery is needed, the doctor instructs the patient about the surgery procedure and how patients can prepare themselves for the treatment procedure. Some instructions may include:

• Advice on when to eat; do not eat and drinking anything the night before the surgery.
• Conducting tests such as blood tests, X-ray, MRI and other medical and anaesthesia clearance.
• Prescribing pain medication before the surgery.
• Advice on the use of crutches

A patient cannot undergo surgery if they experience fever, an infection, cold and an open wound before the procedure. The procedure starts by making a small incision on the knee, followed by the insertion of the camera and tools to repair the damaged meniscus. The whole process takes almost an hour to be completed.

The patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day; however, full recovery takes time. To help in the quick recovery of the scar and wound after the surgery, one can start practising physical therapy. The therapy can be followed after a few days of the surgery.

It takes about six weeks to fully recover from meniscus repair surgery. Wearing a knee brace or crutches helps in quick recovery and rehabilitation after the surgery. Your suitability for the surgery is the first step towards getting pain and a damage-free knee. Surgery involves risk, and you should talk to your doctors about the associated risk and the prevention to be taken from your side.

Regular visits to doctors and physical therapy in your daily routine can help you decrease the recovery period. Standard physical therapy and light exercises help in strengthening the muscle around the knees. If you must undergo meniscus tear surgery in Mumbai, you may consider consulting with Dr Adita Sai. He is not only recognised to be one of the best surgeons to treat meniscus tear, but he is also a renowned surgeon who is highly regarded for his post-surgical care.