First-aid for a meniscus injury consists of cold packs and elastic bandages around the knee if necessary.
If the meniscus is torn, rapid surgery gives the best result. Today, arthroscopy is considered the method of choice for knee surgery. A "keyhole" is made in the knee which enables the joint to be examined and operated on straight away. If necessary, those parts of the meniscus that have become separated are removed; in the case of longitudinal tears, re-fixation is often successful. After the operation, the patient should not do any sport for at least a week. Thereafter it is possible to gradually increase weight-bearing. The patient is completely fit to play sports again once the joint is pain-free, the thigh muscles function perfectly and the joint is fully mobile. This should be possible after six to eight weeks. Although special rehabilitation measures are not strictly necessary, it is essential that the muscles are strengthened and mobilised (especially the thigh muscles in this case). A brace provides helpful support in this treatment.