Why PRP for Meniscus Tears?
A meniscus tear is mostly a mechanical problem, a piece of cartilage that's physically torn, rather than primarily an inflammatory one. Because of that, PRP's role here is different than it is for arthritis or a tendon injury. PRP can help calm inflammation and swelling around a tear, and when used alongside other treatments, may support the tissue's healing response during recovery.
What to Expect
PRP is most useful for small, stable, degenerative meniscus tears, where inflammation is contributing meaningfully to your symptoms, or as a supportive addition alongside a meniscus repair procedure. It's not a substitute for surgery when a tear is causing mechanical symptoms like locking, catching, or a knee that won't fully straighten, those symptoms typically require an arthroscopic procedure to resolve. Dr. Thon will be honest with you about which category your tear falls into.
Am I a Candidate?
This may be a good option if:
- You have a small, stable, degenerative meniscus tear
- Your symptoms are primarily pain and swelling, not locking or catching
- You're having a meniscus repair and want to support your recovery
- You want to try a non-surgical option before considering surgery
This is likely not the right fit if:
- Your knee is locking, catching, or won't fully straighten
- You have a complex tear that's a better fit for meniscectomy or repair
Dr. Thon will evaluate your specific tear and tell you honestly whether PRP is a reasonable option, or whether surgery is the better path.
PRP Alongside Meniscus Repair Surgery
PRP does not have to be an alternative to meniscus repair. In selected cases, it may be used alongside surgery as part of a broader treatment plan. Because PRP contains concentrated platelets and healing factors from your own blood, the goal is to support the body's healing response around the repaired meniscus.
Whether PRP has a role in your surgery depends on the type and location of the tear, the repair being performed, and your overall treatment goals. Dr. Thon will consider these factors and explain whether adding PRP to your meniscus repair makes sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding PRP
Yes. PRP is sometimes used alongside a meniscus repair to support the tissue's healing response during recovery. Dr. Thon can tell you whether that's a reasonable addition to your specific procedure.
Cortisone reduces inflammation but doesn't support tissue health the way PRP is intended to. Some evidence also suggests that repeated cortisone injections too close together can be harmful to joint tissue over time.
It depends on your specific tear. If your symptoms are inflammation-driven rather than mechanical, PRP may help. Dr. Thon will give you an honest read on which is more likely true for your knee.
Not necessarily. The size of the tear is only one factor in determining whether PRP may help. The location, type, and stability of the tear, along with your symptoms and activity level, also matter. PRP may be considered for select meniscus tears, but larger or unstable tears may be better treated with surgery. Dr. Thon will evaluate your tear and let you know honestly whether PRP is a reasonable option or if another treatment would be more appropriate.
Get an honest answer about whether PRP is right for your meniscus tear.
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