Meniscus Tear Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD evaluates and treats meniscus tears with and without surgery. Same-day or next-day appointments at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is a meniscus tear, and how is it treated?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A meniscus tear can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. Many people feel a pop at the moment of injury, and the knee may later give way or be hard to straighten fully. A sudden twist or pivot with the foot planted, deep squatting, or a hit in contact sports can tear the meniscus. In older knees, a tear can happen during everyday movements. Tears can result from a single injury or develop gradually with age.
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each meniscus tear and recommends the appropriate treatment. Many tears can be managed without surgery through physical therapy and injections. When surgery is needed, arthroscopic repair or removal is available.
Call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day evaluation at any of our four offices.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Condition Meniscus tears, knee cartilage injuries
- Non-surgical Physical therapy, cortisone and PRP injections
- Surgical Arthroscopic repair or removal available
- Surgery location Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Meniscus tear treatment options
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates the size, location, and type of each meniscus tear to recommend the most effective treatment.
Physical therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee can reduce symptoms and restore function in many meniscus tear cases. Dr. McLaughlin provides expedited PT referrals when needed.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections reduce pain and swelling in the knee and can allow for better participation in physical therapy and daily activities.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may support tissue healing in the knee. PRP injections are $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera and small incisions. When surgery is needed, Dr. McLaughlin performs surgical treatment at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly.
How a meniscus tear is diagnosed
Dr. McLaughlin examines the knee himself, checking for tenderness along the joint line, swelling, and pain or catching with certain movements. X-rays do not show the meniscus but can rule out problems in the bone. An MRI shows the tear itself, and expedited MRI options are available. Treatment can often begin at the first visit.
Repair or removal: how meniscus surgery is chosen
When surgery is needed, there are two main approaches. A meniscus repair stitches the torn edges so the cartilage can heal and keep cushioning the knee. A partial removal trims away only the torn piece that is causing catching or locking. Which one fits depends on the size, type, and location of the tear and on the health of the surrounding tissue. Tears in the outer edge of the meniscus, which has a better blood supply, are more likely to heal after repair. Tears in the inner part are more often trimmed. Your age and activity level also matter. Dr. McLaughlin performs both and explains which approach suits your knee before any decision is made. Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly.
Meniscus tear questions
What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A meniscus tear can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. Tears can result from a single injury or develop gradually with age.
Can a meniscus tear be treated without surgery?
Many meniscus tears can be treated without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each tear and discusses treatment options, including physical therapy, cortisone injections, and PRP injections. Surgical repair or removal is available when needed.
Does Dr. McLaughlin treat meniscus tears in Boston?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates and treats meniscus tears at Boston Concierge Orthopedics. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation.
What should I do right after I hurt my knee?
Rest the knee, use ice to control swelling, and avoid twisting or deep bending until it has been examined. If the knee locks, gives way, or swells quickly, call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day appointment.
Will I need physical therapy after meniscus treatment?
Physical therapy is a common part of meniscus care, with or without surgery, to rebuild strength and motion. Dr. McLaughlin provides expedited physical therapy referrals when needed.
Meniscus tear care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions