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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • March 31, 2022
Torn Meniscus: Do I Need Surgery?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that can be quite painful and prevent you from going about your daily routine and activities.

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that protects your bones. When the meniscus is twisted – usually through contact sports like football or sometimes simply from changing direction suddenly while running – the meniscus can tear and cause the knee joint to lock up. A tear can also occur gradually over time (this type of tear is usually seen in those over the age of 40).


Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

  • Swelling or stiffness of the knee
  • Popping sensation
  • Pain (especially with movement of the knee)
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • A feeling of instability in the knee


Treatment of Meniscus Tears

The type of treatment needed for a meniscus tear will depend on its location, complexity and nature.

Many degenerative meniscus tears (those that happen gradually over time) are manageable using more conservative methods like R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation), anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. However, an acute tear (occurring from a sudden twisting of the meniscus) is more likely to require surgery.



Surgical methods include:

  • Meniscus Repair- Arthroscopic repair of a meniscus tear is possible in select cases typically where the tear occurs in the outer portion of the meniscus where there is adequate blood supply. When performed on the correct type of tear and patient by a highly-trained orthopedic surgeon, results from meniscus repair are largely favorable, with positive results in the majority of cases.
  • Meniscus Removal - If the tear is located in the inner section of the meniscus where inadequate blood flow inhibits healing and the condition is causing pain and inflammation that does not respond to other treatment options, a meniscus removal, or partial meniscectomy, may be considered. While this procedure does tend to deliver favorable results, it can also increase a patient's likelihood of developing arthritis later in life and should be considered carefully.


Meniscus Surgery in Baton Rouge

When it comes to a torn meniscus, there are several potential treatment options. Factors such as the location, tear pattern, and severity of the tear will all need to be considered. As a patient, the best decision you can make is to select an orthopedic physician who is experienced and highly-skilled in the treatment of these types of injuries. The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is home to many such physicians. To learn more about our doctors or to request an appointment, please click below.


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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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