Etiology — what causes it
Surgical removal of unstable meniscal tissue, most commonly for traumatic tears with mechanical symptoms or refractory pain. For degenerative tears, exercise alone is non-inferior — surgery is reserved for selected cases.
Epidemiology — who gets it
One of the most common orthopedic procedures, though declining as evidence shifts toward exercise-first for degenerative tears.
Clinical signs
Tracked progress includes effusion resolution, range, quad activation and strength, gait normalization, and progressive functional loading.
Symptoms
Early post-op pain and effusion; progressive return of function over 6–12 weeks.
Best evidence for chiropractic treatment
Cochrane meta-analyses (Khan et al., CMAJ) support exercise as non-inferior to surgery for degenerative tears. Post-meniscectomy rehab focuses on early swelling management, quad activation, gait normalization, progressive strength, and graded return to activity. RTS based on strength symmetry and sport-specific testing.
When to seek emergency care
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention — not a chiropractic visit. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for: progressive limb weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle anesthesia (numbness in the groin/inner thighs), severe unrelenting pain unrelieved by position, signs of fracture after significant trauma, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech changes), or any rapidly worsening or unusual symptom.
Bottom line
Post-meniscectomy rehab is straightforward — effusion control, quad strength, progressive loading, and criteria-based RTS.