Lateral meniscal injury

A lateral meniscal injury affects the shock-absorbing cartilage on the outside of the knee. Treatment aims to ease pain, restore movement and protect as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible.

What causes a lateral meniscal injury?

The meniscus can tear when a bent knee twists while the foot remains planted, often during football, rugby or another turning sport. With age, the tissue can become less flexible and may tear after a much smaller movement.

What are the symptoms?

  • pain on the outside of the knee
  • swelling and reduced movement
  • pain during twisting, kneeling or deep bending
  • clicking, catching or locking if torn tissue becomes trapped in the joint

 

How is it diagnosed?

Your specialist will examine your knee and ask how the symptoms began. An MRI scan is usually used to confirm the location and pattern of the tear.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the type of tear, your symptoms, the condition of the joint and the activities you want to return to.

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What causes a lateral meniscal injury?

Treatment routes for Lateral meniscal injury

This may include activity changes, support to manage pain and swelling, and physiotherapy to restore movement and strength. An ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection may sometimes be considered when pain is linked to degenerative change or osteoarthritis; it may ease symptoms but does not repair the tear.

Working with professionals and teams

Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places repeated demands on their knees. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport, work and everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.

 

Working with professionals and teams

Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments

Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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