Can small lateral meniscus tears heal without surgery?

Small tears of the meniscus usually heal by themselves in about six weeks, according to Patient.co.uk. Some tears do not heal, but these do not necessarily cause long-term problems after the initial pain has subsided.

After the injury is sustained, the patient needs to follow the PRICE method, according to Patient.co.uk. This consists of protecting the knee from further injury, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Surgery is seen as the final resort for tears that do not heal and are still causing pain or other problems. Surgery aims to repair the meniscus with stitches, removal of a section to even the surface, removal of the meniscus or transplant of the meniscus.