Meniscal Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped fibrous cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee. Tears often occur from twisting injuries or degeneration, causing pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms like locking or catching. While surgical meniscectomy was once standard, research now shows it increases osteoarthritis risk. PRP therapy offers a non-surgical alternative by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The concentrated platelets in PRP release growth factors that promote meniscal repair and reduce inflammation.
For degenerative tears (common in patients over 40), PRP can improve pain and function while potentially slowing further degeneration. The treatment is particularly effective for partial-thickness tears in the vascular “red zone” of the meniscus where some healing potential exists. When combined with proper rehabilitation, PRP may help patients avoid or delay arthroscopic surgery and its associated risks.
PRP Treatment Process
Imaging
MRI or diagnostic ultrasound locates tear
Blood Processing
PRP prepared from patient’s blood
Precision Injection
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Healing and Pain Relief
Symptoms will gradually improve over the span of a few weeks
Treatment Eligibility
Ideal Candidates:
✔ Partial-thickness meniscal tears
✔ Patients with degenerative tears wanting to avoid surgery
✔ Those with persistent post-meniscectomy pain
Exclusions:
✘ Complete, displaced tears requiring surgical repair
✘ Bucket-handle tears causing mechanical locking
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a meniscal tear, and how does PRP treatment help?
A meniscal tear refers to a tear in the meniscus, which is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and stabiliser in the knee joint. These tears can cause pain, swelling, locking, or clicking sensations. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) involves injecting a concentrated solution of your own platelets, rich in growth factors, directly into the area of the meniscal tear. The healing power behind PRP for meniscal tears is that these growth factors can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, potentially aiding in the repair or regeneration of the torn meniscal tissue, reducing inflammation, and alleviating associated pain. It’s often considered for certain types of meniscal tears, particularly those with a better blood supply that have a higher potential for healing.
Am I a suitable candidate for PRP treatment for my meniscal tear in Australia?
Suitability for PRP treatment for a meniscal tear depends on several factors, including the type, location, and size of the tear, as well as your overall health and activity level. Tears in the outer, well-vascularised (red zone) part of the meniscus generally have a better chance of healing with conservative treatment, including PRP, compared to tears in the inner, avascular (white zone) part. Your orthopaedic specialist will typically assess your tear using an MRI scan and discuss your symptoms. PRP is usually considered for smaller, stable tears or as an adjunct to surgical repair in some cases, rather than for large, unstable tears that may require surgical intervention. It’s often explored after conservative measures like rest and physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief.
What should I expect during and after a PRP injection for a meniscal tear, and what's the recovery like?
The procedure for a PRP injection for a meniscal tear is similar to other PRP treatments: blood is drawn from your arm, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then the PRP is precisely injected into the affected area of the meniscus, often guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure accuracy. You might experience some temporary discomfort during and immediately after the injection. Post-injection, it’s common to have some localised soreness, swelling, or stiffness in the knee for a few days. Your doctor will provide specific post-treatment instructions, which typically involve a period of reduced weight-bearing and activity, followed by a structured rehabilitation program, often with a physiotherapist. The recovery period varies greatly depending on the individual, the tear, and whether the PRP was used alone or in conjunction with surgery. Full recovery and noticeable improvement can take several weeks to many months, as the healing and regenerative processes are gradual.
Is PRP treatment for meniscal tears covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia, and what's the typical number of injections needed?
In Australia, PRP treatments for meniscal tears are generally not covered by Medicare. This means that the cost of the procedure is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Similarly, most private health insurance funds in Australia currently do not provide coverage for PRP therapy when used for meniscal tears, as it is still considered an emerging treatment with ongoing research regarding its long-term efficacy and standardisation. The number of PRP injections required can vary, but commonly, a single injection is performed, though some protocols might involve two or more injections spaced a few weeks apart, depending on the tear and the individual’s response. It’s always advisable to discuss the estimated costs and expected number of injections directly with your orthopaedic specialist and to confirm your coverage (or lack thereof) with your private health insurer before proceeding with treatment.
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